Man with 10,000 succulents shares secrets to keeping them happy
A pop of colour from an indoor plant is a staple in many households.
From apartments to smaller backyards, the way Australians are living has resulted in a surge in succulent popularity over the past decade.
For newly retired Ian Andrews, who lives in Renmark in South Australia's Riverland, his five-year gardening plan to propagate the plant has quickly become an obsession.
Now the owner of more than 10,000 succulents, he said the benefits of the resilient and striking species were endless.
Ian Andrews is a big believer that plants live naturally outside so that is where they should stay. (ABC Riverland: Amelia Walters)
"Australia has a very diverse climate, but we tend to have cold and wet winters and drier summers which are favourable to many succulent families," he said.
"In the Riverland for example, a lot of succulents come from the southern part of Africa, so their soils and climates are very similar."
Not only has the hobby reinvigorated his passion for plants, but it has helped him transition into retirement.
"Retirement's been lovely. [My garden] is my Zen area," he said.
Ian Andrews has always had a passion for plants but was not able to indulge it fully until retirement. (ABC Riverland: Amelia Waltes)
"[I've gone] from being self-employed when we started our business 25 years ago, which was often seven days a week … to being able to catch up and start doing things that most people take for granted.
"It's a positive thing rather than sitting on the internet gambling the money away or down all those other bad habits that you can develop."
Many who have visited Mr Andrews's colourful display want to know his secret to succulent success.
"Give them lots of outdoor breaks. If you have them inside for a week, take it outside for a month," he said.
Ian Andrews says leaving succulents alone can often be the best form of care. (ABC Riverland: Amelia Walters)
"Succulents are easier to look after and are more forgiving.
"Sometimes they can look better when you come home from a holiday because they've had time to dry out."
Growing in popularity
Greenlife Industry NSW & ACT chief executive Mike Mehigan said plant sales in Australia were worth more than $3 billion.
He said the commercial sector and nursery sector were performing well, with younger generations driving demand.
Mike Mehigan says succulents are a great way to start learning about plants. (Supplied: Mike Mehigan)
"The number of plants being sold has probably never been greater than it is at the moment," he said.
Succulent demand has been on the rise for the past 10 years, with housing changes likely a factor.
"The way we live nowadays, people often don't have gardens, and there are a lot more people living in apartments where balconies or indoors is often where they have to grow their plants," Mr Mehigan said.
Hybrid Aeoniums are Ian Andrews's favourite. (ABC Riverland: Amelia Walters)
"I think young people [also tend to] have plants in their bedrooms, and small succulents are a great way to start."
The way in which people are purchasing their plants is evolving in Australia, with many opting for online purchases.
"To sit on your couch in the evening and order your plants is just the way we do things nowadays, and although [plants are] quite a traditional sort of product, we're selling them in a modern way," Mr Mehigan said.
Back in Renmark, Mr Andrews said it was never too late to get a green thumb.
"Gardening is always there for you when you have got time and if something takes your fancy, give it a go," he said.
"At the end of the day, a plant might die, but you can just go and buy another one."
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