Succulent plants are not only those plants made to measure for those of us who have little space at home and are somewhat absent-minded, but also the best option for those people who are looking for a sustainable option that does not require much water.
These champions of the plant kingdom come from harsh, arid climates with very little rain. That’s why at home they are a great option that requires little attention. Here is a guide to take good care of them.
What are succulents?
Succulents, in addition to being those fleshy plants without thorns that we see in nurseries, also make up the cactus team. Because? “Succulent” comes from the Latin “sucus”, which means juice or sap, reflecting its ability to store water in fleshy tissues, whether in leaves, stems or roots. This attribute allows them to survive in these extreme environments, adapting to prolonged drought conditions.
Additionally, they include an incredible variety of species, with between 10,000 and 12,000 identified so far. A quick look at the different botanical families so you can identify them when you see them:
- Aizoaceae: Native to southern Africa, they are known for their small, colorful flowers that look like daisies. Some well-known plants are Lithops (“stone plants”, which imitate pebbles to camouflage themselves), Delosperma cooperi (ground cover with fuchsia flowers) or Fenestraria aurantiaca (with translucent leaves).
- Cactaceae: They are species native to America, adapted to arid environments thanks to their fleshy stems and protective thorns. Good examples are the Carnegiea gigantea (“saguaro”, iconic for its imposing size, from the southwestern United States and Mexico), Mammillaria gracilis (compact and thorny, common in gardens in Mexico), Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal, known for its edible fruits, prickly pears).
- Crassulaceae: They are native to different parts of the world and stand out for their thick leaves and varied colors. Examples: Echeveria elegans (perfect rosette and grayish color), Crassula ovata (“jade tree”, very famous for seeing it in almost all our houses) and Sedum rubrotinctum (wedge-shaped leaves that change from green to red when it is cold).
- Euphorbiaceae: Many of these plants are from Africa, with latex and varied shapes. For example, the Euphorbia tirucalli (“pencil tree”, with thin and cylindrical branches), Euphorbia milii (“crown of thorns”, shrub with small and persistent flowers) and Euphorbia obese (round and spineless).
- Asphodelaceae: home of aloes and Haworthiaswith approximately 700 African species, recognized for their rosette leaves and useful properties. The known Aloe vera (medicinal and decorative), Haworthia fasciata (“zebra plant”, with striped leaves, from South Africa) or two-color gasteria (thick, speckled leaves, from South Africa).
Basic care
Many succulents are a good choice for low-light areas, but they need at least four to six hours of light a day if you don’t want them to become deformed or lose their color. Place them in bright places such as windows facing south or east, and if you choose cacti, it is better to put them in direct sun since they are true champions when it comes to withstanding heat. The best thing is to find out what each species likes and put it in its favorite place. One of the typical mistakes is placing them in completely dark places thinking that they “survive everything”, which weakens the plant and makes it prone to diseases.
Water only when the substrate is dry to the touch and at the appropriate time of year. During the winter, most succulents are not watered because they go into a state of dormancy due to low temperatures and reduced sunlight. So it’s time to put away the watering can until spring. However, some species, such as Haworthia fasciata, Aloe aristata and two-color gasteriamay need very light watering if they are in dry or heated environments, to prevent their roots from dehydrating. Watering ‘just in case’ in winter usually causes root rot.
Suitable substrate:
Use a special mixture for cacti and succulents that guarantees good drainage. Mix light soil with coarse sand and perlite to avoid waterlogging that can rot the roots. To make sure the substrate soaks in well, you can submerge for about 15 minutes. Using conventional garden soil, which retains too much moisture, increases the risk of rot.
It is essential that the pots have holes in the base to remove excess water. If you use decorative pots without drainage, place a perforated inner one to keep the roots healthy. Using pots without holes and not paying attention to excess water accumulation can drown the plant.
- Protection against cold:
As many of these plants come from warm climates, you should protect your succulents from frost and temperatures below 5°C. If they are outdoors, cover them with thermal blankets or move them indoors. Leaving them exposed to frost thinking that “they are resistant” can irreversibly damage them.
- Occasional fertilization:
Succulents also like to be fed, so during spring and summer, apply a succulent-specific fertilizer once a month. Make sure to dilute it properly to avoid root damage. Fertilizing excessively thinking that more is better can burn the roots and harm growth.
Regularly inspect your plants for pests such as mealybugs and mites. These insects love to feed on fleshy tissues, so if you detect them, act as soon as possible with specific insecticides or natural methods. Avoid using homemade concoctions that are ineffective or ineffective. Find out about the pest you have and act accordingly.
Succulent Propagation
If there is one good thing about succulents, it is that they are a super easy option to multiply them almost effortlessly. To do it well there are two ways:
- By leaf cuttings: choose a healthy leaf and cut it carefully. Let the base dry for a few days to heal and then place it on a dry substrate without burying it. Keep the substrate slightly moist until roots appear.
- For stem cuttings: cut a segment of the stem with leaves. Let the base of the cut air dry for a few days. Plant the stem in a suitable substrate and water sparingly once it has rooted.
You know, in addition to taking good care of them, you can have identical copies of your favorite succulents and give them to your loved ones.
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