July 14, 2023

What are Korean Succulents and Should you Get One?

by Oana

Are you curious about the hype surrounding rare Korean succulents? Perhaps you’ve noticed succulent collectors going to great lengths to find these unique plants and wondered why they are so popular and expensive. If you’re contemplating adding one to your own collection, this article is for you.

Why Korea?

Korean agriculture, as the cornerstone of the nation’s economy, has a rich history. With more than 80% of the population engaged in agricultural production during its founding, Korea was once a typical agricultural country.

The distinctive Korean climate, characterized by hot and humid summers alongside cold and dry winters, provides a perfect environment for cultivating succulents. Nurseries utilize greenhouses with improved air circulation during summers, creating optimal conditions for succulent growth.

Why are Korean Succulents so Popular?

South Korea has gained recognition for its succulent hybridization processes. Korea is the place for collectors in search of novel succulent hybrids.

The slow growth process, combined with significant day-to-night temperature variations during spring, autumn, and winter, creates ideal conditions for producing highly resilient and beautifully colored succulents. These succulents are quite eye-catching for the succulent collectors who want to have the newest hybrids that cannot be found in the rest of the Europe.

Why are Korean succulents so Expensive?

Several factors contribute to the higher price range of Korean succulents:

Challenging Import Process: The varying import requirements between the Korea and Europe necessitate meeting specific criteria to bring these succulents into European Union.
Customs Duties and Taxes: European countries often impose high customs duties, further impacting the cost.
Documentation and Permits: Import permits in the US and specific requirements in different European countries pose additional challenges.
Shipping Fees: Expedited shipping is crucial to ensure the plants’ well-being, and costs rise exponentially with weight and volume.
Risk Factors: Importing always carries risks, such as potential damage during transit or prolonged shipping times, which can result in damaged or deceased succulents.
Significant Investments: Many vendors have minimum order quantities, leading to higher costs. Unexpected issues during transit or customs can further impact pricing.
Time-Consuming Processes: Inspection, preparation, and packaging of shipments all contribute to the final price.

The complex and costly process of importing Korean Succulents to Europe and the EU has a direct impact on their sale prices. Considering the risks involved, I recommend exploring local shops or other EU-based vendors that are able to fulfill your Korean succulent dreams.

At our Shop you’ll discover a wide selection of rare and hard to find korean succulents, as well as other variegated succulents all offered at the best prices without compromising quality.

We take great pride in the quality of our succulents, ensuring they arrive in great condition and within the shortest possible time frame.

Are Korean Succulents really worth it? Should you buy one?

The answer to this question differs on your level of expertise as a grower.

Korean succulents are not suitable for beginners or collectors unable to provide their specific care requirements. These succulents can be costly and demand specific growing conditions if you want to keep their stressed color and compact shapes.

However, for experienced growers or for beginners who already master the care of the succulents in their collection, Korean succulents can be a great way of expanding your succulent collection with rare and unique succulent hybrids. Cultivating these plants can provide an engaging and rewarding experience that will challenge you to find that perfect growing condition for each specimen, eliciting admiration from fellow growers.