What Are Succulents? This is a question I am asking myself. They are becoming popular in the gardening, so thought I would research information on them. WOW was I surprised that there are 60 classes of over 300 different species of succulents. So thru the days in this website I will try to get it more information and make it simpler with the different kinds of succulents.
What do you think succulents are? The first one that comes to my mind are hens and chicks (sempervivum). But there are many more. I will work on that and share with you another time the different succlents. But now answer the question what are succulents?
While succulents are increasing in popularity, many people are still unaware of these amazing plants. Succulents are a group of plants that store water in their leaves. The leaves tend to be thick and fleshy, but some genus and species have thicker leaves than others. Succulents tend to thrive in dry climates and don’t like a lot of humidity. As with any other plant, proper watering will ensure the best growth and flowering. While they do need water to survive, they can endure extended periods of drought, relying on the stored water and nutrients in their leaves. If their roots are sitting in water for too long they will start to rot and die.
Most succulents prefer warm temperatures and are not able to withstand freezing. Due to the water stored in their leaves, freezing will often result in the plant dying or getting mushy leaves. Some species of sedums and sempervivums are able to withstand temperatures below freezing, although they are still better off in warmer temperatures. Extremes in temperature as well as lack of water or sunlight can often result in a color change for succulents. Succulents tend to “blush” or turn a different color when given a shock, such as more sunlight than they are used to. Generally when succulents are lacking in sunlight they will be dull or green. When fully blushing they range in color from pinks, oranges, and purples to almost black and red. I will take pictures of the ones that we are growing now in the greenhouse, I have to say they look awesome. Pretty excited to have them for sale for you this spring. More later about succulents if you find this interesting let me know. Till next time, Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty, Iowa
What do you think succulents are? The first one that comes to my mind are hens and chicks (sempervivum). But there are many more. I will work on that and share with you another time the different succlents. But now answer the question what are succulents?
While succulents are increasing in popularity, many people are still unaware of these amazing plants. Succulents are a group of plants that store water in their leaves. The leaves tend to be thick and fleshy, but some genus and species have thicker leaves than others. Succulents tend to thrive in dry climates and don’t like a lot of humidity. As with any other plant, proper watering will ensure the best growth and flowering. While they do need water to survive, they can endure extended periods of drought, relying on the stored water and nutrients in their leaves. If their roots are sitting in water for too long they will start to rot and die.
Most succulents prefer warm temperatures and are not able to withstand freezing. Due to the water stored in their leaves, freezing will often result in the plant dying or getting mushy leaves. Some species of sedums and sempervivums are able to withstand temperatures below freezing, although they are still better off in warmer temperatures. Extremes in temperature as well as lack of water or sunlight can often result in a color change for succulents. Succulents tend to “blush” or turn a different color when given a shock, such as more sunlight than they are used to. Generally when succulents are lacking in sunlight they will be dull or green. When fully blushing they range in color from pinks, oranges, and purples to almost black and red. I will take pictures of the ones that we are growing now in the greenhouse, I have to say they look awesome. Pretty excited to have them for sale for you this spring. More later about succulents if you find this interesting let me know. Till next time, Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty, Iowa
