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.
Houseleeks or hens and chicks are known for their low-growth rosette profile. Mature plants can just reach a height of 6 – 12 inches. It’s uncommon for hens and chicks to grow tall. If this is happening to your plant, don’t panic, I’ll explain why this might happen and how to fix the problem. Hens…
The hen and chick plant (Sempervivum tectorum) also known as common houseleek is a popular succulent with fleshy leaves arranged in a beautiful rosette pattern. This plant is adapted to hot dry conditions and this makes it easy to maintain both indoors and outdoors. The leaves of the hen and chicken plant are edible and…
There is a certain irony in discovering that aloe vera — the plant most people reach for when they get a sunburn — can itself suffer from too much sun. It feels almost contradictory. Aloe is a desert plant, after all. It belongs in the sun. How can sunlight possibly hurt it? The answer, as…
Succulents are hardy plants that can survive drought conditions with minimal watering. Over time, succulents may shed older leaves as part of their growth process. However, it should be concerning when your succulent loses young vibrant leaves that need to be growing. There are a number of reasons succulent leaves may drop leaves prematurely. They…
The String of Pearls plant, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a popular trailing succulent with round, bead-like leaves. While it is an easy-to-care-for plant, there are a few common problems that will need your attention. Root rot, insect pests, etiolation, shriveling, and leaf dropping are some of the main challenges to deal with in…
The string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a beautiful succulent native to the drier regions of southwestern Africa. This plant features long, trailing stems that can ascend downwards over the sides of a hanging basket. The leaves are spherical, resembling tiny pears or a string of beads. This succulent is commonly grown in hanging baskets…
Succulents are the easiest plants to care for, but a white fuzz on their stems or leaves isn’t something to ignore. A thorough inspection should be done to identify and solve the mystery of the white stuff forming on your succulent. White fuzz on the succulents might be pests such as mealybugs or woolly aphids,…