Succulents are true survival champions. They have learned to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to live where most plants would simply wither away. Imagine a desert, hot rocks, and scorching sun – these are the conditions they feel most at home in.
But it’s not just about endurance. They also look unusual: they can look like mini-roses, corals, stars, and some even disguise themselves as stones. That’s why succulents have long been favorites of flower growers.
What types of succulents are there?
In general, succulents are not one family. But a whole group of plants that can store moisture. Some store it in their leaves (for example, the fat woman, which everyone knows as the “money tree”), others – in the stem (the same cactus), and others make reserves underground.
If we talk about the most popular ones:
- Echeveria – small “roses” of fleshy leaves, can be green, bluish, pink. Very popular.
- Aloe – yes, the one that heals burns and colds. It is not only medicinal, but also decorative.
- Cacti – they don’t even need an introduction. But few people know that not all of them have thorns.
- Sedums can grow as a carpet or a bush, some species turn red in winter.
- Lithops are “living stones” that mimic pebbles so well that they can easily be confused with ordinary stones.
How to care for succulents?
There is a myth that they do not need any care at all. Just put them in and forget about them. In fact, this is not true. They will, of course, survive the drought. But if you create the right conditions for them. They will look more beautiful, grow faster and even bloom.
The most important points:
- Light . The more, the better. Almost all succulents love the sun, especially those with reddish leaves. If you put them in the shade, they will begin to stretch out and become pale.
- Watering . This is the most difficult part, because you need to know when to stop. In summer, water once a week or two, in winter – once a month. It is better to under-water than over-water, because excess water will quickly cause the roots to rot.
- Soil . Ordinary garden soil is not suitable for them – too dense. You need light soil with sand, you can buy a special mixture for succulents.
- Temperature . Most can easily withstand +5°C, but if we are talking about tropical species, it is better to keep them warm.
- Pot . It should have holes in the bottom, otherwise the water will stagnate, and this is certain death for succulents.
Amazing Facts About Succulents
🌵 Some succulents can be eaten. For example, young prickly pear leaves are added to salads, and aloe juice is made from aloe.
🪨 There are plants that look like stones. The same lithops. This is not just a freak of nature – this is how. They hide from animals that could eat them.
🔥 Some species bloom only once in their lifetime. For example, the agave accumulates strength for decades, produces a giant flower stalk, and then… dies. But what a sight!
🌬 They purify the air. Yes, succulents are not only beautiful, but also useful – they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
💀 There are “sinister” succulents. For example, stapelias – their flowers look like stars and smell like rotten meat, because they are pollinated by flies.
If you need an unpretentious but beautiful green pet, a succulent is a great option. They do not require much attention. But if you give them good light, rare watering and the right soil, they will delight you for years. Some of them can even be bequeathed to grandchildren. They really know how to live a long time!
Read also: