Plantshed Blog

Say Thank You With Succulents

Say Thank You With Succulents

Author: J.R.

Every April since 1955, we have celebrated the women and men who keep our businesses and organizations running smoothly and professionally. Administrative Professional’s Week is observed to recognize the hard work of our colleagues and to make sure they feel appreciated for all that they do.

Finding the right gift for a colleague doesn’t have to be hard. Sure, fresh-cut flowers are always nice and will liven up any desk or workspace. But what about something that lasts longer than a couple weeks? What’s something they could have at the office year after year?



A plant comes to mind—but not just any plant. Scientific studies have shown that working in an office with plants reduces stress and improves performance, not to mention plants filter the air of harmful toxins. However, giving a plant to a colleague can be like giving them more work to do that they don’t have time for. That’s why it’s essential for plants given as Admin’s Day gifts to be as low-maintenance as possible.

Enter succulents!

Echeveria



Look at them! Not only are they unique and adorable, they are also incredibly easy to care for!

Succulents have evolved to store water for long periods of time in their fleshy leaves. That’s because they are native to arid or semi-arid regions of the world where rainfall is not always reliable. As houseplants, this means they would rather have us forget about them (temporarily) than have us hover over them, misting, pruning, and watering them every day. Succulents prefer a quick check-in once a week, and then have everybody get back to what they were doing.

Succulents also have another feature that makes them remarkably low-maintenance. Some varieties have a powdery film all over their leaves. This is called epicuticular wax, and it has some amazing properties. The wax helps the plant from losing moisture to the air, in addition to protecting the leaves from sunburn. If bugs are a concern about giving succulents as an Admin’s Day gift, then you’ll be pleased to know that this wax also helps prevent insects from walking on the plant and laying their eggs. Echeveria succulents usually have this marvelous wax!

Here are three types of succulents we think are especially great for Admin’s Day gifts:


JADE PLANT

Jade Plant

Jade Plants are in the Crassula genus, a group of succulent plants with many species that range in shape and size. Mature Jade Plants are often characterized by thick woody stems and fleshy leaves, while young specimens can have less structure to their appearance. Symbolically, the Jade Plant is given as a token of good luck in some cultures.


HAWORTHIA


Plants in the Haworthia genus are mostly small, low-growing succulents with a distinctive look. Many varieties are covered in white bands or warts, giving them the appearance of animal hide. Some varieties have fat, juicy leaves very similar to aloe plants.


ECHEVERIA

Echeveria


Plants in the Echeveria genus are widely used in rock gardens and potted arrangements due to their attractive rosette shape. Echeverias come in mostly pastel colors with a pearlescent sheen and can have textured or smooth foliage. Each summer, Echeveria succulents will send up a tall flower stalk if given ample lighting conditions.


When giving succulents as gifts to coworkers, there are really only two considerations you have to keep in mind:

SUNLIGHT: Does the recipient have bright light? A few hours of morning sun or bright indirect light will keep these succulent beauties living for a long, long time. If your colleague doesn’t have bright light at their workspace, they can always take their succulents home to enjoy them.

WATER: Does the recipient travel much? The good thing about succulents is that they store water for a long while. However, succulents in potted arrangements are quite small and will dry out if not watered about once every week or so.

This week, we’re oohing and ahhing over these five:

ECHEVERIA IN MINI MATEO POT

 

ECHEVERIA IN MINI MATEO POT


One of the more popular succulents, Echeverias are from Mexico and Central America. We just love their pretty rosette shape. Pick it up here.



 

SUCCULENT GARDEN IN PALERMO POT

 SUCCULENT GARDEN IN PALERMO POT

These succulents are chilling in a cool seafoam green pot. We just love how the pastel colors of the plants go so nicely with the container! Pick it up here.


 

SUCCULENT GARDEN TRIO IN MINT CERAMIC POT

 SUCCULENT GARDEN TRIO IN MINT CERAMIC POT

This trio looks so cute in this mint-green, handmade pot from Middle Kingdom. Each container is signed by the artisan, giving it that extra special touch. Pick it up here.


 

SUCCULENT IN MINI VERGE CUBE

SUCCULENT IN MINI VERGE CUBE

This little succulent is in a cream-glazed, modern pot along with some fresh green moss. It’s the perfect size for a desk or workspace. Pick it up here.


 

CACTI AND SUCCULENT GARDEN IN LARGE TALIAH BOWL

 CACTI AND SUCCULENT GARDEN IN LARGE TALIAH BOWL

We just had to include this one! You’ve got such a great mix of succulents and cacti in a matte-finish white ceramic bowl. This lovely garden will go with any decor. Pick it up here! 


Check out all of PlantShed’s succulents here!