Succulents

Botanical name: Succulents

Common name: Aloe, Echeveria, Kalanchoe, Pilea, Sansevieria

Origin: Arid regions in Africa, North and Central America

Care

Soil: Succulents should be potted in a quick-draining mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. You can also choose to pot your succulents in a terracotta or clay planter to help with soil drainage. The porous nature of the materials will help draw moisture out of the soil and help your succulents avoid root rot.

Light: Succulents prefer bright light when kept indoors or outdoors and should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. In nature, these plants thrive in desert environments where there is plenty of light, so providing similar amounts of light is essential for these plants. You can watch their leaves for an indication that the level of light exposure you are giving them is correct - some species will burn if suddenly exposed to too much direct sunlight.

Water: Allow the soil to dry completely before watering a succulent. Be sure to empty the saucer of the pot so the plant isn't sitting in standing water. Over watering and the resulting plant rot is the most common cause of "death" of a succulent. During the winter, when the plants are dormant, reduce watering to once a month. Avoid spraying the plant with water, because the water that will remain on its leaves can damage them.

Temperature: Average room temperature is good for succulents. Ideally, succulents prefer temperatures during the day between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and at night between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.

Humidity: Succulents are suitable for dry climates and prefer environments with low humidity. It is usually best to avoid placing succulents in rooms with high humidity, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Exposure to high humidity can cause problems for your plant and can lead to leaf loss.

Fertilizer: During the growing season use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month to promote new growth and for some varieties even maintain vibrant colors and blooms. Stop fertilizing completely during the winter.

Toxicity: Some types of succulents can cause skin irritations.

Did you know this? Succulents breathe in a different way than other plants. It is called the CAM cycle and is directly related to water economy. Their stomata open at night and remain closed during the day, unlike other plant species. Thus CO2 is captured at night by the stomata and during the day it is used for photosynthesis and oxygen production.

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