Succulent Care Guide: Growing Information + Tips
Succulents: The once deserted desert plant now a household name. What makes these plants stand out from the other charming houseplant varieties? There are many factors that give succulents mass appeal. Succulent care is easy and they are durable and portable plants. They come in a wide range of shapes and styles, from gorgeous greens to rainbow arrays.
Since it appears that the succulent craze is here to stay we put together some care tips and information to help you cultivate your very own succulent sanctuary.
Succulent Overview
The word “succulent” originates from the Latin word “sucus” which means drink, juice and sap. Succulents live up to their name with leaves and stems that retain large amounts of water to make them drought-resistant. These durable desert dwellers make a great houseplant because of their versatility and ability to withstand neglect — but certain varieties do better indoors than others.
Some things to consider when selecting your succulents include their size, style, color, care needs and natural climate. They range in height from under an inch — like Blossfeldia liliputana — to 12 feet tall like blue yucca. They also come in a variety of colorations and shapes. Succulents come primarily from arid desert climates with a couple varieties originating from tropical regions, like “Macho mocha” mangave and octopus agave.
Succulents generally need a lot of light — some houses don’t have enough natural light to support certain varieties. Usually the green varieties do better indoors than colorful succulents, depending on the available light in your house. Their natural habitat has a direct correlation to their care needs, so try and replicate this to the best of your ability.
Common Types of Succulents
There are about 60 plant families that fall under the broad umbrella of the succulent category. Four of the most popular families are Sempervivum, Cactaceae (cacti), Sedum and Haworthia. We’ve included examples and images of popular types of succulents from each family. Check out some of the details that set these plant families apart and see which one may be the best fit for your next plant.
Cactaceae (cacti)
Cacti are one of the most recognizable types of succulents with their protective prickly spines. They can withstand extreme cold and heat and survive with little water due to their acclimation to the desert.
- Opuntia microdasys (bunny ears cactus)
- Schlumbergera bridgesii (Christmas cactus)
- Gymnocalycium mihanovichii (moon cactus)
Haworthia
Haworthia plants are a small succulent variety that hail from Southern Africa. They are used to a lot of sun and dry periods. Although they are small in size, the Haworthia genus makes up a large part of the succulent family.
- Haworthia fasciata (zebra haworthia)
- Haworthia cooperi (pussy foot)
- Haworthia limifolia (fairy washboard)
Sedum
Sedum succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes with the smallest at just a few inches tall and the largest reaching heights of three feet tall. Sedum plants are part of the Crassulaceae family of which the famous Crassulaceae ovata (jade plant) is a part of. They can withstand a lot of sun and little water.
- Sedum morganianum (burro’s tail)
- Sedum rubrotinctum (jelly bean plant)
- Sedum spp. (stonecrop)
Sempervivum
Sempervivum succulents can be identified by their classic rosette shape. They come in a variety of colors and some that flower. These hardy succulents are also frost resistant — very fitting for a plant whose name means “always alive.”
- Sempervivum tectorum (hens-and-chicks)
- Sempervivum montanum (mountain houseleek)
- Sempervivum arachnoideum (cobweb houseleek)
Succulent Care Tips
Contrary to their tough guy persona, succulents still need love and attention. Dead leaves at the bottom of the plant are common so simply remove them to keep your plant happy.
