From macrame hangers to elaborate terrariums, Instagram is filled with pictures of the cutest succulents to make any space feel right out of HGTV. Whether you’re decorating your dorm or apartment, succulents are among the top trends to create atmosphere at any budget.
We teamed up with East Tennessee State University student Rebecca Eubanks of Morristown in search of the season’s most popular house plants. Surprisingly enough, you don’t have to order them online or plan a trip to some far off nursery. Most of your notorious desert plants can be found right here in Northeast Tennessee.
Evergreen of Johnson City
Located on Princeton Road in Johnson City, Evergreen is a nursery that has been around for over thirty years. Offering hundreds of different types of plants from fall mums to Christmas trees, this greenhouse has every plant you could want all year round. As you enter on the left, there are rows of house plants, including a large succulent section. Evergreen has many varieties from the traditional breeds like aloe, to more exotic breeds like string of bananas. They also have a wide variety of cacti. Open Monday-Saturday, a trip here can really inspire some Pinterest worthy window seals.
Downtown Plant Bar of Kingsport
If you are looking for a more modern plant shop, Downtown Plant Bar of Kingsport is the place to be. Tennessee’s first and only plant bar offering special events such as Succulents and Sangria, Terrarium Building Teen Night, as well as Coffee and Create there is truly something for every age plant enthusiast. This Kingsport gem offers a wide variety of Instagram ready plants from Bear Claws to Jelly Beans, including a collection of cute plant lover gifts featuring enamel pins, stickers, bags, wine cups, and more. Follow them @downtownplantbar for hours, shipments, and events.
Broyles General Store of Greeneville
If you have ever wanted to be transported to France Hodgson’s Secret Garden, Broyles General Store is where you’ll want to go. This store has a little bit of everything. If you want to spice up your porch with a new flag or a unique toy for a little one, the variety is unique. Located in downtown Greeneville, Broyles also has a great selection of seasonal vegetables and hanging planters. Yet the real treasure is in their greenhouse. There you will find amazing succulents and even better prices. Typically, they only stock ordinary varieties such as Echeveria and Pachyphytum, yet for the price this is a great place for beginners who are a little nervous about starting their own selection. Broyles is open Monday – Saturday.
Care
Succulents are a bit different when it comes to traditional plant care. They need little to no water. It’s recommended to only water succulents every 2-4 weeks, or when their leaves lose their turgid feeling. Succulents also need a very good drainage system so they don’t get root rot. Try either a layer of sand, rock, or traditional drainage holes. All this being said, succulents are very resilient and can make any home look like an arboretum no matter your green thumb skills.
Written by Rebecca Eubanks for Northeast Tennessee Tourism
