There is a vast variety of succulents and cacti in terms of their sizes, colors, textures, and shapes. We can readily find a wide range of different sorts and species from all over the world today because of their appeal.
These plants are cherished for their distinctive traits, in addition to their beauty and carefree nature. Are cacti and succulents the same thing? How should these plants be cared for? Are they worthwhile to collect? Can I cultivate them inside? These issues, along with many others, will be covered.
What are succulents?
A group of plants known as succulents or succulent plants have tissues that can store water. Succulent plants can withstand droughts. They have evolved to withstand the extreme aridity. Typically, the leaves, stems, or roots of these plants serve as water reservoirs.
The Latin word sucus, which means juice or sap, is where the word succulent first appeared. Their leaves typically have a meaty, plump, and thick texture to assist them conserve water and reduce water loss.
Are cacti succulents?
There can be some confusion because cacti and succulents are sometimes classed together and other times they are not. A distinct subset of the succulent genus is the cactus or cacti. One of the largest families of succulents in the world is the cactus family, or Cactaceae.
The Greek word kaktos, which means spiky plant, is where the term “cactus” originates. Cacti belong to the succulent family because they are fleshy plants that can store water. This class of plants is notable for its fleshy stems that act as water reservoirs, prickly or hairy coating, and scant, if any, leaves.
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These distinguishing features make cacti nearly instantly recognizable solely by their outward appearance. In general, all succulents are termed succulents, however not all cacti are called succulents. However, depending on your information source, meanings and terminologies may change.
Cacti are frequently left out of the succulent category by horticulturists. However, for the vast majority of us who enjoy succulents or cultivate them as a hobby, these distinctions in definitions and classifications are not particularly significant.
Where are they from?
Succulents can be found in their natural environments all over the world. They have a diverse and extensive range of habitats, and they frequently live where no one else would. From Africa to North and South America, the majority originate in arid regions, deserts, and semi-deserts. Other species are found in mountainous areas and rain forests.
These plants have become exceptionally resilient and adaptive to environmental conditions that are typically too harsh for other plants to survive, such as high temperatures and low precipitation. Natural habitats for some succulents include arid lakes and seashores, which, because to their high concentrations of dissolved minerals, can be harmful to other plant species.
How do you care for a succulent plant?
I adore succulents, and they require little maintenance. Succulent plants require less maintenance than other types of plants. Your succulent will flourish as long as you take care of the three fundamental factors.
Generally speaking, to properly care for your succulent plant. You want adequate sunlight, not long stretches of intense sunlight. Succulents require soil that drains properly, or soil that doesn’t retain water. And enough fertilizer for your plant to develop new leaves and roots.
Are succulents indoor plants?
Both inside and outside, I have succulents. There are succulents almost everywhere. There are a few things you should watch out for when keeping succulents indoors in order to ensure their success.
As long as they are placed close to a window, succulents can flourish indoors. By the window, succulents do not require direct sunshine. For optimal lighting, place them on a south-facing window. If grown indoors, succulents require far less water, so make sure the soil you use drains effectively.
Do succulents need sun?
Almost all plants require sunlight to survive. Succulents are no exception. But it’s crucial to comprehend how much sunlight a succulent requires to not just survive, but also develop.
The majority of succulents can withstand modest sun exposure—roughly 6 hours per day. Before exposing your succulent to the entire six hours of sunlight, you typically need to gradually adapt them to the sun.
How often do you water succulents?
All plants will die without water, but sometimes it’s difficult to remember to water your plants each day to ensure their survival. Fortunately, succulents don’t require a lot of water, but you still need to take care not to overwater them.
As a general rule, water your succulents when the soil feels dry and wait until the soil is totally dry before watering again. You can avoid root rot by using a soil that drains efficiently so that your succulent doesn’t spend the entire day sitting in moist soil.
How can I find affordable succulents?
If you don’t buy succulents from the appropriate source, you may experience issues. Because succulents can be pricey, you don’t want to purchase a plant that is injured or infected. Success with succulents depends on knowing where to acquire them. After purchasing a starting set, you can learn how to re-grow your succulents so that you will always have an abundance of your own.
Ikea
Unbelievably, Ikea has an excellent range of reasonably priced succulents. They have sold me many succulents that had young succulents sprouting from the sides. BONUS! The plants have been strong and their pricing are excellent. One more good reason to love Ikea! Additionally, while you are there, look at their pots as well. They provide some extremely adorable and inexpensive solutions.
Amazon
What can’t you purchase on Amazon? It turns out that you can purchase some really awesome succulents on Amazon! You may have a vast selection of succulents delivered to your door for less than $2 per plant plus prime shipping. If you’re just getting started and unsure of which variety you want to work with, this is ideal!
The Succulent Source
I’ve only heard great things about the Succulent Source. The succulent selection at this family-owned business is incredible. Every conceivable size and shape. Even the youngsters help the succulents grow! I adore it. Go now and look them up.
Be sure to adhere to the care recommendations after you have your succulents. Check out these typical explanations for why your succulents are dying if you start to experience any problems. Also, if you manage to get your hands on one of those fantastic succulent species, check out this too-cute for words concept for an indoor succulent garden!
When ought I to purchase succulents?
Although they enjoy the heat, succulents actually grow more slowly in the summer. It can be challenging for newcomers to water them during the intense summer heat.
Winter presents additional challenges for people who are new to cultivating succulents because the frigid temperatures can harm or even kill them.
You will discover that most places have a better selection and healthier plants if you shop for succulents in the warmer (but not the warmest) months because there is a higher turnover of them then and the supply is always fresh.
Succulents grow best in the spring and fall, so now is an excellent time to buy them. It offers you a chance to become accustomed to their care before the onset of either the extremely hot or extremely cold weather.
Are succulents suitable as houseplants?
Consider succulents if you desire for indoor greenery but have had trouble growing houseplants. They make pleasant house visitors and can easily endure interior circumstances.
They have unique characteristics that help them thrive in dry indoor conditions.
expanded roots, thick stems, or fleshy leaves that enable plants to store water. Cacti, which are a kind of succulent, are well known to the majority of people. But a variety of other plants grown primarily for their eye-catching foliage also belong to the succulent family.
Succulents have remarkable textures and strong, angular leaf shapes that make them become living sculptures for interior spaces. They are excellent indoor plants since they can thrive in dry environments. Many houseplants do not thrive because dwellings, especially in the winter, provide their inhabitants with dry interior air. A houseplant’s enemy is low relative humidity. However, because they can store water, succulents can withstand dry air without suffering unpleasant consequences.
Learn how to take care of succulents inside and how to grow these low-maintenance plants.
How frequently do succulents need to be watered?
During the months that are not winter, when the temperature is above 40 degrees, you should water your succulents every other week. You should only water your succulent once a month in the winter (when the temperature falls below 40 degrees), as it goes dormant at this period.
A few situations constitute an exception to this rule. Because their tiny leaves can’t hold as much water as other varieties with larger leaves, some varieties of succulents need to be watered more frequently. In the non-winter months, feel free to give these small leaf succulents a water if they appear to be thirsty. When they are thirsty, succulents generally exhibit a wrinkled appearance. But always keep in mind that being underwater is preferable to being overwater.
Are succulent plants light-required?
1. Ensure that your succulents receive adequate light. Depending on the type, succulents need six hours of sunlight each day because they are light-loving plants. You might need to gradually expose newly planted succulents to full sun exposure or give shade with a translucent screen because they can burn in direct sunshine.
What advantages do succulent plants have?
Here are seven advantages of indoor succulent gardening:
- In every climate, they may enliven a house.
- They could aid in air filtration.
- Your home’s humidity is improved by them.
- They can improve the air quality in your environment.
- They can help you focus better.
- They can make you more tolerant of pain.
- They Strengthen Memory
What You’ll Need:
- slicing shears
- gardening mitts (for handling spiny varieties)
- a little trowel
- potting soil for cacti and succulents
- jars with sufficient drainage holes
Remove Some Leaves or Behead
Take a few leaves at random from your succulent plant, gently twisting each one off the stem without breaking it.
These can be cut off the bottom of the stem, which will be discarded, when it begins to grow lanky.
To remove a specific leaf from a plant, such as a Christmas cactus, you might need to use scissors.
If you’re “beheading,” cut the stem of the plant head cleanly with your scissors or clippers about an inch below the lower leaves.
Plant
When roots start to form, either choose a site in your garden that is ideal for planting or fill well-draining containers of your choosing with potting material.
Sunshine and well-drained soil are ideal for succulent growth. They get paler in the absence of sunlight, and they decompose in excess moisture.
When the sun is less powerful, such as in the early morning or late afternoon, plant in a sunny location.
To lift the cuttings above the edge of your container or garden surface, pile dirt higher. To stabilize the roots, gently tamp the earth down; do not water.
Water and Feed
It’s time to buy a succulent/cactus food at this stage, such as Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food, which is sold on Amazon. administer as directed by the manufacturer.
Succulents can also be propagated via cuttings that are placed on top of potting soil and allowed to callus off so they can root themselves in the soil.
How do I choose a robust succulent?
This is the first of two posts that will show you how to cultivate and take care of succulents with ease. If you hadn’t already deduced from our Instagram page, our favorite plants are succulents. If you only take a few simple steps, they’re extremely simple to develop and maintain. On Thursday, we’ll share with you some tips that will enable you to go above and beyond today’s lesson on selecting and cultivating healthy succulents.
Pick a plant that appears happy and healthy first. When choosing a succulent, go for one with thick, pert, green leaves. This is the simplest method of determining whether the succulent you are choosing is nutritious. The plant isn’t necessarily going to die right away if its leaves are brown, wilted, or drooping, but it is demonstrating that it hasn’t been properly cared for. Pick a plant that is already healthy to bring home to ensure success.
You might come across a plant that has been painted or has ornaments (like a face) pasted on it; this is one of the more recent trends in succulents. Although this is partly a question of taste, I would advise against buying these plants. The plant may not be able to absorb enough sunlight if the leaves are painted, and decorations that are glued on may cover or harm the leaves.
One thing to keep in mind concerning succulents is that a change in color does not necessarily indicate a problem with the plant. To produce stress colors, some farmers purposefully underwater or overexpose their plants to sun. These colors also don’t signal that the plant is in imminent danger, but rather something for more expert growers to try. Additionally, if you purchase a plant that is displaying stress colors, it can return to green quickly after you bring it home and give it the right care.
Pick the appropriate soil. Get a decent, well-draining soil for your plants if you wish to cultivate succulents or cacti. A pre-made mix or a homemade version are also options. The majority of gardening shops and nurseries sell this, and they may assist you in finding one according on how you care for your plants or even one built just for your area. There are many internet guides that can assist you if you wish to make your own.
Choose a pot that drains well. You’ll need a pot or planter that aids in water drainage once you’ve got your plant and your well-draining soil. Choose a plant that either has a drainage hole in the bottom or is in a pot made of unglazed ceramic to assist wick away moisture.
Ensure that they receive adequate sunlight. Keep in mind that succulents thrive naturally in sunny deserts and adore the sun! Make sure your plants receive enough sunlight whether you keep them inside or outside. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it will begin to become “leggy or change color, which is a clue that it needs more. In order to give my succulents enough of the frequencies of light they require to remain healthy in the winter, I replicate sunlight with a grow lamp. I have an Amazon-purchased LED grow light, a clamp light, and a Wemo programmable plug that I can monitor remotely and change depending on how well my plants are doing.
Use little water. Keep in mind that the majority of succulents and cacti are native to the desert and thrive there. Their large, water-storing leaves developed so the plants could survive in the desert. The majority of succulent plants killed unintentionally by growers were overwatered. When you water your plants, make sure the soil is well saturated and let them dry completely in between waterings. If the leaves on your plants start to seem mushy or translucent, you’ve overwatered them.
Be tolerant. Although it can seem a little too easy, be patient! Because succulents are plants, any adjustments you make to make your plant healthy can take a few days or even weeks to take effect.