The succulent care guide: growing tips and information
Succulents: Once deserted desert plants, now household names. Is there pruning desert rose that makes these plants stand out among the other lovely varieties of houseplants? Succulents have many characteristics that make them so popular. The care of succulents is easy, and the plants are durable and portable. You can find them in many shapes and styles, from green to rainbow-colored.
Succulent Overview
In Latin, succulent is derived from the word sucus, which means drink, juice, and sap. Succulents live up to their name by retaining a lot of water so that they can grow in drought-prone environments. Desert plants are great indoor plants because of their versatility and ability to withstand neglect, but some varieties do better than others.
Choose succulents based on their size, style, color, care requirements, and natural climate. As a rule, they range in height from under an inch, such as the Blossfeldia liliputana, up to 12 feet, such as the blue yucca. Additionally, they come in many colors and shapes. Some succulents originate from tropical regions, including the Macho mocha mangave and the octopus agave, which primarily grow in arid climates.
Most succulents require a lot of light, and some houses don't get enough natural light to take care of certain types of succulent. The green varieties usually do better indoors than colorful succulents, depending on the amount of light available. 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
In the broadest sense, succulents are divided into about 60 plant families. Sempervivum, Cactaceae (cacti), Sedum, and Haworthia fall within the most popular four families. Throughout this guide, we've provided examples and pictures of types of succulents from each family. Take a look at some of the differences between these plant families, and see which would be the best choice for your next plant.
Cactaceae (cacti)
With their protective prickly spines, cacti are among the most recognizable types of succulents. Adapting to arid environments allows them to withstand extreme cold and heat, as well as survive on little water.
Haworthia
The Haworthia plant is a small succulent species native to southern Africa. Sun and dry seasons are part of their daily lives. While small in size, the Haworthia family comprises a large portion of the succulent family.
Among succulents, Sedum succulents are found in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from a few inches up to three feet in height. The plant Sedum belongs to the family of Crassulaceae, which includes the famous Crassulaceae ovata (jade plant). Despite being hardy and tolerant of the sun, they require little water.
Sempervivum
You can recognize Sempervivum succulents from their classic rosette shape. Some are flowering and come in a variety of colors. The name of this succulent means always alive, so they are also frost resistant plants.
Succulent Care Tips
While succulents may look tough, they still require love and care. Dead leaves are common at the bottom of the plant, so simply remove them to keep your plant happy. Here are the steps you need to follow to avoid a common plant care faux pas and help you not kill this highly resistant plant.
A succulent needs at least 36 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. It would be best to plant or place it in a location that receives plenty of sunlight, such as a sunny south or east-facing window. Succulents are unlikely to sunburn if they do get direct sunlight too much, but pay attention to any unusual scorch marks. If succulents are not receiving enough light, their leaves may stretch outward as they seek to absorb as much sunlight as possible.
Succulents do not need much water as they are adapted to desert climates. You should allow soil to dry completely before watering them again. Their roots could rot if you don't let them dry between waterings. In hot climates, with good drainage and a hot environment, the soil may need to be watered more often, approximately every 23 weeks, because it will dry out faster. You will need to water your plants less as the weather gets colder.
Due to their accustomed extreme climates, succulents can be grown in temperatures as high as 4095 F. However, some of the more delicate varieties should be kept in a more conservative temperature range. You should keep the succulent at a temperature that corresponds to the amount of 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. There are some succulent varieties, mainly cacti, that have spines that can puncture skin, so you should be aware of this. Succulents are generally not toxic to people or pets, but there are some varieties you should avoid if you have little ones or pets running around your house.
Succubuses should be planted in soil and planters that have adequate drainage. Use cactus soil for a base and add organic matter like peat moss and rocks to improve the soil's ability to drain. Repotting requirements fluctuate based on how fast your plant grows and whether or not you need to move it indoors for winter. Read our guide on how to repot a plant if it has outgrown its container or requires a warmer environment.