If you are a plant lover , surely some succulent lives in your home. And it is that these green companions, in addition to looking pretty in any space, are very easy to care for.
The word succulent comes from the Latin sucus which means “sap”. It refers to the sap-filled leaves, which are its main food source. For this reason, succulents need to be watered only twice a month or when the soil is completely dry.
They are ideal for inside or outside your home, they are low maintenance and will make each space a unique place. But did you know that there are around 60 different families of succulents? Here we tell you a little about how to care for and cultivate some species.
Succulents for all tastes
Echeverria
This is one of the most popular, as it is easily found and in a wide variety of colors and sizes. It has in the center a spiral of leaves that form a kind of rose, which are its characteristic hallmark. Some have soft, hairy leaves, others smooth. There may be flowers of various colors (such as orange, yellow, or pink) in this species, but it is not a constant.
After flowering they do not die. They need a lot of light and soil that has good drainage for them to grow well. They should also have plenty of air circulation.
You find the EcheverrÃa in many colors
Aeonium
They are similar to the EcheverrÃa, but the leaves of the Aeonium are formed on stems and not near the ground, like other plants of its species. This means that it can grow up to 1.20 meters tall!
To keep one of these succulents at home, choose one of a small size. They can withstand light frost. In hot weather, their metabolic activity decreases, so it is not recommended to water them in that period. If they are inside the house, they may continue with their normal growth. However, keep an eye on any changes.
They are the largest succulents
Adromischus Cristatus
This succulent forms a kind of rose, its leaves are triangular and chubby, with undulations at the tips. They have a hairiness that resembles felt when we touch them. They have a short stem.
It is very easy to grow, its space is required to be very well drained, so that the roots can spread in the pot. Of course, they are prone to burn easily when exposed to the sun at noon. Therefore, try to keep it in a shaded area.
Its wavy leaves are its characteristic
Aloe vera
Its triangular leaves with some rough bumps on the ends, fat and thick, are used for their medicinal properties, as they help relieve the pain of burns.
Use a porous pot so that its roots can aerate and do not rot, allowing water to leave the soil. It wilts easily if left in too much water.
Aloe is also used for its properties
Exit
It is one of the most popular. Most likely you have it in your home or you have seen it in the house of a relative, neighbor or friend. It has very thick stems and fat leaves that will allow it to root easily when placed in water. This is a simple way to reproduce succulents.
What will help keep it healthy is to water it only when the soil is dry to the touch and in full contact with the sun. When they don’t have enough sun it will seem that your succulent looks unsupported and “flabby”.
Its thick stem is its seal
Sedum
Its leaves are like clusters around very thick stems. Depending on their size, they can look great as houseplants, in a fish tank terrarium or as a very nice rug in your garden.
Sunlight is excellent for them to grow. With the right conditions, they produce yellow, red, orange, purple, yellow, or white flowers that are star-shaped.
Look great indoors or anywhere
Cotyledon
Most of this type of succulent is poisonous, so you have to be very careful when growing it at home. They require the same care as other succulents, such as plenty of sun, dry soil, and a warm temperature. It will be necessary to see where you can place it at home so that it is not within the reach of children or pets.
It is important to identify it and avoid accidents
Forever living
It is one of the most common. It is resistant to cold. In appearance it is very similar to the EcheverrÃa, its leaves form a rosette. The mother plant remains attached to the small shoots and gives it nutrients until it takes root and can fend for itself. Little water and dry land will make it grow.
Resist everything
Senecio
This one is harder to find. They come in small and long upright forms that make them look great in hanging pots. These plants are toxic to human consumption. However, their appearance is beautiful and they resist pests and cold. They put out flowers of different colors.
Although they look divine, they are toxic if consumed
Kalanchoe
They are very popular due to the pretty flowers that accompany it. It is easy to care for her even during the winter. It is important not to water them continuously, as they can rot easily, like other succulents. They need a lot of light. Its leaves vary in shape, some can look like elephant ears. When it blooms, the flowering head must be cut, so that the plant is as healthy as possible.
They are popular for the color of their flowers
Haworthia
Its appearance is unique. Their colors and markings are extremely striking. Its foliage resembles that of aloe vera. It is very easy to reproduce and to separate the shoots. Its roots will give us clues about the state of health: if they are pale yellow, they will have to be trimmed to improve the health of the plant. This is ideal for those who water their plants a lot or forget to water them.
You will love their designs
Euphorbia
Like other succulents, it requires little care. It works wonders when allowed to grow in full sun, have well-drained soil to prevent root rot. In dry conditions they continue to look good. It is important to water them under the leaves to avoid mold.
Graptopetalum
It is a version similar to the EcheverrÃa. When it is young, it has a pink color. Those that are in the sun have a gray-pink color. Those kept in partial shade tend to be gray-blue or green-blue. It blooms in spring or summer. It is ideal for ground cover.
This type of succulent will look great in your home
Types of succulents
Succulents are divided into types:
- Monocarpy: Will give many shoots before flowering and dying, like Sempervivum.
- Policarpo: It blooms several times before dying, like the Sedum.
In short, succulents require a lot of light, dry soil, and a lot of air. To see them even more beautiful, you can try this fertilizer. You have to be careful with the milky sap that comes out of them, as it can be irritating and even poisonous. Although they look very pretty, you have to take into account those that are toxic to avoid any health problem.
