Succulent plants come in countless varieties and boast an endless array of unique and captivating forms. Their ease of care and simple maintenance make them an inviting choice for people to try their hand at planting these lively little “green buddies.” Watching these resilient plants grow brings a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that many find deeply rewarding. In recent years, succulents have become a favored medium for therapeutic horticulture education,With easy propagation through cuttings and the creative fun of making combination planters (Figure 1), succulent activities help participants enhance social interaction, self-expression, and emotional well-being. They are especially suitable for seniors, people with disabilities, and those living with high levels of stress—making them one of the top plant choices for therapeutic gardening.

Taiwan has been riding a wave of “succulent fever” in recent years, with this trend driving the growth of related industries such as books, garden tourism, and educational workshops. Since 2008, the Taiwan Seed Improvement and Propagation Station (TSIPS) of the Ministry of Agriculture has collected a rich diversity of succulent germplasm—including species from the Cactaceae, Crassulaceae, and Asphodelaceae (formerly part of the Liliaceae). These fascinating plants have been widely used in food and agriculture education programs and community outreach, and they have become crowd favorites at the annual Sinshe Flower Festival, where they are showcased in displays and landscaping that draw countless visitors and questions.

TSIPS highlights that in therapeutic horticulture education, there is growing use of spineless and morphologically diverse succulents, providing a safe, enjoyable planting experience for older adults and people with disabilities. Meanwhile, succulents have become increasingly popular for home decoration and indoor landscaping, and they are now staples in community green therapy sessions and food and agriculture education programs activities (Figure 2). This diversity has made succulent combination planters a fashionable trend and an important segment of Taiwan’s horticulture industry.

We warmly invite you to step into the healing world of succulents—to observe the subtle leaf patterns and intriguing shapes, and to craft your own combination planter by hand. Let this touch of creativity and greenery become part of your daily life, nurturing positivity and connection, and serving as a living bridge for care and companionship.

▲Figure 1. Succulent combination potted plants

▲Figure 2. Green Therapy Workshop in the Communities of Central Taiwan – Succulent Combination Planter Workshop