Succulents are known for their thick, fleshy stems and leaves which are capable of storing water. This adaptation allows them to survive long periods of drought with minimal watering. Succulents come in a vide range of plant species from different habitats, including cacti.
Succulents are typically low maintenance and many gardeners loves them for that. They generally require infrequent watering. Majority of these plants thrive in bright indirect light and this makes them suitable for indoor conditions. However, few species prefer direct sunlight.
All succulents are susceptible to root rot when overwatered. Thy require well-draining soil to thrive. A mix of potting soil and coarse sand or perlite is often recommended. It’s also crucial to choose pots with drainage holes when potting or repotting to allow excess water to escape.
While succulents are know to be hardy plants, they are still prone to insect pests such as mealybugs, scale, aphids, fungus gnats and spider mites. It’s important to inspect your plants regularly and treat for these pests as needed.
Most succulents are propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings or by offsets. It is a relatively easy process to add more plants to your collection or to gift friends and family with. With good care, succulents should live for many years as they reward with their beauty.
Aloe vera is a resilient plant. It tolerates neglect better than most, asks for very little water, and keeps growing quietly in the corner of your windowsill for months — sometimes years — without complaint. But every aloe vera plant eventually outgrows its home. When that happens, repotting is not optional. It is necessary. A…
Hens and chicks are monocarpic plants, meaning they flower only once in their lifetime and then die. This should not make you feel bad about the succulent, as it is part of its natural lifecycle. It may take several years for this plant to flower. The flowering typically occurs during the late spring to early…
Echeverias are known for their visually appealing features. They grow in a rosette pattern, with fleshy leaves arranged in a flower-like structure. These succulents are easy to propagate and grow, and this makes them a popular choice for many gardeners. Like hens and chicks plants, echeverias produce many offsets around them. Their size and color…
The hen and chick plant (Sempervivum tectorum) also called houseleek is a popular succulent in gardens. It is appreciated for its unique appearance, low maintenance, and tolerance to dry and cold conditions. This plant is native to Europe and Africa and it’s named after its clustering growth. Hens and chicks are well-suited to various growing…
Hens and chicks are typically easy to care for. As they grow in tight rosettes, they tend to maintain a neat appearance without much effort. These plants don’t require frequent watering, pruning, or deadheading. If your hen and chick plant is drying, I’ll explain how you can save it. Some of the reasons why your…
Aloe vera is one of the most forgiving plants you can own. It survives neglect, tolerates dry indoor air, and asks for very little in return. Yet, year after year, more aloe vera plants die from too much water than from any other cause. The irony is real. People water their aloe with the best…
Succulents can go for an extended period without watering. They store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots, which makes them endure drought conditions. Regardless, succulents still need some water to sustain their growth and other physiological processes. When underwatered, succulents may experience severe dehydration and end up wilting or shriveling. On the other…
Succulents store water in their fleshy stems and leaves. This is why they are able to survive in dry sunny areas. As a result, succulents grown as houseplants need less watering than other types of plants. So, what happens if your succulent is overwatered? Roots need oxygen to function properly and absorb water and nutrients….
Autumn Joy (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’) are popular plants for fall gardens. These cold-tolerant perennials were once classified as sedum and are still often regarded as one but they now belong to Hylotelephium, a small genus comprising about 33 species. Hylotelephium plants are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. They make excellent plants for mixed borders,…
Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are beautiful ornamental succulents that are easy to care for. They can be grown indoors in areas with freeze or outdoors in mild climates. These plants are relatively slow-growing but they can tolerate neglect, drought, and hot conditions. Healthy jade plants have smooth, fleshy, rounded leaves that are well arranged on…