These cute and plump plants seem to be popular for gift giving ideas. If you have been gifted one, now suddenly you become the owner of a plant, you may not even want. However, not wanting to offend your guest you accept them and then decide you have no idea where to put them or even take care of them. I found myself in this situation being gifted on of these by a family member who brought it home and left in in my care.
The first mistake I made was to place it on the windowsill. That didn’t work out in my favour as the leaves started falling off and the second option was to move it to another location which didn’t prevent the leaves from falling during the move. I realized that these were very delicate plants that needed to be handled with the uttermost care. Needless to say, the end of that plant was not good. What was lacking on my part was a good understanding of how to care for succulents which is necessary to sustain them.
Understanding their Origins
History tells the story of the plant to become better acquainted and familiar it is best to know something about their environment. Understanding this helps with the adjustment involved and teaches us lessons about how to take better care of them. Succulents can be found in some areas of South Africa. The climate is ideal for their growth, The area is known to have arid and semi-arid conditions and aids in the assistance of their growth producing limited precipitation on an annual basis which helps to create a hot and dry area during the summer months. Expect cooler temperatures for the winter season. As a result of this plants have become adaptable to these conditions and produces various species of the succulent plants that we cherish in our homes and gardens today.
What makes them unique is the ability to store moisture in their leaves and they are able to survive and become drought tolerant. Due to these dry conditions the soil is generally consisting of layers of sand, gravel and stones.
There are many varieties of succulents grown in countries like South America, The United States of America and in Europe. They have also become adaptable to various temperature and therefore considered hardy.
Taking Care of Succulents
Now that we understand a bit about the conditions as given in the example of South Africa then we need to think how I make my plant think it is in the same environment.
Place the plant in a container with similar soil type of sand, gravel and stones. Putting them in a soil type that is moist and holds water will not be good for them. It needs to be in a well-drained soil. Next allow the plant to receive as much sunshine as possible. It needs bright direct sunlight. If placed in an environment with indirect sunlight it may not be able to survive.
Water the plant in the summer based on the temperature for extreme heat, water between one or two times per week if required and at least once in the winter depending on the humidity in your home. You should be able to see if water is needed by placing your fingers in the pot to test the moisture level. As these plants are able to keep moisture in their leaves you should not need to water them as frequently as other plants. They don’t require much fertilization.
Succulents like most plants are susceptible to bugs like spider mites which have the ability to destroy the plant by removing the nutrients from the plant and destroying it. Checking the plant frequently is recommended to prevent infestation. If you do have an infestation isolate the plant and spray with a mild soap solution and being cautious to avoid the delicate leaves from falling off.
Varieties of Succulents
Delosperma Sphalmanthoides
A cold hardy succulent that is non-invasive and is the perfect solution if you are planning on designing a rock garden for your back or even the front yard. The area will be adorned with purple flowers that will spread over the rocks creating an enhancement of the stones with colour and beauty. Beneath the flowers they have chubby green leaves that reminds me of an underwater experience in the ocean with corals.
They are especially beautiful if planted on a hillside for all to see and enjoy. They would be the perfect solution if you have a garden on a slope or you are making a rock garden. Usually with outdoor pools they are accompanied by rocks as part of their landscape, this would be a great addition to add to the outdoor space. They require full sunshine and a sandy gravel mix which should keep them quite happy.
Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum
Know is the ice plant and native to Southern Europe and South Africa. Expect this plant to thrive in a sandy and gravel environment. It requires a lot of direct sunlight and enjoys this light throughout the entire day. It is a drought-tolerant plant and will need a minimum amount of water. It blooms in colours of pink, yellow orange, red and purple. A very close resemblance to the daisy plant.
This plant can also be found along the coastline of California and have been used for landscaping. It also makes a great addition to the garden and can be grown in pots and placed at front entrances creating bright colours as entrances to any front door. What makes these plants attractive for your landscaping ideas is the variety of colours they bring to add a touch of vibrance to any area.
Dudleya Caespitosa
This succulent is found along the coastline of California and like most of these plants they are usually found in rocky or sandy soil. There are many species of this beautiful plant and gives you the option of selecting which one is suitable for your own space. Expect them to do well in rocky or sandy soil as they are usually found in countries like Mexico. They are a silver-grey with their flowers blooming in colours of white yellow and red. This is sure to stand out in your garden space or even as a potted plant. They are lovely rosette forming succulents that will grow over two or three feet tall. The plant is quite stunning. Careful planning will be needed for this succulent not to overpower the other plants in the garden. It could also be placed in a planter on a deck or front porch area or even an entry way. It is a drought -tolerant plant and require a minimum of water for survival. This plant will enhance your rock garden space with class and beauty.
Using Succulents to Enhance your Small Space
If you have considered downsizing from you large home or if you are a first time homeowner this could be the perfect solution to avoid too much clutter. It seems that no matter how much we try to declutter the space somethings just keep crawling back into our homes. Investing in plants that will not be too overpowering for the space will help. Making use of the vertical space by hanging the plants in a planter or placing them as wall art is useful and creative. Instead of hanging too many pictures on the wall, this is a creative way to showcase different succulents which will add colour and textures to the space. Take advantage of any furniture that is in the space to add these plants like bookshelves, center pieces, end tables or any furniture that could use added charm. In the long run you will notice that the space now has charm and beauty without the feel of being overwhelmingly cluttered.
Creative Ways to Use Succulents
- Enhance your bouquet by adding succulents for either bridal or as your main center piece to create style and beauty.
- Add to hanging baskets to blend with your selections of plants to create variety and enhance your space with its uniqueness.
- Box planters are a great addition to any backyard, windows, porches and outdoor gardens. Succulents are a great way to keep them in their own space to showcase their beauty.
- Design your unique piece by using driftwood and adding a variety of succulent to make your own creation.
- Terrariums are a wonderful way to showcase these plants in its own eco system.
- Design your own garden space to creating mini gardens where they are featured like along the path leading into the garden or below trees to create beauty in the garden space.
- Include them in wreaths for hanging and as the seasons change this is a great way to enhance your front door with a variety of colours.
Succulents to Accentuate your Indoor Space
- Echeveria Agavoides A native plant to Mexico and although this plant will be just as beautiful in landscapes especially for rock gardens. It is also great for your indoor garden space and is quite popular for many gardeners. The succulent produces green leaves with pink tip and forms rosettes with red flowers. Succulents have been known to live for a long time which is also dependent on the care that it is given. As with most succulents a lot of sunlight is essential for their growth.
- Echeveria Ebony This succulent was selected for it beautiful leaves with enhanced tips of burgundy which eventually becomes more dominant in the plant. A great addition to any indoor space. Keeping it away from extreme cold weather is recommended. It requires enough sunshine during the daytime and a well-drained soil is essential for its growth.
- Echeveria Lovely Rose The example of a perfect rose formation as it resembles the rose plant. It is a small plant worth investing in for your indoor space. The leaves are a silver-green colour and makes the perfect center piece for your home. Water the plant only when required which will be once per week depending on the temperature and humidity. Keeping it in a well-drained soil is essential to avoid root rot.
- Echeveria Agavoides Celestia Found in areas of Mexico. This succulent may begin having green leaves which eventually change to a burgundy colour and is a beautiful plant to have in the space. In the springtime the plant will bloom small flowers. Place this plant anywhere to accent any space which needs a splash in colour. Full sunlight works best for this plant and a good drainage soil.
Create Beauty with These Succulents to your Outdoor Space
In general, most succulents are best suited for a hot climate, and we sometimes have the ability to create the right environment in order for them to grow even though they have been removed from their natural habitat. By careful selecting those that have a better survival rate, we can create the same surroundings and the plant will thrive. I have selected some succulents that are able to do well in your outdoor garden space.
- Sedum Morganianum or Burro’s Tail This native plant from the regions of Mexico and Honduras is an ideal plant for a hanging basket. What is unique about this plant is the formation of the leaves which are gives the illusion of a braded pattern and with colours of bluish green, it will make an excellent choice for any outdoor garden space. The plant can be placed in a hanging basket and the leaves will cascade over the container creating beauty for the space. Great for trailing and because the plant is low growing it can be added as an accent to a stand along planter and especially for rock gardens. No need to be concerned about too much water as it is drought resistant plant. It will not be able to tolerate the freezing temperatures.
- Creeping Sedums or Creeping Stone Crop If you are looking for a plant to use as a border or a plant that will look beautiful in a hanging basket, this plant fits that category. It is drought-tolerant and blooms flowers in colours of red, white, pink and yellow. A compliment to any plant that you may already have selected to be a companion with. Expect to place this pant in full sunshine and a well- drained soil.
- Agave Blue Flame An evergreen succulent producing blue-green leaves. Makes an excellent choice for borders and will grow up to 3 feet in height. It is drought-tolerant and require some sunshine to survive. Keep the plant in a sandy and well drained soil. It will not be able to survive in extreme cold weather.
Making the Best Choice
There is a good chance you may have already decided which succulent you want to invest in based on your own person criteria. Some are more suitable for outdoor and other for your indoor space. There are succulents that are susceptible to pests while others are able to keep most of them away. Some plants require excessive amount of sunshine while others have become adaptable to their new environment and can tolerate shade. Learning is a continued process and as you take care of them there are lessons your own plant will teach you and you will be able to advise others on how to care for them.
In making these decisions having some information that is helpful is a start and as you continue to research and experiment with different plants. This information will help to increase your knowledge and the outcome will be a much healthier plant and a better environment in which they can grow.