Succulents are plants that have evolved and adapted to the natural environment. In some parts of the world, the rainfall is seasonal and the plants growing there have to provide for their water needs by storing it within their tissues. Succulents have achieved this, although as always there are exceptions to the rule. You will find the Agaves and Yuccas under the succulent label but they differ because their leaves do not appear to store water but they are considered drought resistant plants.
Many succulent plants grow inside, but they are equally happy in a warm spot in the garden or a rockery. The flowers of succulents tend to be nondescript, as they are grown more for their interesting foliage and ability to stand more abuse than some of the demanding houseplants. In their natural surroundings, these plants grow in a sunny environment so to grow them well inside, a well-lit, sunny spot is required. Turn these plants each day so that each side of the plant gets a dose of sun. This prevents the plant from growing in one direction and becoming disfigured.
Asian Knives
The succulents are heat-loving plants and are happy in our living conditions, but do enjoy cooler conditions in winter. This replicates the climate from which they originate. Take houseplants outside during the year on the warm days. Leave tender plants with fragile leaves inside if rain is imminent because of the likely hood of rain damage. Translucent covers whether plastic or glass give protection from the rain if you wish to leave them outside.
These plants with their natural water storing abilities are what make them easy to look after, but again consider their natural habitat. The growing period is during the wet season, after the rain however, they rest and receive little water but they do get some. So water your plants with this in mind. Adequate watering in the growing season but limiting the water in the rest period,enough to stop the pot from drying out but not so much to rot the roots! Water the plants that have fragile leaves from the base tray; leave the pot long enough for the water to reach the top of the potting mix. Don't have the time to do this, then get a watering pot with a narrow spout and water from the top. This avoids water splashing and damaging the delicate leaves.
Fertilize these plants every 6-8 weeks, do not over feed, as the plant may become top heavy with lush weak growth. Some of the plants do not need feeding. You can use your own judgment as to their requirements.
Most of the succulents will only need repotting once a year into a larger pot, some I find can happily be left for 2-3 years. The optimum time is generally when the plant is coming into the active growth season. If you plan to use ordinary potting mix, do add some coarse sand or perlite. Suggested proportions are two parts potting mix to one part sandy mixture.
The Crassulas and Echeverias almost plead to be multiplied! The leaves break off very easily, and it is just a case of planting the broken piece in another pot! If you want to move these plants, it may pay to leave them to dry out a little so they are softer and easier to move. Succulents also multiply from leaves, cutting off the leaf with a sharp knife and left to dry. Plant on an angle in a pot, the angle is where the new plant will appear.
Simple Succulents
Maman is a sixty plus liberated woman despite having a husband and four children.
She trained as a nurse and remains interested in health issues. Spent many years farming achieving farm management qualifications and a real insight into animal husbandry. A lifetime of gardening including growing commercially has provided a real love of plants and knowledge.
The next career change included a Diploma in Real Estate and business management, covering buildings and their construction.
Growing older then included some time in the hospitality industry and business.
