Succulents - Other

Plant family

- others -

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Germination temperature

20 – 25 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

10 cm

Row spacing

200 cm

Seeding depth

0.2 cm

Instructions

Description

Their unusual growth forms make the succulent plant group unique. There are hardly any easier garden and pot inhabitants than them - and you can present them effectively in no time at all. You could almost think that succulents come from another planet: With their fleshy leaves and shoots, they are completely out of the ordinary. The name of the plant group is derived from the Latin word "suculentus" for "succulent". A reference to the water reservoirs in the leaves and stems, which enable the plants to survive long dry periods. No wonder they are so robust and hardy! Succulents are ideal for creative planting ideas. They look particularly beautiful in bowls and pots made of clay, terracotta or zinc. As they are usually small and extremely diverse, you can create a varied collection. On a shelf, a flower staircase or as a living succulent picture, they look like an art exhibition and invite you to look at the patterns and shades of color. Attractive effects are also created when species with different growth habits are planted together in one container. Hanging succulents, for example, really come into their own in a hanging basket. These include: Amaryllis family: Boophane, Brunsvigia, Cyrtanthus, Haemanthus, Rauhia Dogbane plants: Adenium, Apteranthes, Asclepias, Baynesia, Brachystelma, Caralluma, Ceropegia, Cynanchum, Dischidia, Dischidiopsis, Duvalia, Echidnopsis, Edithcolea, Fockea, Hoodia, Hoya, Huernia, Larryleachia, Mandevilla, Orbea, Pachypodium, Petopentia, Piaranthus, Plumeria, Sarcostemma, Stapelia Arum family: Zamioculcas Asparagaceae: Beaucarnea, Calibanus, Cordyline, Dasylirion, Dracaena, Eriospermum, Myrsiphyllum, Nolina, Sansevieria Affodillaceae: Aloe, Astroloba, Bulbine, Chortolirion, Gasteria, Haworthia, Poellnitzia, Trachyandra Compositae: Osteospermum, Senecio, Stevia, Kleinia Oblique-leaved plants: Begonia Melon tree family: Carica, Jacarathia Commelina family: Aneilema, Callisia, Cyanotis, Tradescantia, Tripogandra Hyacinth family: Ledebouria (Scilla) Water hose family: Pinguicula Labiates: Solenostemon Mallow family: Adansonia, Brachychiton Montiaceae: Lewisia, Portulacaria Moringaceae: Moringa Wood sorrel family: Oxalis Pepper family: Peperomia Portulaca family: Portulaca Nettle family: Pilea Zygophyllaceae: Zygophyllum

Growing tips

Planting succulents Their frugal nature makes it possible to grow succulents in the smallest of containers. They look particularly beautiful in unusual planters such as disused shoes or planted on old roof tiles. Always use well-drained soil as a substrate; cactus soil or potting soil mixed with sand is suitable. Succulents need very good drainage as they do not tolerate waterlogging at all. Drainage holes in the planters are therefore essential. Add a high layer of pebbles or a drainage layer of expanded clay. A gravel cover on top of the potting soil prevents the rosettes from resting on the ground and thus prevents rotting. To achieve a natural look, place a few large pebbles between the plants when planting. Such stones can be found on riverbanks or simply bought from a builders' merchant. Sunny spots in the garden, on terraces and balconies are ideal for the pachyderms - they are also suitable as houseplants for direct sunlight. Care Periods of drought are no problem for these survival artists. Unlike many other plants, succulents don't go limp in hot places, as their fleshy leaves and stems store water and only evaporate a little moisture. However, it is important to water succulents correctly: outdoor containers planted with succulents do not need to be watered, except during very long dry periods. Plants in places protected from the rain and indoors should only be watered again when the soil has dried out well. Drought is far less harmful to plants than constantly wet soil. Fertilize at most every three to four weeks in very low doses. Apply half the amount of liquid fertilizer specified on the packet or use a cactus fertilizer. Propagating succulent plants Most succulent plants are easy to propagate, for example by planting a rosette of leaves in sandy soil. However, side shoots and even individual leaves - placed with the leaf base in the propagation substrate - also sprout roots quickly. The first little roots often appear on the mother plant and the offshoots grow particularly quickly. The best time to propagate is from spring to summer. Moist cutting sites should be allowed to dry out for two to three days. Moisten the soil only slightly and place the propagation containers in the shade. Winter protection In winter, succulents prefer cool but bright locations, for example in a south-facing window. Place the planters in a sheltered and rainproof position to prevent the moisture-sensitive plants from rotting. A very well-drained substrate is important in the garden so that the soil does not become waterlogged. Winter wetness is more harmful to succulents than low temperatures.