Any plant that has fleshy, thick tissues that can store water is considered succulent. Some succulents, like cacti, only store water in the stem and have no or few leaves, but other succulents, like agaves, primarily store water in the leaves. The majority of succulents are endemic to deserts or areas with a semiarid season and have deep or wide root systems. More than 60 plant families have succulent species, with the Aizoaceae, Cactaceae, and Crassulaceae having the highest proportions. Aloe, Echeveria, Kalanchoe, and other plants are among those that are grown as ornamentals and indoor plants.
The timing of the opening of stomata, which are tiny mouthlike structures on the surface of plant leaves and stems, is one adaptation shared by many succulents. Stomata enable the exchange of water and oxygen with the environment as well as the uptake of carbon dioxide from the environment. The stomata of many succulent plants are closed during the day and open at night, in contrast to those of most plants. As a result, less water loss (transpiration) happens during the hot, dry daylight hours, while carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake takes place at night. As a result, these succulent plants display crassulacean acid metabolism, a modified form of CO2 fixation and photosynthesis.
Why do succulents bloom, and what does that mean?
Succulent flowers exist in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the most are created by nature to entice the insects that will pollinate them.
Succulents are frequently reluctant to blossom, especially if they are houseplants in containers.
For hints regarding the growth circumstances and seasonal cycles your plant needs, you should try to understand as much as you can about its original environment.
All that may be required for a plant to successfully flower is the provision of winter cold, summer heat, fertilizer, or more intense lighting.
For instance, cactus plants are well known for their beautiful, fleeting blossoms, which only develop after a protracted period of drought.
Epiphytes like Schlumbergera and Epiphyllum are deceivingly uninteresting until they suddenly flower with a large number of flowers.
Some succulent flowers emit scents that aid in helping insects find them. Due of their ability to attract flies that serve the same purpose, Stapelia and Huernia are referred to as “carrion flowers.”
Many succulent plants push their blossoms high into the air on arching stems, in contrast to some invading plants that create a carpet of texture.
When Do SucculentsBloom?
Different succulents bloom at different times; Sempervivums, for instance, don’t bloom until the second or third year.
No matter where you reside, the majority of cacti and succulents bloom around roughly the same time of year as they would in their natural habitat.
Aloes, Mammillarias, Euphorbias, and Crassulas will all offer you a lovely flower at the start of the year.
The variety of succulent flowering species is enormous by the middle to late Spring and early Summer. Including Gasteria, Kalanchoe, Echeveria, and Sedum.
While Holiday Cactus blooms later in the season, Sedums are still in flower in the Fall.
Numerous Echeverias, together with Cremnosedum, Lithops, Agaves, Pachypodium, Cerochlamys, and Glottiphyllum, are in bloom at the end of the year.
Your homes and yards will be illuminated by succulents’ natural displays, which resemble the best fireworks display.
Senecio is one of the few succulents that blooms at various times throughout the year; however, not all succulents bloom in cultivation at all or as effectively as they do in the wild.
What MakesSucculents Bloom?
Taxonomists classify flowering succulent plants based on the characteristics of their blossoms rather than their leaf structure.
A succulent bloom may be star-shaped, bell-shaped, tubular, frilly, or any combination of these. Some point upward for simple pollination, while others hang down to shield delicate areas.
Succulents are widely found in the desert environment. To set their blooming chemistry, they need greater temperatures in the summer.
Most of the time, climate-controlled homes lack the necessary temperature extremes.
Succulents kept indoors benefit from summertime relocation outside. The transition should be gradual so that they are gradually exposed to greater heat and sunlight over the course of a few weeks.
Cold winter temperatures and winter dormancy are necessary for desert plants to bloom in the spring.
Timing is crucial. Water is necessary for succulents to develop flower buds and new growth.
If they don’t get it, their tissues’ reserves of water that they require to withstand drought get depleted.
They survive but don’t flourish. Plants should be thoroughly watered during growth phases until the water drains from the drainage holes. Wait to rewater until the top inch of soil is completely dry.
Most succulents spend a portion of the year dormant. Cacti typically do this in the winter or plants like living stones in the summer (Lithops).
Succulents get a lot of direct and indirect light in nature, even if they’re growing behind a shrub. It can be challenging to reproduce this indoors.
The majority of cacti thrive well in windows on the east or south. To create the food necessary for blooming, most succulents require sunshine for half of the day, ideally in the morning.
There won’t be enough light for flowering if the succulent species with leaves or stems exhibit open and lax development. Globular cacti won’t flower if they are reaching for the light.
If kept in complete shade, succulents like different Gasterias, Haworthias, and some Aloes will blossom.
Succulents can be grown under grow lights if there is insufficient natural light. it might be simpler than you imagine. They produce a wide variety of ornamental fittings. And there are many different types of light bulb styles available in every home décor shop.
All living things, including humans and plants, have biological clocks that must be set by photoperiodicity.
Some succulents, like the holiday cactus (Schlumbergera), require frigid temperatures, long nights, and short days in order to develop bloom buds.
For many other succulents, the combination of higher spring temperatures and lengthening days signals the beginning of new growth.
The evenings of the plants can be made longer or shorter artificially by receiving extra light from the interior of the house. The occurrence may prevent flowers from blooming.
A plant will flower if it can since it is necessary to produce seeds in order for the species to survive.
To supply the components necessary for the development of flowers, they require plant nourishment.
Due to the lack of rain that would otherwise wash soil minerals away, desert dirt actually provides good nutrition for plants.
While the plant is growing, fertilize half-strength once every month. In late summer or early fall, stop feeding the plant.
To encourage bloom production, use a fertilizer with more phosphorus, such as 10-15-10.
Will It DieAfter It Blooms?
Monocarpic plants are prevalent in succulents. These particular succulents develop, bloom, produce seeds, and then perish.
Biennials have two growing seasons, perennials might take several years to flower, while annuals flower and set seed in just one year.
Although most succulents can repair their damage, it is always a good idea to remove any broken, sickly, or dead leaves, stems, or flower stalks as soon as possible.
There is a myth in Thailand that claims the quantity of flowers that blossom on a Crown of Thorns foretells the destiny of the plant’s caretaker.
Succulents – do they count as flowers?
Is it possible to get succulents to bloom? No and yes. Age of the plant is a factor. It might not be substantial or developed enough to prepare for reproduction (which is the point of flowers). But if a succulent is just sitting there, pouting, with no apparent reason not to produce a treasured flower spikeif it’s the right season, there IS something you can do to make it bloom. While most succulents flower in the spring and summer, others (like aloes and crassulas) do so in the middle of the year.
So here is the trick: The majority of plants, including succulents, require light to blossom. Photosynthesis, which generates energy and powers new growth, depends on sunlight. All living things, including plants, want to reproduce. For plants, this means having the strength to bloom. Succulents need a lot of light because they are typically native to hot, arid areas.
This aloe would remark, “If I could communicate,” “I’m in dire need of light! Maybe I won’t be able to blossom! Help!
Above: An indoor Aloe maculata plant flourishing in the Seattle region. Despite being in good health, it has flattened and lengthened its leaves to allow as much of its surface to be exposed to light as possible. This is referred to as etiolation (et-ee-oh-lay-shun).
Above: This is how Aloe maculata appears after spending half the day in the sun and the other half in bright shade. The rosette and flower spikes are pointing in the direction of the brightest light even in these nearly ideal conditions. Reddish-brown leaf tips have evolved as a defense mechanism against excessive sun exposure. The pigment is comparable to melanin, which causes freckles and tanning of the skin.
And here, in full sun with little water, the leaves of a comparable species have shrunk to lessen evaporation. (Observe how much longer those are in the first picture.) It has become even more red, which suggests that sun exposure was perhaps not the best. This is referred to in horticulture as “Stress is visually pleasing because it brings out the best in color and symmetry. Look closely: It’s in bud! This plant may be under a little too much stress—the leaf tips are burnt, and growth has stalled.
What should you do if you reside in an area with frequent cloud cover or grow succulents primarily indoors? How to Grow Succulents in Seattle (Northern Climates), a page on my website, states the following:
Set them close to windows that face west or south inside. North-facing windows shouldn’t be bothered, but if your windows face east, gather and appreciate low-light plants like haworthias and gasterias. [Learn more]
Aloe maculata facts It was once known as Aloe saponaria (soap aloe) because the gel in its leaves lathered like soap. It is one of the few succulents that may become invasive because its roots can grow horizontally a few inches beneath the soil’s surface and sprout new plants. From their mother, baby plants can sprout up as far as three feet! Because I adore the blossoms, which are branching rather than the columnar spikes of many other aloes, I have a colony of Aloe maculata in a rocky region of the garden where they can’t create issue. Nevertheless, because the cut stems exude a mucilaginous gel, they are poor choices for cut flowers. Aloe maculata is a common passalong plant, thus there isn’t much demand for it at nurseries in Southern California. Aloe striata is a related aloe that behaves better, doesn’t have teeth, is frequently marketed in nurseries, and is considerably more desired in cultivation (coral aloe). Visit my website’s Aloes page to see it and other aloes.
How are succulent flowers cared for?
It is crucial to give the right growing environment for the plant to grow and thrive since a happy and healthy plant will have a better chance of blossoming than one that is struggling. To bloom, cacti and succulents require enough sunlight. Give the plants at least 5 to 6 hours of sunlight each day to maintain them healthy.
Give the plant a soil that drains nicely. In order to keep succulents happy, the right soil medium must be provided as they do not enjoy sitting in moist soil. A nice place to start is with a perlite and cactus mix.
Cactus mix and perlite should be combined in a 2:1 solution. To increase drainage, you can also add coarse sand to the mixture. The article “Best Soil and Fertilizer for Succulents” has more information about soil and soil amendments.
What does a flower made of succulents resemble?
What varieties of succulents bloom? Do succulents generally bloom? Although not all succulents bloom freely when grown, quite a few of them do. Some succulents will bloom every year if given the correct conditions and care. Here are 18 stunning succulents that, when ready, bloom freely.
More than 200 species of the succulent plant genus Crassula have been identified. The crassula varieties of my succulent plants seem to flower the most easily, in my experience. You should grow the following flowering crassulas in your garden:
Crassula ovata, sometimes known as the “jade plant,” is a succulent that is native to Mozambique and South Africa. It is not surprising that they are so popular given how adaptable and simple to care for they are. Star-shaped, white or pink flowers are produced by the “Jade plant,” Crassula ovata.
a lovely stacking plant with spiraling leaves that wrap around the stem in an exquisite arrangement. The leaves have a light green tint with scarlet red margins that become more intense with exposure to more sun and cold. With its cheery clusters of pink, white, and yellow blooms, Crassula Rupestris brings even more color to a plant that is already vibrant.
These South African-native succulents are incredibly beautiful. They spread out, and the leaves look as though they are piling up on top of one another. The edges of the bluish-green leaves have rosy pink borders. Clusters of tiny white and yellow blooms are produced by them.
The Crassula Pellucida ‘Calico Kitten,’ also known as Crassula Marginalis Rubra Variegata, is a stunning plant with many great, distinctive characteristics. The leaves’ hues range from pale to yellow-green, as well as pinks, fuschias, and creams. When excessively dry, the purple hue of the heart-shaped leaves might deepen. They produce tiny, cheery flowers in white and yellow that will make you happy.
Echeverias come in a huge variety of shapes, colors, and variations. Echeverias frequently have dazzling, striking blooms. The blossoms are vibrant and highly eye-catching. You can enjoy them for weeks or even months because they bloom for a long period.
This attractive echeveria, which is native to Mexico, has gray-green leaves with pink-reddish edges. When the plant is “stressed,” or exposed to extremely high temperatures and dryness, the pink hue stands out more. Beautiful, vibrant pink, bell-shaped flowers in a coral color are produced, and they bloom for weeks or even months.
a hybrid echeveria with pink edges and blue-gray leaves. These hybrid echeveria plants are simple to care for and will bloom when they are ready. Echeverias have lengthy bloom stalks from which its flowers emerge. A single plant frequently has two or more bloom stalks emerging from it. The vibrant pink, bell-shaped flowers bloom for weeks or perhaps months.
a hybrid echeveria with silver-green leaves that are fuzzy. The plant appears to be hairy because of the little amounts of fuzz that coat its leaves. With exposure to heat and cold, the crimson hue on the leaf tips becomes more pronounced. Orange-colored flowers with vivid, appealing blooms are produced by the shrub.
Because of the distinctive way they grow, succulents are really popular right now. The stems are trailing and can get as long as a few feet. This is why they make gorgeous hanging plants or plants that cascade down a tall container. They are much more stunning when they are in blossom. Some of the most well-known flowering Senecios include these two:
One of the most sought-after succulent plants is undoubtedly Senecio Rowleyanus ‘String of Pearls. These plants are perfect for hanging or trailing since they have thick, green, pea-shaped leaves that can go on for ever. They produce white, fluffy flowers with a fragrant aroma reminiscent of cinnamon.
The String of Pearls and Senecio Radicans’ “String of Bananas” are extremely similar. Both plants are indigenous to South Africa and have long stems that trail. Senecio Radicans has green, hefty leaves that resemble little bananas. These bushes likewise bear white, fluffy flowers with a smell of cinnamon and vanilla.
One of the easiest and lowest maintenance succulent plants is the sedum (Stonecrop). They can be planted in the ground in temperate zones due to their simplicity. They produce these cheery small star-shaped flowers pretty freely, which makes them more desirable.
Sedum Rubrotinctum, often known as “Jelly Bean Plant” or “Pork and Beans,” is a plant native to Mexico that has little, chubby, bean-shaped leaves that are green in color. When under stress or exposed to greater sunlight or freezing temperatures, the tips become a deep crimson color. The thin stems spread out as they enlarge. These plants bloom with cheery tiny yellow blooms in the form of stars.
Sedum Treleasie, a plant native to Mexico, has hefty, blue-green leaves that are firmly tucked around the stem. The stem has a maximum height of 12 inches (30 cm). When exposed to more sun, the leaves’ tips can transition from light green to yellowish. By creating offsets, this plant can readily propagate on its own. Bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that can bloom for weeks are produced by this plant.
The lovely “Ghost Plant” Graptopetalum Paraguayense features delicate pastel hues. The pointy, flat, and thick leaves are thick. The arrangement of the leaves has meticulously sculpted the rosettes. The star-shaped flowers that this plant bears enhance its beauty. The flowers are pale yellow and white in color.
hybrid plants with graptosedum. Graptosedum is a cross between the plants Graptopetalum and Sedum. There are several hybrid succulent plants made by the crossing of two or more species. Flowers from hybrid plants typically resemble those of the parent species. Look at this hybrid Graptosedum:
The plant Graptosedum ‘Francesco Baldi’ is a cross between Sedum pachyphyllum ‘Jelly Beans’ and Graptopetalum paraguayense ‘Ghost Plant,’ and the blooms likewise resemble those of the two hybrids. This plant has thick, pastel-colored leaves that are pink, lavender, and blue in hue. The star-shaped blossoms are either white or yellow in hue.
Haworthias are diminutive to medium-sized succulents that look a lot like aloe plants. Compared to aloe plants, haworthias flower more frequently. The blossoms are not very spectacular and are somewhat understated, but once they bloom, they consistently bloom every year. There are also a lot of blossoms.
Oscularia Deltoides is a South African native with jagged-edged, triangular, blue-green leaves. The margins of the leaves have pinkish-reddish tinges. This plant has a propensity to sprawl and expand. When fully grown, it produces lovely magenta-pink flowers that are free-flowering and can cover the entire plant.
Monocarpic plants simply refer to those that die after flowering. For this reason, monocarpic plants are often known as “the bloom of death.” A few succulents are monocarpic. Aeoniums and sempervivums are the two most popular varieties.
Aeoniums and sempervivums typically produce bright, stunning blooms and are monocarpic. Up until the entire plant becomes one long flower stalk, the bloom stalk emerges from the plant’s rosette’s core. The blossoms are colorful and impossible to overlook. They continue to bloom for several weeks or even months.
Aeoniums and sempervivums are plants that naturally develop offsets or baby plants around the mother plant, so if you have a few of them growing in your yard, the death may go unnoticed. The mother plant has already created a lot of young plants around it by the time it blooms. Long after the mother plant has passed away, these plants will continue to thrive and procreate, carrying the torch.
The foliage of Aeonium ‘Black Rose’ is a dark purple almost black color. The rosettes have a flower-head form. From the rosette, the plant branches out to create offsets or young plants. The flower stalk emerges from the flower head’s center to form a single, long flower stalk. The blooms can last for a long period in bloom and are often pink or yellow in hue. There is nothing you can do to stop the flower stalk from emerging once it has begun, so why not take pleasure in the process?
The aeonium known as “Blushing Beauty” is a hybrid of two distinct aeoniums. The color of the leaves can change from lime green to burgundy depending on the temperature and amount of light. By spreading out and creating offsets, the plant spreads. The blooms, like those of other aeoniums, emerge from the middle of the rosette and have a lengthy bloom stalk. The blossoms can be fairly spectacular and are often pink or yellow in hue. The mother plant, from which the flower is derived, perishes after blooming. As long as the offsets don’t blossom, they will keep expanding and procreating.
a peculiar-looking plant with what looks to be cobwebs all around it. It is a monocarpic shrub with lovely blossoms. The flowers have a lovely magenta pink hue and can last for a few weeks in bloom. There is nothing you can do to stop the plant from blooming, so just take in the beauty it creates.
There are more succulents than just these 18 that bloom. There are plenty others. There are strategies to encourage succulents to bloom, even though all succulent plants will eventually bloom. It’s important to create the ideal atmosphere for succulents to flourish. Visit my previous posts for additional information on this subject of flowering succulents: