Young people are pretty busy. Some of us would love to have a garden overflowing with a variety of plants, or even just a few plants around the house, but finding time to take care of those plants really is a challenge.
Even though the world at large may tag millennials as entitled, statistics prove that they are some of the hardest working, goal-driven workers. Millennials are more likely to give up unused vacation days than any other generation, with 24 percent stating they gave up vacation time even though many get less paid time off than older workers.
It isn’t surprising, then, that succulents are a popular choice for millennials. They are easy to care for and even thrive in difficult growing circumstances. Here are some of the reasons people — and especially millennials — are loving succulents!
They’re Gucci in Small Spaces
Many young people like to live in urban settings where they are at the center of the action, but these homes may not have a lot of extra room for a large garden. Millennials are usually just getting started in their careers, and if they rent, they may not have the ability to make major changes to the landscaping around their rental.
However, succulents do well in pots and can go nearly anywhere. A small collection of succulents can sit in a pot next to the front door of the apartment and add to the aesthetic quite nicely. These plants do need sunlight, so they should be placed outside in the partial sun or next to a sunny window or patio door.
Much Like the Millennial Dating Pool, They Thrive Under Neglect
Ever find that your favorite Tinder match only seems to want to talk to you when you ignore them? Succulents are much the same! Succulents actually thrive under a bit of neglect. If you water this variety of plant too much, it will not do as well. It prefers dry soil that is a bit gritty. They are similar to a cactus in this regard and stay healthy even during the hottest days of summer.
Because millennials are so busy both at work and in their personal lives, it’s easy to forget to water a plant every single day. There’s no need for daily watering with succulents. Simply sprinkle water on them occasionally and, just like your Tinder inbox, they will store the necessities for when you forget they exist.
They’re on Trend but Inexpensive
There are entire hashtags on Instagram devoted to plant photos. More millennials embrace the indoor plant trend than baby boomers. About 37 percent of millennials grow plants inside while only 28 percent of baby boomers do.
Because the plants are inexpensive to buy, and you can easily get started off a friend’s existing plant, the younger generation can afford to own a number of different succulents. These provide a way to connect with friends and strangers on social media as well as giving busy 20-somethings a living thing to care for without the financial or time commitment of a pet.
The Additional Benefits Abound
Some succulents have additional uses and benefits you can take advantage of. For example, the Aloe Vera plant! Aloe Vera’s leaves break open to reveal a gel-like sap, which can treat burns and other minor skin ailments. This plant grows well indoors in a sunny area and is hardy, only needing occasional watering.
Aloe Vera is small but produces offsets, or baby plants. You can plant these babies in a separate pot or give them to family and friends. You can also plant an Aloe Vera as the center of your potted planter and surround it with new succulents to fill in and spill over the sides of the pot.
Little Starter Gardens
Succulents are a good starter for gardening because they come in a wide variety of styles and colors. They are so easy to care for that it’s hard to kill them, and some come back year after year. There is a reason these plants keep growing in popularity — they are a fun, Insta-worthy addition to any home, inside or outside!
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