Embrace the Rainy Days with These Unique Indoor Succulents When the sky turns grey and rain lashes against the windows, it is easy to assume that succulent gardening comes to a halt. While many desert varieties crave intense sun and dry conditions, the rainy season provides the perfect opportunity to nurture, propagate, and appreciate more unique, indoor-friendly succulents. These plants, with their varied textures and forms, thrive in high humidity and often appreciate the break from blistering, direct sun. Instead of focusing on desert cacti, indoor gardeners can explore exciting, architectural varieties that transform a rainy day into a productive potting session.
The Glassy Beauty of HaworthiaOne of the most rewarding genera to try when the weather is damp is Haworthia. These South African natives are often found growing under the dappled light of shrubs, making them well-suited for indoor window sills. Haworthia pumila, also known as the Pearl Plant, is an impressive species with thick, upright leaves adorned with white, pearl-like tubercles. The structure of these plants resembles glass or delicate carvings, thriving in smaller pots where their structural beauty can be appreciated up close. During rainy weather, they require little water, making them ideal low-maintenance companions that can withstand high humidity indoors.
Textured Kalanchoe WondersIf you prefer peculiar shapes, Kalanchoe species offer unique choices that thrive when protected from harsh summer heat. Kalanchoe rhombopilosa, affectionately known as ‘Pies from Heaven,’ is a small, bushy succulent with leaves that look almost fuzzy or covered in a dusty gray-green patina, sometimes accented with purple spots. It is a slow-growing, highly textural plant perfect for a desk or indoor shelf. For a truly dramatic look, Kalanchoe beauverdii, or ‘Black Widow,’ acts as a climbing succulent that can be trained up a small trellis or allowed to drape from a hanging planter. Its dark purple-gray, thin leaves offer a striking, moody aesthetic that pairs well with the moody weather outside.
The Architectural Drama of StapeliadsThe rainy, moody weather brings a dramatic flair that matches the fascinating, star-shaped flowers of the Stapelia family. Often known for their scent, these succulents are rarely appreciated for their incredible beauty. Stapelia leendertziae, or ‘Black Bells,’ produces a deep purple, bell-shaped flower that is truly a marvel in a container garden. These plants are best kept in terracotta pots, which help prevent waterlogging in the potting mixture, allowing them to thrive even during humid conditions. Another smaller variant, Orbea dummeri (formerly Stapelia), has four-angled, soft-spined stems that form a dense, architectural mat, offering a distinct, almost alien texture to a succulent collection.
Propagating in the MoistureRainy days are ideal for propagating new succulents because the high humidity prevents cuttings from drying out too fast. When the weather is wet, it is the perfect time to try “beheading” a leggy Echeveria, or even trying leaf cuttings. Succulents such as Haworthia can be propagated by allowing an offset to dry for a few days before planting. Meanwhile, leaf cuttings of various species can be laid out to heal, forming roots in the damp air. Taking the time to focus on propagation during the rainy season ensures you have a fresh batch of plants ready for the next sunny season.
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