What type of plants are succulents?
By definition, succulent plants are drought resistant plants in which the leaves, stem, or roots have become more than usually fleshy by the development of water-storing tissue. Other sources exclude roots as in the definition “a plant with thick, fleshy and swollen stems and/or leaves, adapted to dry environments”.
What is so special about succulents?
Succulent plants have a unique adaptation that enables them to tolerate limited watering better than most houseplants. Their thick, fleshy leaves and stems, as well as their enlarged roots, allow them to retain water so that they do not need watering as frequently as other plants. The leaves pucker or shrink.
Where do succulents grow in the world?
ANNE: Succulents are indigenous to many parts of the world and are seen under many different conditions. Typically, they come from Africa, Central America, the European Alps, South America and South Africa. One native succulent frequently sold in local nurseries is the Dudleya (common name Sea Lettuce).
Why succulents are dying?
Since watering is the usual cause for their decay, you should determine if the plant has been over or under watered. If the stem is mushy or rotting, it’s probably overwatered. If the leaves are puckered, the plant needs more water. Don’t worry if there are dry, dying leaves at the base.
What to do with a dying succulent?
Dig the succulent out of the soil and remove excess soil stuck to the roots, cut off any brown/black roots as these are rotten already. Leave the plant on a mesh or any kind of strainer till the roots have air dried from anywhere two to three days. When the roots are dry completely, plant them back in the pot.
When should succulents be watered?
Succulents should be watered only when the soil has dried out completely. There is no universal watering schedule that works for every succulent in every climate. Many indoor succulent growers find that watering 14-21 days is a good frequency to keep their succulents alive.
What do I do when my succulent gets too tall?
The simple solution is to move the plant to a southern exposure. But this still leaves that leggy party. Fortunately, leggy succulent plants can be topped, removing the part that is too tall and allowing new shoots to form and develop into a more compact plant.