The Low-Maintenance Greenery Martha Stewart Swears by for Aspiring Gardeners Without the Time

Martha's potted succulents are easy to care for and thrive with minimal attention, giving even those of us without green thumbs incentive for greenery

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Martha Stewart succulent
(Image credit: Vivien Killilea via Getty Images)

Not all of us have a natural green thumb, and that's OK. Succulents, for many of us, are the answer: low-maintenance and visually pleasing, these small houseplants provide greenery without extensive care requirements, and Martha Stewart concurs that they are winners.

'If you like growing plants, but don’t really have the time to care for them properly, I encourage you to consider growing succulents,' Martha says. Caring for succulents is easy. In fact, you could go as far as saying they thrive on neglect –making them the perfect option for those who spend long periods away from home.

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First, you need a good soil mix. 'The right soil mix will help to promote faster root growth and provide quick anchorage to young roots,' Martha explains. 'I use Miracle-Gro potting mix [available at Walmart] specifically formulated for succulents. This mix contains sand and perlite to help prevent soil compaction and improve drainage.'

She says that choosing a pot with a drainage hole (like this one from Amazon) is key to the succulent's health. 'A clay shard is placed over the hole to help with drainage,' she says. 'I also like to use clay pots because they allow proper aeration and moisture to penetrate through the sides and to the plant.'

Placement of the potted plants is also critical for their growth. 'My porch is a lovely space for displaying potted plants,' Martha states.

'The floor-to-ceiling windows allow lots of light. Most succulents need at least half a day to a full day of sunlight. They’ll do beautifully in this space and will be a joy to watch grow and thrive.'

Once you've repotted, you won't have to do it again for another two years: low maintenance, indeed.

In short, these plants are the perfect bridge between beauty and simplicity. With the right soil for succulents, a well-chosen pot, and a sunny spot, these resilient plants can thrive with minimal attention – proving that even the busiest or least green-fingered among us can enjoy the satisfaction of a thriving indoor garden.

Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, succulents offer a touch of nature and a sense of calm, all without the stress of high-maintenance care. We're not going to argue with Martha.

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Hannah Ziegler
Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.