Succulents, once deserted desert plants, are now household names. These plants have a unique quality that sets them apart from the other delightful varieties of houseplants. It is due to many factors that succulents have mass appeal. The care of succulents is easy, and they are easy to transport. From lush greens to rainbow mosaics, they are available in a variety of shapes and colors.
Succulent Overview
A succulent is derived from the Latin word sucus, which means juice or sap. Their leaves and stems are packed with water, making them drought-resistant. Their versatility and resiliency makes them an excellent houseplant, and certain varieties flourish better indoors than others.
When selecting succulents, consider their size, style, color, care needs, and natural climate. They range in height from less than an inch tall, such as Blossfeldia liliputana, to over 12 feet, such as blue yucca. Moreover, they are available in a variety of shapes and colors. Succulents are mostly found in hot, arid climates with a few species from tropical climates, such as the Macho mocha mangave and the octopus agave.
Some houses lack enough natural light to grow certain varieties of succulents. In general, green succulents are better indoors than colorful succulents, depending on the amount of light you have. Try to replicate the natural habitat of the animal you are caring for, since it has a direct correlation to their needs.
Common Types of Succulents
There are approximately 60 plant families that fall under the succulent category. In addition to Sempervivum, Cactaceae (cacti), Sedum and Haworthia, there are also several other popular families. We've included examples and photos of popular types of succulents from each family. Find out what makes these plant families different and which one may fit your needs best.
Cactaceae (cacti)
A succulent that resembles a cactus is distinguished by its dense, prickly spines. Because of
cereus cactus to the desert, they can survive in extreme cold and heat.
Haworthia
A Haworthia plant is a type of succulent native to Southern Africa. There is a lot of sun and a lot of dry weather. The Haworthia family of succulents includes a large number of species despite their small size.
Sedum
Succulents come in many shapes and sizes. The smallest are a few inches tall and the largest are three feet tall. Sedum plants are in the Crassulaceae plant family, which also includes the world famous Crassulaceae ovata (jade plant). Sun and water are not a problem for them.
Sempervivum
Typical Sempervivum succulents have a rosette-like shape. Some have flowers, and some have a variety of colors. Hardy succulents are frost resistant as well, which is very fitting for their name which means that they live forever.
Succulent Care Tips
While they have a reputation for being tough guys, succulents still need love and attention. It's common for plants to have dead leaves at the bottom, so you can simply remove them for an intact plant. Avoid a common plant care faux pas by following these guidelines below to avoid killing one of the most hardy plants.
For succulents to grow, they need at least 36 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place it in a location with plenty of sun, such as a south- or east-facing window. Succulents are unlikely to be sunburnt by too much direct sunlight, but watch for unusual scorch marks. Lack of light will cause succulents to stretch their leaves outward in order to absorb as much light as possible.
Due to their desert climate adaptations, succulents don't require many water resources. Before watering plants again, let the soil dry completely. If you don't let the roots dry in between waterings, the roots may rot and kill the plant. If the environment is very hot and there is a good drainage system, the plants may need more watering about every 23 weeks since the soil will dry up faster. When the weather gets colder, you will need to water them less.
Since succulents are used to extreme temperatures, most can survive temperatures as high as 4095 F. However, more delicate varieties are best kept in a more conservative range. Temperature and water amount go hand in hand with how you grow succulents.
Most succulents are not toxic. Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) and Aloe vera are used frequently in many delicious dishes. There are some succulent varieties, mainly cacti, that have spines that can puncture skin, so you should be aware of this. Even though most succulents are not toxic, there are a few types that you should avoid if you have little ones or furry friends at home.
Plant succulents in soil and planters that provide adequate drainage. A cacti soil is a good base for adding organic matter, such as peat moss, and larger pebbles and rocks to aid in soil drainage. A plant's repotting requirements vary with the growth of the plant and if you intend to bring the plant inside for the winter. Here's a guide to repotting a plant properly if your plant has outgrown its pot or you need a warmer environment for it.