03 Oct The Horror: Painted Succulents

Every season is spooky season when big-box nurseries are selling beautiful baby cacti and succulents smothered in neon paint. You’ve seen it and we hope you’re horrified.

What we’re witnessing is an attempt to use novelty to make these plants more commercial. Big-box nurseries know that lay-folks purchase flashy, colorful flower arrangements, so why not attempt the same concept with houseplants?

My thought is this: Cacti and succulents don’t need adornment to be appreciated for their natural beauty. They didn’t ask for it, and neither do they want it. In fact, what this does to them is it prevents their ability to fully photosynthesize, meaning they’re more likely to die prematurely from lack of sunlight or lack of carbon dioxide absorption.

Plain and simple, don’t buy these. Boycott big-box stores that are only in it for profit and stick to the shops that love houseplants as we do.