Succulents: Once deserted desert plants, now household names. In what way do these plants differ from the rest of the houseplant varieties? Succulents' mass appeal is attributed to many factors. Plants like succulents are easy to maintain, and they are also durable and portable. From luscious greens to rainbow arrays, they come in all kinds of shapes and styles.
Succulent Overview
The word succulent is derived from the Latin word sucus, which means juice, drink, and sap. Despite their name, succulents retain water in their leaves and stems, making them drought resistant. These highly durable desert dwellers make excellent houseplants due to their flexibility and ability to withstand neglect, though certain varieties do better indoors than others.
Among the tips to consider when selecting your succulents are the size, style, color, care requirements, and natural climate. The plants range in height from under an inch tall like Blossfeldia liliputana to 12 feet tall like blue yucca. As well as their colorations and shapes, they are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Many succulents are native to arid environments, with a few varieties coming from tropical climates, such as the Macho mocha mangave and the Octopus agave.
Most succulents require a lot of light, and some houses don't get enough natural light to take care of certain types of succulent. Green varieties of succulents usually survive indoors better than colorful versions, depending on your home's amount of light. Their natural habitat has a direct relationship with their needs, so do your best to replicate this.
Common Types of Succulents
Succulent plants can be grouped under about 60 plant families. There are four most popular families: Sempervivum, Cactaceae (cacti), Sedum and Haworthia. Here are some examples and images of popular succulents from each family. Find out what sets these plant families apart and see if one may be right for you.
Cactaceae (cacti)
There are many different types of succulents, but cacti have prickly spines that protect them. As a result of their acclimation to the desert, they can survive with little water and extreme cold.
Haworthia
Plants of the Haworthia genus originate from southern Africa.
propagate string of bananas are used to a lot of sun and dry weather. In spite of their size, the Haworthia genus makes up a considerable part of the succulent family.
Sedum
With the smallest succulents reaching heights of just a few inches and the largest spanning over three feet, sedum succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There is only one species of sedum plant in the family Crassulaceae, which includes the famous Crassulaceae ovata (jade plant). They can withstand lots of sun and a little water.
Sempervivum
A rosette-shaped succulent is the hallmark of Sempervivum plants. There are a lot of colors to choose from, and some even bloom. They are also frost resistant, making them a fitting name for a plant that means to be always alive.
Succulent Care Tips
While succulents may look tough, they still require love and care. The dead leaves at the bottom of your plant are common, so simply remove them. Follow these guidelines to prevent killing one of the most hardy plants.
Sunlight is essential for succulent development; most of them require at least 36 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place where there is plenty of sunlight, such as a south- or east-facing window. Rarely, succulents can sunburn when direct sunlight is too much, but be aware of any unusual scorch marks. A succulent deprived of sufficient light may begin to extend its leaves outward in order to gather as much light as possible.
Due to their desert climate adaptations, succulents don't need a lot of water. Before watering plants again, let the soil dry completely. Plant roots can rot and kill your plant if you do not let their roots dry between waterings. Because their soil would dry up more quickly when the environment is really hot and they have a good drainage system, they may need to be watered more frequently about every 23 weeks. Water them less if the weather is colder.
As succulents are used to temperature extremes, most can survive in a range of 4095 F. However, there are some varieties that need a more conservative temperature range. As mentioned above, the temperature at which you keep your succulent should depend on how much water it receives.
Most succulents are not toxic. It is common for succulents like Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) or Aloe vera to be used in numerous delicious dishes. Cacti and succulent varieties, primarily, have sharp spines that should be avoided because they can puncture skin. Although most succulents are not toxic to humans or pets, there are some varieties you may wish to avoid if you have little ones or furry friends around.
Succubus should be planted in soil or a container that allows adequate drainage. As a base, use cacti soil and add organic matter like peat moss, large pebbles, and rocks to improve drainage. Plant growth and whether you need to move it indoors for winter will determine the amount of repotting needed. Find out how to repot a plant properly if your plant has outgrown its pot or needs a warmer environment.