With more than 10,000 types, there’s a succulent for every situation, from desert backyards to an office desk and just about every locale in between. As they are naturally found in and adapted to dry, arid environments, they are extremely drought-resistant and require only minimal watering, making them a great choice for someone with an extremely busy schedule or those who travel a lot.
In fact, the main things that can harm succulents are overwatering and planting them in overly rich soil that can become easily waterlogged. A sandy, well-drained soil mix is ideal, which is why they are a popular choice in southwest landscapes. For those in other locations, such as rainy, humid Florida, where winters are warm enough for outdoor growth, the soil either needs to be amended or it may be easier to grow them in containers.
Let’s Go Shopping
The term “succulent” encompasses several categories of plants. There are many varieties of cacti, from the popular pincushion styles to the hardy prickly pear to the glamorous flowering Christmas cactus and the edible dragon fruit cactus vine.In the agave category, two popular extra-large yard specimens include blue agave (also known as the century plant), which can grow up to 10 feet wide, actually lives around 20 to 30 years, and is used to make tequila, as well as Parry’s Agave, which throws up a flower stalk as high as 20 feet tall. On the much smaller end of the spectrum, there’s Compact Queen Anne, which grows eight to 12 inches wide, and Agave Blue Glow, which stays around 10 to 16 inches in height. Or, consider a similarly styled aloe vera (Aloe spp) to add a practical, medicinal aspect to any indoor or outdoor garden.
Some other common succulents come from the Kalanchoe family, including the furry Chocolate Soldier plant (the fuzz helps them retain water), flapjack or paddle plant, and Flaming Katy with its ongoing red flowers. Popular rosette succulents include hens and chicks (Sempervivum spp) and several echeveria species available in various colors to add a bit of pop. Consider tiny leaf sedums Donkey’s Tail or Jelly Bean for small pots, hanging baskets, or in between larger plants in a container garden.
Design Dreams
The wide variety of colors, shapes, and textures of succulents means limitless design possibilities. As an example, plant several blue agave and large rocks on a gravel bed for a desert ambience, then add in some hens and chicks to make the curb appeal even more striking. Create a wellness garden filled with aloe in areas that are otherwise hard to plant, then add an edible aspect with dragon fruit draping along a fence. Or, create a succulent oasis by creating a simple circle of stones filled with a variety of different plant heights or shapes, with perhaps an upright cactus as a focal point.
Let some prolific hens and chicks explode out of an old metal bucket or drinks tin, or go vertical with rosettes and sedums in a wall-mounted planter. Fill a two- or three-tier fountain that’s not in use with low-growing plants (being sure to allow for drainage).
When gardening indoors, the same basic principles can apply, but on a smaller container-filled scale. Or opt for a single, striking choice.
Hydration and Location
While they’re low-water plants, succulents are not no-water plants. Outdoor plants need to be watered at least once a week. They may even need to be watered twice a week or more when temperatures exceed 100 degrees F. This is particularly true for succulents grown in containers, which should be watered generously until the water drips out the holes in the bottom of the pot (remember, they must be in a fast-draining soil to avoid root rot).Indoor containers can be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. The rule of thumb is that the fatter the succulent leaves, the more water they store and the less they need to be watered. Cacti are particularly susceptible to overwatering.
While cactus, agave, and other desert dwellers can grow in full, bright sun, for other succulents, partial shade is best, such as the east side of the house, where they will get at least six hours of sun but avoid the intense heat of summer in the afternoon. Some succulents will grow without bright light at all, which makes them ideal for indoor growing in an apartment or office. Aloe vera, Burro’s Tail (Sedum spp), Desert Rose (Echeveria spp), and Christmas cactus are just a few examples.
