Henny Penny Farmette

Succulents are popular plants for growing both indoors and out because they require little attention beyond healthy soil, sunshine (light), and water.

This curly top echeveria has a spectacular red bloom

Worldwide, there are over 10,000 known succulent species.

Grown outside in pots, these succulents change color with the weather

As a houseplant, a potted succulent can provide a focal point on a windowsill, enhance the beauty of a bathroom or bedroom, or brighten almost any dark corner. They store water in their leaves and stems to release moisture into your environment. Some produce spectacular blooms in gorgeous colors.

Some succulents send up spikes of tiny flowers

Succulents remove impurities in the air also known as “volatile organic compounds” through a process known as respiration–giving off oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide.

Some succulents grow large, others stay compact and produce blooms of vibrant color

The subtle ways in which the human body benefits from contact with nature are numerous. Having succulents as houseplants provides that important link to nature for many people.

Succulents can be grown outdoors in temperate climates.

Stones suggest flowing water in this grouping of succulents around a statue

Group several varieties together to make a dramatic focal point for a courtyard or garden. With so many possibilities for using succulents in your home and garden, now is a great time to create something beautiful with easy-to-grow, easy-to-propagate simply beautiful succulents.

Find a variety of succulents at your local nursery, DIY garden center, or online.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Enjoy gardening and country living topics? Check out my Henny Penny Farmette series of cozy mysteries from Kensington Publishing, NY. Tucked inside these novels are tips for growing heirloom plants, keeping chickens and bees, caring for fruit trees, preserving organic produce, and other urban farmette topics.

Or, check out my wellness and spirituality books for living your best life now. All are available online and wherever books are sold.

This debut novel sold out its first printing.

A BEELINE TO MURDER

The second book in the Henny Penny Farmette series

THE MURDER OF A QUEEN BEE

Murders at a Napa winery is a catalyst for ex-cop to investigate

A HIVE OF HOMICIDES

Packed full of ideas for creating the life you want

More than 150 rituals for sound mind, strong body, and meaningful connections to the people around you

A special book that will be treasured for a lifetime of spiritual pursuits and practices

It’s winter, the time when many plants (including succulents) go dormant. But that doesn’t mean you cannot propagate new plants from your existing succulents. You don’t need any special tricks to get a cutting to root (you can often just pluck a fleshy leaf or stem and ease it into soil or suspend in water and it will root). However, root hormone powder is a great way to get roots started on just about everything, including succulents.

Lovely lavender rose-shaped succulents add interest in garden or pot when grouped together

Root hormone powder makes short work of getting new roots on your succulent cutting. You just dip the cleanly cut edge of a fleshy leaf into the powder and shallowly plant in a succulent planting mix or potting soil (a half leaf or one not cleanly detached should not be used). Gently water directly, give lots of light exposure, rotate often, and mist regularly to keep the soil moist and the plant happy.

Outside, succulents in a pretty pot sits on a porch

Succulents planted in attractive pots make lovely living gifts for the holidays. For friends with garden windows that offer lots of light, why not group three pots of succulents on a tray? Find a variety of pots and succulents in a diy center or local nursery.

In the garden, succulents lend interest when paired with other potted plants and garden statuary

Diverse succulents in a range of sizes (tall, medium, and short heights) are particularly striking when grouped together a a round shallow pot or long rectangular container.

Combine different types of succulents in a single pot

They’re not just for winter holiday gift-giving, succulents are appreciated all year long. They love light, but not a blazing hot sun. They appreciate a soak and dry method of watering. And some prefer the outdoors. Some even reward your efforts with a bloom.  To give a succulent as a holiday gift, all you need is a healthy plant in a pretty pot. Just add a ribbon and a gift card. The plants are so easy to grow, propagate, and care for, that everyone loves them.

_____________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoy reading about gardening, country living, and health and wellness, check out my various books on these topics. They include THE SELF-CARE PLANNER, HOW TO LIVE WITH INTENTION, MY POCKET MEDITATIONS, and many more. All are available online and in traditional bookstores everywhere.

Also check out my series of cozy mysteries. These are also available in many formats online and in bookstores.

Get the three-book series of cozy mysteries with elements based on the real Henny Penny Farmette

Start at any point in your year or life with this self-guided planner packed with inspiring quotes, self-directed activities, and motivational tips

Packed full of ideas for creating the life you want

Anyone can find peace, clarity, and focus…all it takes is a moment