You know them. You (may) love them. If you haven’t heard of them, you’ve probably been avoiding the garden section of big-box stores for the past two years…
Succulents.
These spectacular specimens have recently taken the gardening world by the thumb. Their dazzling color and oddly alluring appearance have seated them well within the reigns of modern fads, as can be deduced from their lengthy tag on Pinterest. However beloved these wonderful organisms may be, few who covet their peculiar splendor know what they truly are or how to care for them. Now, though, I will introduce you to this green sensation so that you may not fall into the “black thumb” trap.
So, What is a Succulent?
Succulents are plants which retain water in their stems and leaves to accommodate the usually-torrid conditions in which they reside. These hardy little guys live in a number of regions around the globe, but, according to Gardening Know How, are most prevalent in arid deserts, coastal areas, forests, and dry tropical locals. Overall, the “succulent” hierarchy contains about fifty plus families, some of the more readily-known being agaves, aloe, bromeliads, cacti, echeveria, euphobias, sedum, and yuccas. Although fleshy foliage is the primary characteristic of succulents, these dry survivalists are also connected by their shallow root systems, which allow them to absorb moisture in the drier regions they inhabit.
The varieties of environments in which succulents can be found allow for diversity in hardiness and sun requirements. “Hardy” succulents are more durable species which can tolerate lower temperatures where “soft” succulents would be bitten; such hardy succulents include sedum and sempervivum. Some soft succulent families include aeonium, peperomia, and senecio. This assortment in temperature requirements leads to a similar assortment in sunlight requirements and the many stunning colors in which succulent varieties come are direct products of these attributes.
How to Care for Your Succulent
Although succulents hail from unusually dry environments, they are not hydrophobic and do require watering; however, these specimens must be planted in well-draining soil to prevent their shallow roots from rotting. These “well-draining” soil mixtures include coarse sand or perlite, a volcanic product, to promote drainage. Succulents also benefit from rocks or stones places atop the soil in which they are planted, as this separates their bases from the soil and further prevents plant and root rot. Vibrantly-colored species require more sunlight than their verdant cohorts, and they are subsequently a bit more finicky to care for. Given the heterogeneity of succulent families and species, however, particular care tricks will differ. Make sure to look into your new arrival before setting it into the wilds of your urban jungle!
If you want to learn more precise care tactics, check out Simply Succulents or search “succulent care.”
As always, thank you for reading and may your thumb stay green, even as winter swiftly approaches.
Leave a Reply