From the plains of the Karoo to the sunny windowsills of suburban homes, succulents have long been cherished for their hardy nature, water-wise benefits and striking appearance. 

But these plants offer far more than just decorative appeal – they’re quiet champions of health and wellbeing in our homes and offices.

Oxygen legends

Unlike many other houseplants that only release oxygen during the day, succulents are among the few plants that continue their oxygen production at night. 

This makes them brilliant bedroom companions, as they work tirelessly to improve your air quality while you catch those precious Zs. Places with plenty of plants typically have humidity levels that support better sleep, and the slight increase in oxygen can help reduce sleep apnoea symptoms.

Certain varieties, like the snake plant and Aloe vera, are particularly good at nighttime oxygen production.

Natural air purifiers

Living in our modern world means constant exposure to various indoor pollutants, like dust, pesticides and chemicals from certain cleaning products. 

Succulents act as natural air purifiers, absorbing toxins through their leaves and roots. They’re particularly good at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, including benzene and formaldehyde, which are commonly found in household products.

Your desktop mental health mate

Studies have shown that having plants in your workspace can reduce stress levels and increase productivity by up to 15%. 

Succulents, with their minimalist beauty and low-maintenance nature, are perfect for creating a calm, focused environment. Their presence can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and improve concentration – all while sitting pretty on your desk!

Moisture maestros in the making

Succulents naturally help regulate indoor humidity levels by releasing water vapour into the air. 

This can help prevent the growth of mould and mildew, while creating a more comfortable living environment.

First aid in a pot

Some succulent varieties, particularly Aloe vera, have remarkable medicinal properties. 

The gel found inside aloe leaves contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It’s nature’s own first aid kit for minor burns, cuts and skin irritations. Many South African households keep an aloe plant handy for these reasons.

Budget-friendly wellness

In times when wellness products can cost a pretty penny, succulents offer an affordable way to naturally improve your living space and health. They’re easy to propagate, meaning you can grow your collection from a single plant, sharing the health benefits (and cuttings!) with friends and family.

Care tips for maximum benefits

To get the most health benefits from your succulents:

• Place them in areas with good airflow
• Ensure they receive enough (but not excessive) sunlight
• Clean their leaves occasionally to maintain optimal air-purifying abilities
• Group different varieties together to maximise their collective benefits
• Rotate them now and then to ensure even growth and effectiveness

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your plant parent journey, succulents offer an accessible way to improve your health and wellbeing. Their resilient nature makes them perfect for a busy lifestyle, and their varied shapes and sizes ensure there’s a perfect match for every space, not to mention the chance to build a diverse collection.

Remember, while these plants are low-maintenance, they’re high impact when it comes to health benefits. So next time you visit your closest Stodels Garden Centre, or find yourself browsing online (Western Cape only) consider adding a few of these plants to your collection. 

Your body and mind will thank you for it!