As of: January 19, 2024 9:13 a.m
Succulents can store water and can therefore survive longer dry periods. They require little care – and impress with their extraordinary appearance.
Succulent plants are at home where there is little rain: they can store water in their leaves, trunks or roots and can easily survive long periods of drought. Succulents are found on all continents: They come from the dry highlands of Mexico, but also from the Canary Islands and the deserts and steppes of Asia. As houseplants, they require little care and are therefore ideal for plant beginners. Another reason why these plants are fascinating: each individual succulent is visually a small work of art of nature.
Succulents store water
Succulents are not a separate family of plants – all of the species that belong to it, such as houseleeks, agave or money trees, have in common that they have water-storing tissue. Leaf succulents can be recognized by their thick, small, spherical or cylindrical leaves and their often squat shape. In this way, the plant reduces its evaporation surface and can therefore cope with less water. In addition, the leaves are often covered with a layer of wax, which has the same effect. Corky bark acts as insulation, as does a hairy or thorny surface. Stem succulents like cactus have thick and juicy shoots.
Sandy substrate is ideal
The substrate should have a high sand content. Classic potting soil is not suitable.
Good drainage is particularly important for succulent plants because the roots rot very quickly if they are waterlogged. In order for the water to drain out of the planter, it must always have at least one drainage hole. Most succulents like a substrate made up of two parts loose soil, one part sand and one part pumice or lava granules, which you can easily mix yourself.
Alternatively, specialist retailers offer special soil for cacti and succulents. To prevent the drainage holes from becoming clogged and to increase drainage, shards of pottery should be placed at the bottom of the vessel.
Water succulents properly
Succulents like it sunny and should be provided with some water regularly.
Succulents like a spot in full sun. A greenhouse or south-facing window is ideal. In particular, species that have white, gray or blue “skin” need brightness to thrive. An unfavorable location is reflected in unnaturally elongated shoots of the plant. Even if succulents are not sensitive to a lack of water, they should be watered about once a week during the growth phase from spring to autumn when the top layer of soil has dried out.
Use low-calcium water
Lime-free water is best, i.e. rainwater or boiled tap water. Excess irrigation water in the saucer or planter should definitely be removed. During the rest phase in the winter months, the plants should be as bright but cool as possible. Then they need less water in this phase.
Decorative plants for the home
Cups, glasses, tea caddies: Succulents can be planted in various containers.
For several years now, succulents have been popular decorative elements due to their beautiful shape. They can be planted in various containers such as cups, mason jars or tea caddies and look particularly attractive in groups. A tiered bed offers a particularly pretty way to showcase succulents. Several bowls of different diameters are filled with soil, placed one inside the other and can then be planted as desired. Important: All vessels need drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Easily propagate succulents
Propagation is very easy for most succulents: secondary shoots, so-called kindles, can be easily separated with a sharp knife and placed in small planters. They are cared for like the “big ones”. New roots form relatively quickly, resulting in a new plant. You can also get new specimens of many types of succulents by removing leaves. It is best to leave the separated leaf for a few days so that the cut surface dries. Then you put it in the ground.
Further information
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NDR 1 Wave North | The delicate ones in the garden | June 23, 2023 | 5:05 a.m