Flowers and plants come in different shapes and sizes, species and categories. The study of botany is an exercise in finding out just how much each plant species and type is special, how they affect us and how they affect our surroundings. Each of them can be used for various things; in medicinal and cosmetic purposes, for aesthetic purposes, for food, and so on. Amongst these, we can single out the plants known as succulents. Succulents are very fascinating plants indeed, as evidenced by information gotten from Succulents Planet. To understand succulents and learn to take care of them, one has to first understand where they come from and the kind of features that make them so special. For more information on how to plant succulent cuttings and take care of you succulents read below.
What are succulents
Succulents belong under a special kind of plant category known as xerophytes. These special plants are known for their ability to adapt in conditions where water is scare. This is significant, seeing as two of the most basic needs for most plants to grow are indeed, sunlight and water. Succulents, like the name implies, are indeed fleshy and pulpy, due to their development of certain structures and tissues that help them to maintain a water balance and store water. These plants are adapted for life in dry lands, like deserts or very temperate regions. It is worthy of note, however, that not all xerophytes are succulents; there are other ways of dealing with scarcity of water than developing pulpy swollen leaves or stems for storing water. Some xerophytes have rolled-up leaves, some have hair to trap moist hair, and so on. It is also worthy of note that there are succulents that typically do not fit into the definition of “xerophyte”, some actually do live in places where water is abundant. A lot of people that are fascinated by these plants cultivate them as a hobby. Some are medicinal, but most of the time, these plants are cultivated because of their aesthetic rewards.
Tips to taking care of your succulents
Taking care of your succulents is an easy task, but care should be taken lest one falls into the trap of thinking they are too easy to take care of, leading to their neglect and dying off. These tips would help you:
- Give them just enough sunlight
The two major needs for most plants to grow are water and sunlight. Succulents should be exposed to sunlight to help them get the needed nutrients but care should be taken so they do not “overdose”. Sunlight is important but it is not unheard of for young succulents to be scorched by over-exposure. It is best if the new plants are exposed a little at a time and then not too directly.
- Give the plants their water appropriately
Like elucidated before, succulents have tissues for storing water so water would not be a big deal most of the time. It is however very important to water them, and it should be direct only. Spraying water on the leaves can cause them to become weak and fragile. so if you see your succulents having black little spots on them, it means you need to water more carefully to avoid rot. You are to add water directly to the soil until it runs out of the drainage holes of your pot.
- Drainage is important
Using a plant pot with drainage is the best for growing succulent plants. This is obvious because they can store most of their own water in their tissues, so leaving them to “marinate” in excess water or waterlogged soil would cause damage to them in the future. If your pot lacks good drainage, you are to add less water than you would have used otherwise.
- Pest control
Most succulents are indoor plants and therefore pests are not a problem… well, most of the time. Some insects like gnats and mealybugs are drawn to succulents planted in soul that is moist or does not have a proper drainage system, and plants that are over fertilized. 70% Isopropyl alcohol would deal with most pests in this case.
