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What is a Succulent?
Succulents represent a group of various plants that generally have thick and fleshy leaves and water-storing stems. Although most of these plants are native to hot and dry climates, with proper care, they can be grown almost anywhere.
They are plants that frequently store water in their leaves, giving them a unique and attractive appearance. Especially in succulents, their wide and fleshy structures add a natural and irresistible cuteness.
Succulent Types
Succulent types refer to a wide plant family containing a great variety of species in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Here are some of the popular succulent types:
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Known for its beneficial properties, Aloe Vera is recognized for its fleshy leaves and gel-like content. Its use against skin problems is common.
- Echeveria: This succulent species draws attention with its rosette-shaped leaves. It can be found in different colors and patterns.
- Crassula (Jade Plant): The Jade plant is a succulent known for its thick and shiny green leaves. This plant, believed to bring good luck, is generally grown as a bonsai.
- Haworthia: This succulent species is known for its pointed, thorn-like leaves. They are frequently preferred indoors due to their small and compact structures.
- Sedum: Sedum species are succulents that generally have a trailing or spreading growth habit. During flowering periods, they can create an eye-catching appearance with their colorful flowers.
- Kalanchoe: Kalanchoe species, known for their colorful flowers and thick leaves, are generally preferred in home decoration.
- Agave: This large succulent species is generally known for its large, fleshy leaves and the sharp thorns at the tips of most species. Agave is a durable plant generally seen in cactus gardens.
- Senecio (String of Pearls): It is a succulent that draws attention with its small round leaves lined up on thin, long stems. The name "String of Pearls" comes from the resemblance of the leaves to pearl beads.
Succulent Care
Succulent care may vary depending on the type of plant. One of the most critical factors to consider in this regard is irrigation and pot selection. Other points to consider are light, soil selection, and nutrient element supplementation. Below, we will examine the parameters necessary for succulent care in detail.
How to Water Succulents?
Regarding how to water succulents, there are features to be considered. Succulents must be watered using lime-free water at room temperature. When succulents that like little water are overwatered, wrinkling is seen on their leaves.
When a succulent that wants a lot of water is underwatered, brown spots occur on its leaves.
A good and reliable way to water succulents is to place the pot in a saucer filled with shallow water and wait until the water is absorbed by the soil, then remove the pot from the saucer.
If there is a group of succulents grown in landscape areas, irrigation should be done in a way that ensures the soil is moistened using the drip method. Care should be taken not to wet their leaves as much as possible because if the leaves get wet and are exposed to the sun, wilting and yellowing may start on the leaves.
Succulent Pot Selection
An important point to consider for succulent pot selection is that the leaves of the succulent do not get entangled with each other while being placed in the pot. Also, the pot size should be selected appropriately for the size of the succulent.
The pot should be neither too large nor too small in a way that could hinder the root development of the succulent. Incorrect size selection can limit the roots from breathing, which can damage the health of the succulent and negatively affect its development.
There should be a drain at the bottom of the selected pot through which water can easily flow for drainage. This helps the succulent grow healthily by preventing root rot that may occur as a result of overwatering. Correct pot selection is important as a basic element of succulent care, ensuring it grows long-lastingly and happily.
Light
Since succulents are generally grown in environments receiving intense sunlight, they need an adequate amount of UV rays. Especially succulents generally need to be exposed to sunlight for at least six hours a day. However, the exact amount of light a succulent needs can vary depending on the variety, whether it is grown indoors or outdoors, and the climate in which it is grown.
Succulent Soil Selection
Succulent soil selection should be made according to the needs of the plant. Succulents are plants for which excessive irrigation should be avoided. For this reason, succulent soil must provide good drainage. The soil should allow water to pass quickly and prevent it from accumulating. The soil should be light and bubbly. This feature facilitates air and water exchange and helps the roots develop healthily. Specially formulated cactus and succulent soil mixtures are generally suitable for these plants.
Succulent Propagation
Succulent propagation, succulents are plants that can propagate easily and quickly. You can easily apply succulent propagation methods, which are generally carried out through three basic methods: leaf propagation, seed propagation, and the root division method.
Leaf Propagation
Leaf propagation is a common method in certain succulent species. The healthiest and most vibrant leaves are selected. The leaf is gently plucked and placed on the soil, and it is expected to root in a moist environment.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a method used to ensure the genetic diversity of succulents. Seeds are sown in a suitable soil environment, and their germination is expected by monitoring moisture and light conditions.
Root Division Method
The root division method is the process of dividing the roots of large and developed succulents. With this method, a healthy part separated from the main plant's root system is grown as a separate succulent.
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