The Ultimate Guide to Succulents: Care, Cost and Kinds

succulents
If you’ve been anywhere near Pinterest, a hobby shop or a home improvement store lately, you have probably noticed that succulents have been quite trendy for a while. These versatile plants are incredibly easy to care for. They make for stylish décor indoors and out. We’re spelling out everything you need to know about them so that you can learn about the different types, how to purchase them and how much they cost.

What Is a Succulent?

Succulents are plants that store water. One of the succulents with which people are most familiar is the cactus. However, many families of plants have succulents within them. These types of plants are typically found in hot climates with low levels of precipitation. Succulents have plump areas in their leaves. These parts retain water in dry climates, allowing the plant to access moisture even when there is a lack of rainfall. Succulents can thrive even on the slightest mist. Growing succulents has become a fashionable hobby. People trade them and talk about them endlessly in online forums. You can plant them inside the home or in an outdoor garden. Some say that they thrive on neglect. You don’t even need to plant them in soil. While succulents can grow in a container or garden, they can also grow in cracks in stones and sand. Although they’re relatively easy to grow and care for, succulents don’t like extreme cold. They also may deteriorate in wet conditions. However, they can tolerate more sun and heat than other plants. They can also endure some cold and rain.

Types of Succulent Plants

succulent tray

Different Varieties

Although many people think that succulents are simply cacti, succulents are found in 60 different families of plants. Most of them belong to the following families:
  • Aizoaceae – Most of the plants in this family are native to Africa. However, some are found in Australia and the Pacific. Some are referred to stone plants or ice plants. The leaves of Tetragonia tetragonioides are sometimes used as an alternative to spinach in salads.
  • Agavoideae – The agave, Joshua tree, and yucca fall into this category. Some plants in this species are not succulents.
  • Cactaceae – The cactus is a member of this plant family. Almost all cacti are native to the Americas. Most cacti have ribbed exteriors that let the plant expand during periods of heavier watering.
  • Crassulaceae – This family may be the most frost-hardy variety. They add an exotic touch to any indoor or outdoor garden.
They come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Some succulents have sharp spines on their leaves. However, others are soft and smooth or even faintly hairy.

Colored Succulentscolored succulent

Succulents may have color in their outer flesh. Some varieties grow flowers that bloom separately from the plump, juicy “leaves.” We’ll talk about those later in the article. Below, you can read about succulents that have colorful foliage. Red Pencil Plant (Euphorbia tirucallii) This plant has long, finger-like branches and resembles undersea coral. It can look as though its appendages are on fire as they transform from green to magenta to yellow. The height of this plant creates interest in a container garden. It grows upward instead of branching out horizontally, which can look impressive in a tight space. Golden-Toothed Aloe (Aloe nobilis) You might be familiar with the green aloe plant. This fiery variety has dark green leaves with sharp white teeth on the edges. The leaves turn burnt orange and red under bright sunlight. In the summer, reddish-orange flowers extend on long stems. Hummingbirds love these vibrant blooms. Royanum Hens-And-Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum ‘Royanum’) This plant fills up as it grows offsets in the spring. It propagates itself and looks great in bunches. It forms a mat in your container or garden. The leaves are lime green, but the tips of this variety vary from dark burgundy to chocolate. This plant sends up star-shaped flowers. After it blooms, it dies. However, the offsets carry on the life cycle. Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe luciae) The nicknames for this succulent are as colorful as its leaves. It has been referred to as flipping flapjacks and desert cabbage. The leaves are huge, round and smooth. They grow red in the sun and become more vibrant as winter comes. Morning Light Echeveria (Echeveria ‘Morning Light’) This succulent looks like a lotus blossom. However, the leaves, not the flowers, make up the lovely pattern with their delicate pastels. The hue is subtle. It changes from light bluish-violet toward the core to pretty pink at the tips of the leaves. This one is easy to grow. It likes indirect light. Unlike some other succulents, this plant does require nutrient-rich soil. Dudleya This plant is often confused with Echeveria. However, they have contrasting growing seasons. The rosettes grow into beautiful floral shapes with bright purplish leaves. It blooms with tall flowers that attract hummingbirds. This plant can become damaged by rain. It’s a great option to grow in a garden under a shade structure, porch or pergola. It grows well on hillsides or in rock gardens, and caring for it is easy.

Indoor Succulentsindoor succulents

Some succulents are better suited for the indoors. Some people prefer those with soft leaves for houseplants. Plants with spiny thorns can hurt if you brush against them. You may also want mini succulents for your indoor houseplants. Below are some of the most popular types of indoor succulents. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) Chances are you’ve seen a Jade Plant before. Some say that this plant symbolizes wealth. The leaves are oval-shaped and extremely plump. They’re thick, glossy and attractive. The leaves usually stay green. However, they may turn slightly red. Finger Jade has thick, juicy stems, but the leaves don’t form ovals. Instead, they look like stubby fingers. This type of plant has been nicknamed “Hobbit Jade” or “ET’s Fingers.” Jade Plants don’t like a lot of water. They become top heavy and can fall over if they don’t get the right nutrients. Keep the soil dry, and prune them as necessary so that their stems don’t break under their own weight. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) This plant’s stems trail downward. Therefore, plant it in a tall container or hanging basket. The thick, round leaves have a neutral greyish-green color. The stems to which the leaves connect can grow up to two feet long. You’ll need plenty of space in which to grow this plant. The leaves can fall off if they’re disturbed. You’ll also need plenty of sunlight. However, if you choose to move it outdoors in warmer weather, make sure that it can handle the sun and the temperature before committing. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata) The Zebra Cactus is perfect for people who don’t have a lot of space or don’t have an ideal indoor spot for a houseplant. This cactus has a small footprint and grows upward with long, triangular leaves. Each leaf is ringed with several white bands that make it resemble a zebra. You can plant it in a shallow container. Keep it in indirect light. Too much sunlight will cause it to wither. Aloe Vera Aloe is a common houseplant that looks great and has health benefits for humans. This plant can take a long time to grow and mature. If you’re using it for the healing benefits of the gel that’s found inside the leaves, you might want to grow several plants at once. It does create offsets. You can re-pot the offsets to cultivate more plants. The edges of the leaves can cut your skin. Therefore, you might want to keep the plant where you won’t brush up against it. Aloe Vera is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. If you have pets, it may be best to keep it in an area that can be monitored.

Outdoor Succulentsoutdoor succulents

Succulents may be most commonly grown in containers. However, they’re ideal for outdoor rock gardens and sculptural gardens. They can even serve as ground cover in rocky or sandy soils. If you don’t have garden space, grow succulents vertically outdoors. Living wall planters can be made from old pallets, picture frames, fence slats or shutters. Below are some of the most popular succulents for growing outdoors. Agave Some people refer to Agave plants as “dinosaur plants.” They look like massive versions of the Aloe Vera plant, except the Agave leaves are grayer. This standout succulent makes a fantastic focal point in any yard. The Agave plant grows more quickly in the ground than in containers. It does best when you ignore it. The Agave prefers rocky or sandy soil and isn’t picky about the soil’s pH. You don’t want to fertilize an Agave plant. If it gets too much nourishment, it will bloom. Although the flowers can be massive and beautiful, the plant dies after it blooms. Watch Chain Plant (Crassula muscosa) This plant is referred to as a “watch chain” or “zipper plant” because of the way it creates intricate braid-like patterns as it grows. The small, green leaves are crowded around a narrow stem. Crassula is a type of Jade Plant. This succulent is easy to grow. In fact, it can take over your garden if that’s what you want. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time tending to their gardens. Dasylirion These stunning plants resemble a lion’s mane or palm tree. Many people are surprised to find out that the Dasylirion is a succulent. Dasylirion grows well in zones 8 to 11. It develops into a bushy sphere up to 4 feet in diameter. The spiny leaves grow out of a trunk that grows into a thick cylinder. You can keep the plant from looking too unkempt by stripping the lower leaves around the trunk.

Potted Succulentspotted succulents

Don’t assume that you’re limited to growing succulents in traditional flower pots. Because they’re so flexible, they can be grown in just about any container. We’ve even seen succulents planted in a shoe. Below are some options for unique potted succulent ideas. Hollow out some logs or stumps and fill them with soil. Plant the succulents inside for an inexpensive, natural look. An old birdbath or fountain makes a wonderful home for these plants. So do old watering cans. Because succulents don’t require ample amounts of water, you can plant them into furniture. Remove the center slat of a farmhouse table and replace it with a succulent garden. Grow succulents along the center of your coffee table. Smaller containers make your succulent garden portable. Use it as the centerpiece one night at dinner, then move it to your foyer to greet you with freshness when you enter the house.

Hanging Succulents

Succulents with a trailing habit are best planted where they can hang vertically. If they’re placed on a flat surface, the leaves may become damaged when they come in contact with it. However, you’re not limited to planting them in hanging baskets. You can plant hanging succulents in window boxes, where they can create a cascading design along the exterior of your home. Hanging succulents grow well out of rock walls or hanging over arbors and trellises. You can even plant them in cracks in your landscape stones.

Terrarium Succulentsterrarium, fish bowl terrarium

Even though petite, glass-enclosed gardens are fashionable, succulents don’t grow well in terrariums. Terrariums can become too humid for succulents. When these plants are exposed to too much moisture, they can become mushy and die. Below are some tips for making the most of a terrarium garden. Choose a terrarium with ample circulation and plenty of drainage. Your plants won’t thrive if they’re soggy. Don’t overcrowd the area. Less is more when it comes to growing succulents in terrariums. The roots of the succulents should be completely covered by the soil. You won’t have to water the plants often. When you do, spray the dirt with a mister. Tiny versions of succulents look great next to miniature accessories. Kids love to plant, arrange and care for fairy gardens. You won’t have to worry about them damaging these sturdy plants. Make sure that choose soft plants that won’t pinch or poke the children.

Faux Succulents

Although succulents are easy to care for, if you really have a black thumb or don’t want to give your plants a second thought, you can purchase artificial succulents. Because the real thing often has a plastic feel to it, faux succulents look entirely convincing. They come in hundreds or even thousands of varieties. Artificial succulents can be used in DIY projects or arrangements that won’t be exposed to much sunlight. You’ll never have to water these.

Flowering Succulents

Succulents generally bloom in colder weather. Therefore, they provide color when the rest of your garden has shed its hues. These are the top colored succulents. Crown Of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) The branches of this plant look like thin, spindly cacti. At the ends of the branches are groupings of oval leaves. Red clusters of flowers form within these bunches. Crown of Thorns can bloom throughout the year if it has adequate sunlight. When it’s blooming, water this one more frequently than your other succulents. When there are no flowers visible, let the top layer of soil dry out in between watering. If it gets too dry, it will lose its leaves. However, they will grow back once the plant becomes hydrated again. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) Christmas Cactus can work well as a hanging plant. As it grows, the leaves and flowers trail downward. This plant tends to flower in temperatures below 55 degrees. If you keep it outside, it will begin to flower in the winter. The Christmas Cactus doesn’t like a lot of water. It prefers drier soil, especially in the winter.

Succulent Care

We have touched on specific ways to care for certain types of succulents above. Some care instructions depend on your zone or whether the plant is outdoors or in a container. General guidelines for succulent care are below.

How Often to Water Succulents

Most succulents don’t need a lot of water. The general rule is to let the top half of the soil dry out before you water it again. In the summer, outdoor succulents generally need to be watered once a week. Water container plants two or three times a week. You’ll usually reduce irrigation in lower temperatures even for indoor houseplants. However, different varieties of succulents require different amounts of water. Check with a local nursery or the company from which you bought the plant for specific watering instructions.

Propagating Succulents

Succulents are best grown from offsets or propagated leaves. If your plant sends out “pups,” you can remove those smaller “babies” and replant them. You can also propagate the plants from leaves. Snap off a few of the lower leaves from the plant. To do this, hold the leaf close to the base. Wiggle and twist it until it separates from the stem. Choose healthy leaves, and propagate a few at a time. Not all of them will propagate. Leave the leaves in a cool, dry place for up to a week. The cut end should end up developing a hard callous that resembles a scab. Once that happens, you can begin to sprout new roots. Fill a shallow container with soil designed for potted succulents. Lay the leaves horizontally on top of the soil. The calloused end shouldn’t touch the soil. Leave the container in indirect sunlight. Spray the top of the soil with water every day. It should be damp, but not wet. Don’t mist the soil if you live in a humid climate. In about a month, you’ll see roots growing from the cut end of the leaf toward the soil. You can lightly cover the roots with soil to prevent them from drying out. A miniature version of the plant will begin to grow upward from the cut end of the leaf. When that small plant develops its own root system and the original leaf begins to noticeably deteriorate, remove the leaf from the new plant in the same manner that you removed it from the mother plant. Be careful not to disturb the new roots. Replant the new succulent in its own pot. Use a small pot at first, and make sure to use cactus or succulent soil.

Succulent Soilsucculent soil

Succulents grow best in soil that drains well. Some types prefer nutrient-dense soil, but most do well as long as the soil isn’t too moist. Most garden stores sell soil that’s designed for cacti and succulents. If you’re growing succulents in containers, you can use a mix of equal parts sand, potting soil, and perlite. Outdoor succulents should be fed with a low-balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and late summer. Use about half the recommended ratio of fertilizer to water. Only fertilize when the soil is dry.

Succulent Sunlight

Nearly all succulents flourish with a lot of light. Your plants should get approximately six hours of direct sunlight every day. Depending on your planting zone and the plant type, you may need to shade your succulents during the hottest part of the day. Indoor succulents should be placed near a window. However, they shouldn’t get burned by direct sunlight. Succulents are relatively resilient when it comes to their sunlight needs. Less light may cause the colors to become dull. The plants may not bloom without sufficient UV light. However, they will survive in many lighting conditions.

Where to Buy Succulents

Once you start looking for succulents, you’ll notice that they’re sold in many different places. A local supplier may be able to provide you with succulents that are better for your area. Succulent plant groups can provide you with cuttings, succulent seeds or mature plants. Local botanical gardens may also sell succulents.

Garden Shops

Many garden shops, from large chain stores to smaller local nurseries, carry succulents. However, it may be difficult to find rare or unusual species here. Succulents sold in garden shops are often already potted.

Stores/Websites That Carry Succulents

Some of the most beautiful, unique and vibrant succulents are difficult to find locally. Thank goodness for the internet. Many online vendors will ship these plants directly to you. You can choose the specific variety that you purchase. You can also often get a discount if you buy large sets of mixed varieties. Buying succulents in bulk online may be preferable if you’re trying to fill up a vertical garden or a large space. The plants are often sold in plugs that you can replant in the final destination.

Are Succulents Like Periwinkle Easy to Take Care Of?

Are succulents like periwinkle easy to take care of? Periwinkle planting care tips can ensure success in maintaining these hardy plants. With their ability to adapt to various environments and thrive in low-maintenance conditions, succulents like periwinkle are ideal choices for beginners or busy individuals. Regular watering, well-draining soil, and bright, indirect sunlight are crucial for their growth. Remember to protect them from frost during winter months.

Average Prices for Succulents

Succulents are not expensive. You can get plants for anywhere from $2 to $10 on average. The price is often determined by the size and rareness of the plant. You can get them even more affordably by trading with other growers, propagating the leaves or replanting offsets.

Succulents Are Easy

Succulents have become increasingly more popular due to their ease of maintenance and unique style. There is a wide range of succulents to choose from so you should not have any trouble finding one to match your garden or style. This succulent guide was put together to make sure you have all the information possible that you could need before you get started. Please let us know what your favorite succulent is and make sure to send us pictures! Photos from Fiskars.
1 comment
  1. Just lately i have became enthusiastic about succulents, I will not realize that a lot about this nonetheless but I thank you within the infomation you have got in your blog site, it truly is pretty beneficial, thanks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts