Growing information and tips for succulents

· 3 min read
Growing information and tips for succulents

Originally a desert plant, succulents are now a household name. How do these plants differ from other charming houseplant varieties? Many factors contribute to succulents' popularity. The care of succulents is easy, and the plants are durable and portable. You can find them in a variety of styles and colors, from gorgeous greens to rainbow arrays.

Succulent Overview
A succulent is derived from the Latin word sucus, which means juice or sap. In addition to their name, succulents retain large amounts of water, so they are 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.

Succulent size, color, shape, style, natural climate, and care requirements all need to be considered. A Blossfeldia liliputana can grow to an inch in height and a blue yucca can grow to 12 feet tall. In addition, they come in various colors and shapes. Desert succulents are primarily found in arid climates with a couple varieties originating in tropical climates like macho mocha mangave and octopus agave.

Many houses don't have enough natural light to grow certain kinds of succulents. Generally, green succulents do well indoors rather than colorful ones, depending on how much light is available. Their natural habitat directly relates to their need for care, so attempt to recreate it as much as you can.

Common Types of Succulents
Within the umbrella category of succulents, there are about 60 plant families. Sempervivum, Cactaceae (cacti), Sedum and Haworthia are four of the most popular families. The following are examples and images of popular succulent types for each family. Find out what makes these plant families different and which one may fit your needs best.

Cactaceae (cacti)
There is no doubt that cacti are one of the most recognizable types of succulents with their prickly spines. Because they have adapted to the desert, they can withstand extreme heat and cold.

Haworthia
A Haworthia plant is a type of succulent native to Southern Africa. They are used to a lot of sun and dry weather. Succulents of the Haworthia genus make up a large part of the succulent family, 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. The plant Sedum belongs to the family of Crassulaceae, which includes the famous Crassulaceae ovata (jade plant). A lot of sun and little water won't harm them.

Sempervivum
A rosette-shaped Sempervivum succulent can be recognized by its classic shape. Various colors and varieties are available, as well as some that flower. Succulents also resist frost, making this plant whose name means always alive very fitting.

Succulent Care Tips
Even though succulents are tough guys, they still need love and attention.  types of sedum with pictures  are common at the bottom of the plant, so simply remove them to keep your plant happy. 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. Put it in a location where it can receive plenty of sunlight, like a south or east facing window. There is a small chance that too much direct sunshine can sunburn a succulent, so look out for 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.

Due to their desert climate adaptations, succulents don't require many water resources. Before watering plants again, let the soil dry completely. When you don't water them between waterings, the roots of your plant can rot and die. It is possible that their soil will dry up much faster in a very hot environment and if they have an effective drainage system, they may need to be watered more often about every 23 weeks. As the weather cools, you will need to water them less.

The majority of succulents can survive in temperatures ranging from about 4095 F to 5095 F. However, some varieties are more delicate and should be kept in a more conservative temperature range. Above, we discussed how the temperature of the succulent should be related to how much water it receives.

Most succulents are not toxic. Aloe vera and Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) are often used as ingredients in many delicious dishes. There are several succulent varieties, mainly cacti, that could puncture your skin, so be cautious. 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.

Plant succulents in soil and planters that provide 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. A plant's repotting requirements vary with the growth of the plant and if you intend to bring the plant inside for the winter. If your plant needs a bigger pot or a warmer environment, check out our guide to properly repotting a plant.