How to Grow Succulents: Information + Tips

· 3 min read
How to Grow Succulents: Information + Tips

Now a household name, succulents used to be a desert plant. How do these plants differ from other charming houseplant varieties? Succulents' mass appeal is attributed to many factors. The care of succulents is easy, and they are easy to transport. There are so many kinds, from greens to rainbow arrays, to choose from.

Succulent Overview
The word succulent is derived from the Latin word sucus, which means juice, drink, and sap. A succulent's leaves and stems keep large amounts of water to make them drought-resistant, so they live up to their name. Desert plants are great indoor plants because of their versatility and ability to withstand neglect, but some varieties do better than others.

Consider the size, style, color, care needs, and climate of the succulents when selecting them. Blossfeldia liliputana is less than an inch tall, while blue yucca is 12 feet tall. They also come in a wide range of 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.

Some houses lack enough natural light to grow certain varieties of succulents. It depends on the amount of light in your house, but most of the time green varieties do better indoors than colorful succulents. Their natural habitat has a direct relationship with their needs, so do your best to replicate this.

Succulent Alley  of Succulents
In the broadest sense, succulents are divided into about 60 plant families. In addition to Sempervivum, Cactaceae (cacti), Sedum and Haworthia, there are also several other popular families. Below you'll find images and examples of succulent varieties from each family. Explore some of the details that set these plant families apart to determine which one may be best for you.

Cactaceae (cacti)
Cacti are one of the most recognizable succulents due to their prickly spines. Because of their acclimation to desert conditions, they can survive extreme cold and heat.

Haworthia
A Haworthia plant is a type of succulent native to Southern Africa. Throughout much of the year, they experience a lot of sun and dry weather. The Haworthia family of succulents includes a large number of species despite their small size.

Sedum
Sedum succulents come in a variety of sizes and shapes; the smallest are just a few inches tall, while the largest reach heights of three feet. The Sedum plant is in the Crassulaceae family, which includes the famous Jade Plant (Crassulaceae ovata). They can withstand a lot of sunlight and little water.

Sempervivum
Sempervivum succulents exhibit a classic rosette shape. Some are flowering and come in a variety of colors. Succulents grow hard even in frost, a fitting trait for a plant whose name means always alive.

Succulent Care Tips
Despite their rough exterior, succulents still require love and care. Simply remove dead leaves from the bottom of your plant to keep your plant healthy. Follow these guidelines to avoid killing one of the most kill-resistant plants.

Increasing the amount of sunlight a succulent receives every day is essential to its growth. Most succulents need at least 36 hours of sunlight per day. Place where there is plenty of sunlight, such as a south- or east-facing window. A succulent can rarely get sunburned from too much direct sunlight; this is highly unlikely, but watch for any unusual scorch marks. Succulents without enough light may stretch their leaves outward to absorb as much light as possible.

The adaptations of succulents to a desert climate mean that they do not need large amounts of water. You should let the soil dry completely before rewatering plants. The roots of your plants can rot if you do not let them dry between waterings. In a very hot environment with an efficient drainage system, their soil may need to be watered more frequently every 23 weeks since it will dry up sooner. It is less necessary to water them as the weather gets colder.

Due to succulents' accustomedness to extreme temperatures, the majority can survive at temperatures of about 4095 F. However, some of the more delicate varieties should be kept at more conservative temperatures. Temperature is tied to the amount of water the succulent receives, as mentioned above.

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. Despite the fact that most succulents are not toxic for humans or pets, there are some varieties that you should avoid if you have children or pets in your home.

Succubuses should be planted in soil and planters that have adequate drainage. Add organic matter such as peat moss, as well as large pebbles and rocks to the cacti soil as a base for soil drainage. Whether you need to repot your plant depends on its growth and whether you are moving it to an indoor location over winter. Find out how to repot a plant properly if your plant has outgrown its pot or needs a warmer environment.