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A Guide to Growing Succulents: Growing Information + Tips

Succubus: the desert plant famous for its hardiness and beauty. What makes these plants stand out from the other charming varieties of houseplants? Succulents are popular for many reasons. how to propagate string of coins like succulents are easy to maintain, and they are also durable and portable. You can find them in many shapes and styles, from green to rainbow-colored. Succulent Overview A succulent is derived from the Latin word sucus, which means juice or sap. The leaves and stems of succulent plants retain a lot of water which makes them drought-resistant. Desert plants like this make great houseplants because of their adaptability and ability to withstand neglect, however, some cultivars do best indoors while others don't. Consider the size, style, color, care needs, and climate of the succulents when selecting them. The plants range in height from under an inch tall like Blossfeldia liliputana to 12 feet tall like blue yucca. Additionally, they are available in a variety of colors 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. In general, succulents require a lot of light, and in some homes, it's not enough to grow certain varieties of succulents. In general, green succulents are better indoors than colorful succulents, depending on the amount of light you have. You should try to create an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible, so that you can replicate their care needs. Common Types of Succulents There are approximately 60 plant families that fall under the succulent category. Sempervivum, Cactaceae (cacti), Sedum and Haworthia are four of the most popular families. You will find examples and images of popular types of succulents in each family. Consider some of the differences between these plant families to help you decide which is best for you. Cactaceae (cacti) Cacti are one of the most recognizable succulents due to their prickly spines. Desert adapted humans can withstand extreme temperatures and survive with little water. Haworthia Small succulent plants called Haworthia hail from southern Africa. There is a lot of sun and a lot of dry weather. Though small in size, Haworthia represents a large 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 are about different types of succulent plants of Sedum plants, and all are members of the Crassulaceae subfamily, including the famous Crassulaceae ovata (jade plant). They can withstand lots of sun and a little water. Sempervivum A rosette-shaped Sempervivum succulent can be recognized by its classic shape. Some of them even bloom. Hardy succulents are frost resistant as well, which is very fitting for their name which means that they live forever. Succulent Care Tips Even though succulents are tough guys, they still need love and attention. If your plant has dead leaves at the bottom, remove them to keep your plant happy. Avoid a common plant care faux pas by following these guidelines below to avoid killing one of the most hardy plants. Sunlight is essential for succulents' development, with most of them needing at least 36 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant it in a sunny spot, like in 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. In order to absorb more light, succulents that don't receive enough light may begin stretching their leaves outward. Desert climate adaptations allow succulents to flourish without requiring much water. It is generally recommended to allow their soil to completely dry before rewatering them. The roots of your plants can rot if you do not let them dry between waterings. 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 gets colder, you will have to water them less frequently. Succulents are adapted to extreme temperatures, so most can survive temperatures as high as 4095 F, while more delicate varieties should be kept at a lower temperature. As mentioned above, the temperature at which you keep your succulent should depend on 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 some succulent varieties, mainly cacti, with spines that may puncture the skin, so watch out for them. 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. Plant succulents in soil and planters that provide adequate drainage. As a base for the soil, add organic matter like peat moss and larger pebbles and rocks to help the soil drain more effectively. Whether your plant needs to be repotted is dependent on the size of your plant and whether it needs to be moved indoors during the winter. You can find detailed information on how to repot a plant in our guide to repotting plants. how to propagate string of coins|different types of succulent plants