A succulent that isn’t getting enough water and frequently when it’s in a humid climate will typically develop aerial roots. Through their roots, succulents take up water from the air around them.
Soil with big particles is crucial for the health of your succulent because of this.
Your succulent may not be getting enough water if you aren’t watering it properly, in which case it will begin to “seek for more.” At this point, aerial roots begin to develop.
Observe how the bottom of these Crassula rupestris is quite dried up and how many fresh air roots have sprouted.
The lack of sunlight has also caused this plant to become very languid. A succulent might occasionally send out air roots if it isn’t getting enough sunshine.
A succulent is more likely to produce aerial roots when it begins to spread out, though this isn’t always the case.
How come my succulent has hair?
Succulents as a whole developed in some quite hostile environments. Typically, they live in a hot, arid area where animals are clamoring to devour them. They require this tactic to safeguard them.
You’ve probably seen a lot of succulent plants with “bloom”—not flowers, but rather a layer of wax shielding them from the light.
This is typical of the genera Echeveria, Graptopetalum, and several of their hybrids. Sedum possesses it as well, and if it rubs off, the bloom and the surface of the leaf can be distinguished clearly.
Another response to excessively strong light is the evolution of a fuzzy surface. The surface of each hair will create a small amount of shade, which will somewhat cool the leaf. One kind of solar protection for plants is fine hairs.
The Kalanchoe, Echeveria, and other families of succulents contain some of the most well-known specimens that demonstrate this. There are other additional succulent plants that lack in popularity due to this characteristic, so this list is not exhaustive.
They have certain requirements, such as not being watered onto the leaves, particularly with cold water or water with a high mineral content.
When a leaf is exposed to direct sunlight, cold water droplets amplify themselves and cause damage. The plant can become exposed to direct sunlight and become scorched if the small hairs that make up the “fuzz” are broken.
So, if you have succulents with fuzzy leaves, only water them with “tempered” water, such as rainfall or air conditioner water. This will guarantee that there are no minerals present. Oh, and only water the soil’s surface, not the plant itself.
As shown in this image, getting the leaves or soil overly wet for an extended period of time can lead to numerous issues;
Other succulents will have surface textures that act to dilute and refract light, making it less powerful. See how that appears below the hedgehog iceplant.
Here are a few Latin names you can encounter if your plant is fuzzy, hairy, or thorny, just for fun:
Cilia are tiny hairs or protrusions that resemble hairs that are mostly contained within the cilia (sing. cilium); adj. ciliate
Felted refers to something that has the look or feel of felt or woollen cloth and is coated with extremely dense, coiled, and matted hairs.
An indumentum is a general term for a surface coating of scales or hairs of any type.
Why are the white hairs on my succulent growing?
If you’ve been a succulent enthusiast for a while, you may have observed that some of them start to sprout delicate white or pink roots from their stems. They are referred to as aerial roots.
But what are aerial roots exactly? Is it a symptom of a succulent that isn’t doing well?  
Learn more about aerial roots, what they represent for your succulent plants, and how to deal with them by reading on.
What are the strings that are emerging from my succulent?
In the questions individuals ask me about their plants, I frequently encounter the subject of aerial roots. It is a very common issue, and it can be extremely ominous to discover roots in unexpected places.
So let’s start by defining aerial roots. Aerial roots are those that sprout from your plants’ stems. They can seem to appear rather suddenly and are often white or pink.
Aerial roots indicate that your succulent is having some difficulty, which is not a good indication. The good news is that, with a little caution, things can typically be corrected very quickly.
Verify that your succulent is getting enough water first. Your plants may use aerial roots as a technique to reach out and seize any available moisture. Your succulent’s leaves should be full and robust; if they appear wrinkled or feel a little mushy to the touch, you may not be watering your plant enough or not deeply enough. Giving your succulents a light mist of water is insufficient; they need to be thoroughly soaked.
Lack of nutrition is another potential factor; just like people, plants require the proper nutrients to remain healthy. Now might be an excellent time to re-pot your plant if you haven’t in a few years. They’ll get some much-needed nutrients from some lovely new dirt. It’s vital to fertilize throughout the spring and summer as well. Over this period, I fertilize one per month.
To finish, make sure your plant is receiving enough light. On etiolated plants, aerial roots frequently appear. Make sure your plant is located in a well-lit area.
To prevent aerial roots, go through this list and make any necessary adjustments. If the aerial roots are unpleasant to you, you can cut them out, but make careful to identify and address the underlying problem.
My succulents are sprouting, why?
When they don’t receive enough sunshine, succulents swell out. The succulent will first begin to turn and bend in the direction of the light source.
As it grows, the leaves will spread farther apart, making the plant taller.
The leaves are often smaller and paler in color than usual. The succulent will typically turn green or lose the strength of its original color when it is not exposed to sunshine.
This Echeveria ‘Lola’ is beginning to bend toward the light, and it isn’t quite as colorful as it was when I took the photo for the post about top dressings.
The majority of the time, this will occur when succulents are cultivated indoors, but it can also occur outside when succulents are exposed to too much shadow.
How is a hairy succulent maintained?
Despite the succulent’s fuzzy leaves shielding it from the sun, avoid overexposing your plant to the sun to prevent sunburn. Additionally, watering fuzzy succulents is best done near the soil line rather than from above. Avert getting the succulent leaves’ hairy surfaces wet. It might cause decay.
Kalanchoe tomentosa
The fuzzy succulent Kalanchoe tomentosa ‘Silver Panda’ has several erect leaves that resemble bunny ears and is probably everyone’s favorite fuzzy succulent “fur. Dark chocolate marks can be seen along the leaf margins, creating a wonderful contrast. Kalanchoe tomentosa is the name of many furry cousins of “Silver Panda.” The Kalanchoe tomentosa “Chocolate Soldier” has a tan to brown tint and is green in hue. Cinnamon is more of a reddish brown tint than its name would imply. “Black Tie” has darker lines at the edges and is a lighter, brighter variant of Silver Panda. the tomentosa kalanchoe “Teddy Bear is just as cute as it sounds. It has shorter, rounder, fluffy tan leaves that form loose rosettes, and the leaf margins have cinnamon-to-chocolate patterns. You can divide any Kalanchoe tomentosa plant by taking stem cuttings or leaf scraps.
All Kalanchoe tomentosa species prefer bright, indirect light that ranges from partial sun. All are only hardy to zone 10 (30 F, -1 C), therefore keep them inside during the winter to prevent them from freezing. They can thrive indoors all year long provided there is enough light.
Echeveria setosa
The attractive Echeveria setosa has noticeable hairs that give it a fuzzy appearance. This fuzzy succulent’s hairs also help to collect dew from the air, allowing the plant to extract every last drop of moisture from its surroundings. Only 4 inches broad and 3 inches tall, the rosettes are still quite little. When setosa is used into mixed succulent plantings, the silky, flexible hairs create a fascinating texture. Don’t be put off by the hairy leaves; E. setosa can also be multiplied via leaves, just like any Echeveria.
Echeveria setosa thrives in filtered shade to partial sun. Only zone 10 (30 F, -1 C) is where it is hardy, so protect it over the winter.
Sedum dasyphyllum
The Sedum dasyphyllum ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ plant grows fat small rosettes with teeny, delicate hairs covering them. In order to create a lovely, trailing plant, this hairy succulent creates dense mats that will spill over the edge of a container. It is a pretty hanging succulent that only grows to a height of 3 to 4 inches. I’ve seen a single rosette utilized to great effect as a “shrub in a fairy garden! Successful methods of propagation for Sedum dasyphyllum include leaf division, stem cuttings, and division.
To zone 8B, Sedum dasyphyllum is hardy and thrives in direct sunlight (15 F, -9C). In mild areas, plants that are cold tolerant offer protection during extremely harsh winters.
Senecio haworthiiCocoon Plant
The cocoon plant or woolly Senecio (syn Caputia tomentosa) is the common name for Senecio haworthii. The white, fluffy succulent leaves resemble a collection of cocoons hiding a plethora of butterflies. With numerous, woody, and branching stems, this plant grows into a tiny shrub that is between 9 and 12 inches tall. In the garden or in mixed arrangements, the color is striking and calming. Using stem cuttings or other methods, expand your collection of cocoon plants. Growing new leaves on a plant is known as propagation, pronounced PRAH-puh-gate.
Senecio haworthii thrives in bright indoor light and full sun, although it is only hardy to 10 degrees (30 F, -1 C). Bring it indoors during the winter to keep it from freezing.
Sempervivum ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’
Do you recall the kids’ song Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear? That was something I simply adored as a kid, and Sempervivum Fuzzy Wuzzy has won my heart! Trichomes in profusion around the leaf margins give them a fuzzy appearance. Throughout the year, the green rosettes turn pink and golden. Unexpectedly, this sempervivum is particularly susceptible to cresting, which results in gorgeous curls and shapes. This fuzzy succulent, sometimes known as hens and chicks, is under 3 inches tall and makes a great succulent groundcover. To multiply Fuzzy Wuzzy, separate the “chicks” from the “hens.”
The ideal conditions for Sempervivum Fuzzy Wuzzy are full to partial sun. It is resilient to zone 5, or -15F/-26C. This is a wise choice for regions with harsh winters.
Cotyledon tomentosa “Bear Paws
Cotyledon tomentosa is a cute, fuzzy succulent with leaves that resemble a bear’s paws. See the tiny claws or toes? The little, pink to brown points on the circular, chubby leaves are arranged in a sequence. This contains “tomentosa” in the name, which means “covered in hairs,” just like the first thing on our list. These paws are irresistible for caressing! Be gentle; they grow successfully from leaf as well as stem cuttings. The leaves pop off rather easily. The plant is really adorable and grows 6 to 8 tall!
Cotyledon Bear Paws thrive in filtered outdoor or bright indoor light. It is only hardy to zone 10 (30 F, -1 C), therefore in the winter, take cautious to prevent it from freezing.
Echeveria pulvinata”Chenille Plant
Green leaves with striking red borders grow in rosettes on the attractive Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’ plant. It seems silvered due to the short, velvety trichomes that cover it. In contrast to the majority of Echeveria, pulvinata likes to grow woody branches that reach a height of 9–12 inches. The “chenille plant” can be multiplied by employing stem cuttings and individual leaves.
Echeveria pulvinata prefers full to partial sun for optimum growth. E. pulvinata, which is hardy to zone 10 (-30 F, -1 C), needs protection from cold.
Kalanchoe orgyalis ‘Copper Spoons’
The beautiful variation Kalanchoe orgyalis “Copper Spoons” has velvety leaves that are richly cinnamon-colored on top and silvery-white underneath. This attractive, fluffy succulent can reach a height of 12 inches or more. Mixed succulent arrangements benefit from the fantastic color and texture added by Copper Spoons. Use individual leaves or stem cuttings to propagate Copper Spoons.
Give Copper Spoons access to strong, filtered light for optimal effectiveness. In the winter, Kalanchoe orgyalis needs protection from freezing because it is only hardy to zone 10 (30 F, -1 C).
Crassula congesta
Crassula congesta is another preferred succulent for mixed succulent arrangements. With clusters of chubby leaves that are flat on one side and circular on the other, stems grow to a height of 6 to 8 inches. The congesta’s green leaves have a “frosted appearance” due to the tiny, fuzzy hairs. Simple to grow from stem and leaf cuttings, this will quickly become a favorite in your collection.
Indoors, bright light and filtered or partial sun are optimal for Crassula congesta growth. During the winter, bring it inside. It only survives in zone 10. (30 F, -1 C).
Cyanotis somaliensisPussy Ears
The strange and furry succulent Cyanotis somaliensis is also known as “pussy ears,” “kitten ears,” and “furry kittens.” It develops trailing stems and reaches heights of 12 to 18 inches. It grows beautifully in a hanging basket. Kitten ears produce flamboyant violet flowers that are closely related to Tradescantia. The best way to spread this fuzzy succulent is through stem cuttings.
Provide filtered sunlight or bright artificial lighting for Cyanotis somaliensis. It should spend the winter indoors in most climates since it is only hardy to zone 10 (30 F, -1 C).
Delosperma echinatumPickle Plant
The plump, green leaves of Delosperma echinatum have tiny, spiny-looking hairs that give the plant a prickly appearance and an unusual texture. This simple-to-grow succulent, sometimes known as the pickle plant, is indigenous to rocky settings in South Africa. The pickle plant is perfect for rock gardens and spilling over the edge of containers because it grows to a height of 6 to 8 inches. Use individual leaves or stem cuttings to propagate the plant.
Delosperma echinatum flourishes indoors under light conditions ranging from filtered to partial sunlight. The pickle plant should be taken indoors during the winter since it is only hardy to zone 10 (30 F, -1 C).
Echeveria Doris Taylor
Among all fuzzy succulents, Echeveria Doris Taylor is one of the most exquisite. The small, floppy trichomes give the rosettes the look of silvered frost, giving rise to the common name “woolly rose.” It is a hybrid of the previously mentioned Echeveria setosa and pulvinata, and it produces numerous offsets. The young succulents that emerge at the base quickly and develop into long clumps are known as succulent offsets. Large rosettes can be up to 8 inches broad and 3-5 inches tall. Dorish Taylor propagates admirably via individual leaves, like the majority of Echeveria.
Partially to slightly filtered sun is ideal for Echeveria Doris Taylor. Only zone 10 (30 F, -1 C) is where it is hardy, so be sure to keep it from freezing throughout the winter.
Plectranthus tomentosaVicks Plant
A fuzzy succulent known as Plectranthus tomentosa is sometimes known as “Cuban oregano” or “succulent coleus.” It belongs to the mint family and has velvety leaves with a camphor-like mint aroma, hence the common name Vicks plant. Green leaves with scalloped edges get a silvery sheen from the tiny trichome fluff. The Vicks plant can reach a height of 12 inches or more and bear a profusion of eye-catching lavender blossoms. Use individual leaves or stem cuttings to propagate your plant.
In full sun, Plectranthus tomentosa flourishes. Bring it indoors during the winter to prevent it from freezing. It only survives in zone 10. (30 F, -1 C).
Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Fang’
The interesting plant Kalanchoe beharensis ‘Fang’ is also known as the “owing to its broad, fuzzy succulent leaves, feeling plant. The leaves are silvery green below and light tan with bronze highlights on the top. On the underside of the leaves, peculiar tubercles that resemble teeth grow, giving rise to the name “Fang. Fang can reach heights of 3 feet and a width of 2 feet when grown in the ground, but it can be readily contained in a container at just 9 to 12 inches tall. Although mature plants produce clusters of reddish-orange, hairy blossoms, the plant is primarily grown for its cool leaves. Individual leaves can be used to grow fang, although stem cuttings are more dependable.
Kalanchoe beharensis grows in a variety of lighting conditions, including indoors and in full sun. It can withstand a lot of heat, but it is sensitive to cold. Fang needs be carried indoors over the winter since it is only hardy to zone 10 (30 F, -1 C).
Crassula mesembryanthemoides
Crassula mesembryanthemoides, the final of the list’s hairy succulents, is a native of South Africa. The plant’s fuzzy succulent leaves with ft-long, white trichomes that give it a frosty appearance. Over 12 inches tall, well-branched woody stems are present. Utilize individual leaves or stem cuttings for reproduction.
The optimal conditions for Crassula mesembryanthemoides growth inside are bright light or partial to filtered sun. Since it is only hardy to zone 10, bring it indoors for the winter (30 F, -1 C).
Whew! You have it now! The history of fuzzy succulents, how to care for them, and my favourite 15 kinds. Would you think there are even more fuzzy succulents at Mountain Crest Gardens? How do you feel? If you could tell me in a quick comment, that would be wonderful! Have your favorites been included? Have you recently met someone you’d like to get to know better? Please let me know, and I’ll respond straight away!
P.S. Please subscribe if you’d want more detailed advice on caring for succulents! My free e-course, 7 Steps to Succulent Success, will also be sent to you! I’m hoping you’ll like it!
P.P.S. Would you consider joining my Facebook group for cactus lovers? We discuss design, identification, propagation, and care of succulents. They’re a friendly bunch who would love to meet you!
P.P.S. Would you consider joining my Facebook group for cactus lovers? We discuss the maintenance, growth, id, and design of succulents. They’re a friendly bunch who would love to meet you!