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## UNDERSTANDING SUCCULENTS
### What Are Succulents?
Succulents are desert plants popularly known for their fat, juicy leaves and unique forms. Their fleshy leaves are specialized to store water, allowing them to survive in arid conditions throughout the world, from Africa to the deserts of North America. The word ‘succulent’ originates from the Latin word ‘succus,’ meaning juice or sap. These “fat plants,” are loved because they offer a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes, making them an ideal choice for decoration at home or in the office.
### Adaptation Capabilities
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, succulents thrive in indoor environments, which is not an attribute of most plants. Their versatility allows them to endure a variety of indoor conditions, such as low light and dry air. Such unique attributes make them particularly suitable for indoor growth and care.
### Variety of Species
Succulents encompass a broad variety of species. There are approximately sixty plant families categorized as succulents, including species like the well-known aloe vera, often used for its therapeutic properties, and various kinds of cacti.
Notably, when people talk about succulents, it’s often in reference to plants in the family Crassulaceae, such as the jade plant. Then there’s the agave family, Agavaceae, best known for houseplants like the snake plant. The succulent category also includes cacti, which are part of the Cactaceae family.
## PROVIDING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR SUCCULENTS
### Suitable Temperatures
While succulents are frequently associated with scorching hot deserts, they also have substantial cold-tolerant varieties adapted to snowy mountain peaks and semi-deserts. Therefore, indoor succulents have a wide range of temperature preferences.
Most indoor succulents, though, are comfortable in typical room temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Most succulents can survive temporary periods of colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be deadly. However, succulents typically appreciate a couple of hours of direct sunlight and cooler nighttime temperatures, recreating their natural desert environment.
### Lighting Requirements
The primary factor for thriving succulents is their light requirements. As desert dwellers, succulents need plenty of sunlight. Place your succulents near the brightest windows or spaces in your home or office. They thrive in natural sunlight, generally needing about six hours each day.
However, be mindful that not all succulents require the same amount of light. Certain succulents can thrive under low-light conditions, while others might need several hours of direct sunlight daily. Too little light will lead to their color fading, and they’ll become excessively stretched out or leggy as they reach towards the light. Conversely, too much direct light can cause succulents to get sunburned or their leaves to pale.
Succulents’ colors can give you a hint as to their light requirements. Succulents that are red, gray, blue, or covered with spines will need full sun, whereas green succulents can generally handle more shade. Remember, the key to a happy succulent is to know the needs of your specific species!
### Soil Needs
Another significant aspect of succulent care is the soil in which they’re planted. Succulents prefer quick-draining soil. They do not do well in areas with wet soil.
Many gardening stores sell soil suited for succulents and cacti. You can also make your soil mix combining two-parts sand or perlite with one-part regular potting soil. This mixture ensures the water drains out quickly and prevents root rot.
While succulents need to be watered more often than their drought-resistant reputation might imply, they absolutely want to avoid waterlogged soil.
### Humidity and Air Circulation
Succulents don’t enjoy being in a high humidity environment. This is why bathrooms are not the best place to keep succulents, especially steamy ones. However, office buildings, windowsills, or other typical areas around the home are perfectly okay.
Air circulation is also an important factor. Stagnant, stale air is not ideal for succulents. This means that terrariums or other enclosed containers can be tricky to work with unless they have an opening that allows for air circulation.
### Pot Choices
The type of pot you place your succulent in can have a significant impact on how well it grows. Generally, clay pots are ideal for succulents because they permit breathability and dry out more rapidly than plastic pots.
Moreover, your pot needs to have a hole at the bottom to let excess water drain out. Some pots have saucers attached, and these are handy because they catch the water that drains out. However, never let your succulents sit in water for long durations because this will lead to root rot. Overflowing water in the saucer should be removed promptly.
### Choosing the Right Succulent
Finally, choosing the right succulent is a vital part of providing the right environment. As beginners, some easier succulents to care for include the Echeveria species, Jade plants (Crassula Ovata), Aloe Vera, Zebra plant (Haworthia Fasciata), and Snake plants (Sansevieria). These are robust, flexible, and can tolerate the occasional neglect or mild overwatering.
As a beginner, avoid rare or delicate specimens and better stick to the common and hardy ones until you develop the perfect care routine.
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