where are succulents found in nature

Where are succulents naturally found?

Succulents originate from dry, desert locations. Succulents first cropped up in areas with long dry seasons (such as Africa), since they store water in their leaves. They get their name from their thick, sap-filled leaves. Succulent comes from the Latin word "sucus," which means juice or sap.

Where do most succulents grow?

Since most succulents come from dry, arid, areas like deserts and other climates of similar temperament, most of them do well in full sun. Cacti, jade plants and varieties of agave in particular do well in full sun.

Do succulents grow in forests?

Succulents are abundant in a variety of locales. You can find them growing in the upper reaches of tropical rain forests, rooted to high-rise patches of moss or bark where the competition for water is fierce.

Do succulents grow naturally?

Succulents are naturally grown all over the world. Their unique colors, shapes, and textures are determined by their origins.

Is succulent a cactus?

Cacti, in the Cactaceae family, make up one of these families. So all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Cacti are simply a subcategory within a group of plants, which are known collectively as succulents. All succulents are defined as water-storing plants.

Can succulents just live in water?

Succulents can also be grown in water and are ideal for people who might be a little forgetful about tending to their houseplants. Learning how to grow succulents in water is not only for the forgetful home gardener, but it's also an ideal way not to kill the plants by overwatering them.

What climate do succulents live in?

Succulents tend to prefer a temperate climate with the temperatures ranging from 60 to 80°F. Some can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F or as high as 90°F. Gardeners sometimes use these extreme temperatures to “stress” their succulents into changing color.

Can you eat succulents?

Stonecrops. These flowering succulents, also known as sedums, encompass up to 600 species of plants. Their leaves have a mild peppery, bitter flavor, and are a flavorful addition to salads and stir-frys. Be sure to eat them in moderation, however, because large quantities can cause stomach upset.

Do succulents grow better in pots or in the ground?

When succulents have the space, they will always spread their roots in search of nutrients. This is also the reason why succulents planted in soil, in the ground are much more easier to maintain and hardier than plants grown in pots. Small pests such as the mealy bugs, aphids and scale also tend to bother them less.

Should succulents be in soil or rocks?

Succulents need good draining soil. When planting in the garden, make sure the area drains well and is not in a low spot that would stay wet. For container planting, you can purchase cactus soil or incorporate sand, gravel or volcanic rock into your potting soil for better drainage.

Do succulents prefer full sun or shade?

direct sunSucculents love direct sun, but if yours is sitting in the same exact spot day after day, it's likely that only one side is getting enough light. Langton and Ray suggest rotating the plant often. Succulents will lean towards the sun, so rotating them will help them stand up straight.

What climate do succulents grow in?

temperate climateSucculents tend to prefer a temperate climate with the temperatures ranging from 60 to 80°F. Some can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F or as high as 90°F. Gardeners sometimes use these extreme temperatures to “stress” their succulents into changing color.

Where do succulents come from?

Other than Antarctica, succulents can be found within each continent. While it is often thought that most succulents come from dry areas such as steppes, semi-desert, and desert, the world's driest areas do not make for proper succulent habitats. This is a result mainly due to the difficulty such low growing plants or seedlings would have to thrive in environments where they could easily be covered by sand. Australia, the world's driest inhabited continent, hosts very few native succulents due to the frequent and prolonged droughts. Even Africa, the continent with the most native succulents, does not host many of the plants in its most dry regions. However, while succulents are unable to grow in these harshest of conditions, they are able to grow in conditions that are uninhabitable by other plants. In fact, many succulents are able to thrive in dry conditions, and some are able to last up to two years without water depending on their surroundings and adaptations. Occasionally, succulents may occur as epiphytes, growing on other plants with limited or no contact with the ground, and being dependent on their ability to store water and gaining nutrients by other means; this niche is seen in Tillandsia. Succulents also occur as inhabitants of sea coasts and dry lakes, which are exposed to high levels of dissolved minerals that are deadly to many other plant species. Potted succulents are able to grow in most indoor environments with minimal care.

What is the center of a succulent?

Definition. Center of a succulent ( Aloe polyphylla) By definition, succulent plants are drought resistant plants in which the leaves, stem, or roots have become more than usually fleshy by the development of water-storing tissue. Other sources exclude roots as in the definition "a plant with thick, fleshy and swollen stems and/or leaves, ...

How much water does a succulent store?

Succulent plants may store water in various structures, such as leaves and stems. The water content of some succulent organs can get up to 90–95%. Some definitions also include roots, thus geophytes that survive unfavorable periods by dying back to underground storage organs may be regarded as succulents.

What is a plant with thick fleshy stems and swollen leaves?

Other sources exclude roots as in the definition "a plant with thick, fleshy and swollen stems and/or leaves, adapted to dry environments". This difference affects the relationship between succulents and "geophytes" – plants that survive unfavorable seasons as a resting bud on an underground organ.

Why are succulents considered ornamental plants?

Succulents are often grown as ornamental plants because of their striking and unusual appearance, as well as their ability to thrive with relatively minimal care. Many plant families have multiple succulents species found within them (more than 25 plant families).

What is the appearance of a succulent plant?

The storage of water often gives succulent plants a more swollen or fleshy appearance than other plants, a characteristic known as succulence. In addition to succulence, succulent plants variously have other water-saving features.

What plants have thickened stems?

Succulent plants have thickened stems, or leaves, such as this Aloe.

Where do succulents grow?

Originally, the succulent plants grew in arid and semi-arid areas which have long dry periods such as the deserts. These areas include Africa, North, and Central America, as well as the European Alps. Fondly known as the camels of the plant world, succulent plants can survive for long periods without water.

What are the most common succulents in the world?

Some of the most common species include Echeveria Elegans, Echeveria Agavoides, Graptopetalum Pentadrum, Sedum allantoides, Echinocereus Viridiflorus (nylon Hedgehog Cactus), Seven Stars, ladyfinger Cactus, Moses in the Cradle, Hookers Orchid Cactus, and many more.

Why the Name Succulent?

The word succulent originated from Latin and it means juice or sap. The plants store water in the form of sap in different parts like the leaves, the stem, or the roots.

Why are succulents important?

Other benefits of succulent plants, which you can read more about here, have been realized with time, which includes reduced risk of attracting pests, and are difficult to overgrow . The historical significance of most succulent species has inspired their conservation.

What is the meaning of the word "succulent"?

Myth 1: Protection from Death. Some succulents are believed to offer protection against bad luck and death, like the Sempervivum Tectorum. Its name means “ always on top ” and you are most likely to find it on rooftops! Even today they are still found on some cottage roofs in Mid or Southwest Wales.

Why do people grow ornamental plants?

When human beings realized that these plants needed little water to survive and had low maintenance, they sought to domesticate them by planting them in their indoor gardens and houses. Apart from their resilience, they are beautiful and come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. This led to people growing them as ornamental plants.

Which country has the most succulents?

Now, while it is impossible to explicitly state the exact country that hosts the most succulent species, it is apparent that most species end up being native to a number of countries. Mexico is one of the greatest succulent plants’ habitats.

Where do succulents grow?

They were were (and in some places still are) traditionally grown on the rooftops of homes in England and Wales for magical protection from lightning.

What is a succulent plant?

Succulents are a group of plants with fleshy stems and leaves that are efficient for storing water. They are generally found in arid or semi-arid climates and other harsh environments. While we don't have a truly dry season in Florida, these unique, low-maintenance plants can still have a place in your landscape.

What are the different types of stonecrops?

spurium 'Dragon's Blood' enchants with cascading red foliage. Sedum repestre 'Angelina' has bright chartreuse foliage that definitely stands out—it looks more like something you might find growing in a coral reef. Sedum morganianum 'Donkey Tail' has trailing stems surrounded by smooth, lance-shaped overlapping leaves, resembling an animal’s tail. And a creeping sedum cultivar called Lemon Coral™ is a beautiful groundcover or accent plant to grow in a perennial garden or rock garden with full sun.

What is the name of the plant with pink leaves?

For the more traditional succulent look, try blue rose Echevaria ( Echeveria imbricate ), which is a native of Mexico that features blue-green leaves with hints of pink. As the name suggests, they resemble rose blossoms. For something different, Echeveria runyonii 'Topsy Turvy' has thick grey leaves that curl up and inwards.

How to grow succulents in Florida?

In Florida's rainy, humid climate, a good way to grow succulents is in containers, where irrigation and soil are easier to control. Start with a shallow clay or terra cotta container with drainage holes ; a coarse, well-drained sand mix is recommended.

How tall do sedums get?

Sedums also have leaves arranged in a rosette shape, but they have their own unique look. They come in a variety of heights, ranging from just a few inches to 3 feet tall. Sedums can also have a trailing form, which makes them great for growing in containers that allow them to spill gracefully over the edge.

Which plant has a mass of fine hairs that grow in the middle of a rosette of green leaves?

But for a true visual contrast, consider Sempervivum arachnaoideum, which has a cobweb-like mass of fine hairs that grow in the middle of a rosette of green leaves.

Introduction

When people think of succulents, they typically think of the stunning little rose-like plants with thick fleshy green leaves that are sometimes found in little pots on tables. Many succulent plants, such as echeverias and sedums, have a general appearance that contributes to this. There are, however, many more in a variety of sizes and shapes.

1. ALOE

Most people associate aloe with a green semi-liquid thing used to treat sunburns or a leaf that may be snapped off to reveal a milky white substance used to nourish the skin. And, certainly, Aloe Vera is grown for a variety of agricultural and therapeutic purposes.

2. AEONIUM

Waxy rosette succulents with thin leaves are popular in coastal beach towns.

3. Agave

Agave is most commonly associated with two things: Agave nectar and Tequila, Tequila, but it has a variety of additional applications.

5. ECHEVERIA

Echeverias are popular houseplant succulents, with the ‘Autumn Flame’ being one of the most sought hybrids. The rosette of leaves is gleaming and curled, and rather than being green, they are a deep crimson with a lighter tint toward the edges. This medium-sized potted succulent may easily be mistaken for a rose bloom.

6. KALANCHOE

Look no farther than the Kalanchoe plant if you’re seeking for a beautiful succulent to grow. Kalanchoe, like most succulents, is a low-maintenance variety that thrives in bright light and well-draining soil.

7. SEDUM

Sedums are great for mass plantings, as edging and ground cover, and for growing in pots since they look attractive throughout the growing season, thanks to their intriguing leaves and their flowers. Sedums are also fantastic for bringing butterflies and other pollinators to your yard, as they form long-lasting cut flowers.

Where do succulents come from?

Although succulents are known to originate in dry regions such as deserts, semi-deserts, and steppes, the driest parts of the world actually contain very few succulents. For instance, Australia, which is the world's driest continent, contains very few succulent plants that are native to the continent because of its frequent and prolonged droughts.

Which continent has the most succulents?

Additionally, Africa is home to the highest number of succulents, but they typically do not grow in the driest parts of the continent. Although succulents are not able to grow in the harshest conditions, they are capable of growing in conditions in which other plants cannot grow. Benjamin Elisha Sawe July 30 2019 in Environment.

What is the ability of a succulent plant to store water?

The ability of a succulent plant to store water gives the plant its fleshy or swollen appearance, which is a characteristic referred to as succulence. Additionally, these plants have evolved to include a unique characteristic known as Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, which is a pathway of carbon fixation utilized by plants ...

Why are succulents thick and fleshy?

Succulent plants, often referred to simply as succulents, are plants that tend to grow in arid regions and have some parts which are thick and fleshy because they retain and store water. The word "succulent" is borrowed from the Latin word sucus , which means sap or juice.

What are the characteristics of succulents?

Other unique characteristics of succulents include leaves that are reduced, absent, or cylindrical in shape, a reduced number of stomata, and the ability to perform photosynthesis in the stem rather than the leaves.

What is a succulent plant?

Occasionally, the term also includes plants that store water in their roots, such as geophytes, which have a special adaptation that protect the plant from being eaten by herbivores. In horticulture, the term succulent sometimes excludes plants that a botanist would classify as succulent, such as cacti.

Where is carbon dioxide stored?

At night, the carbon dioxide is stored in vacuoles as four-carbon acid malate, and during the day the malate is reverted back to carbon dioxide after it is transported to chloroplasts, which are used in the photosynthesis process.

Where do succulents live?

Many succulents like cacti are found thriving in deserts and arid regions. The list of succulent plants is so diverse, at least one species exists in over 25 plant families.

What Are Succulents?

In horticulture, what probably comes to mind when talking about succulents are the striking small rose-like plants made of thick fleshy green leaves often found in small pots decorating tabletops. This may be attributed to the general appearance of many succulent plants like echeverias and sedums. However, there are many others in a plethora of sizes and shapes (1).

Why is the succulent a good houseplant?

Also called the lucky plant, this succulent is a popular houseplant. The Chinese believed that the Crassula ovata plant attracts money because the leaves look like coins. Although there is no scientific basis to that, this succulent is still an effective indoor plant because of the attractive form and stress-free maintenance.

What is the easiest plant to grow?

They have found that among the most convenient and reliable plants to grow in this kind of setting are succulents. Succulents are some of the prettiest and easiest plants to grow. They have unique and appealing forms and geometry, they are drought-tolerant, and they can be propagated using simple techniques.

How high can an aloe plant grow?

They can reach up to a foot high but they can remain smaller and a more striking effect is achieved when they grow in clusters. With its compact size, this succulent is among the most favorite aloes to grow indoors. 8.

How many ribs does a cactus have?

This cactus is short and round and is one of the common cacti cultivated as houseplants. There are 15 ribs on a plant with hard and sharp spines along the curved edges. Most varieties are solitary but there are others that produce basal offshoots. Blooms of this cactus are one to watch out for as they are some of the most striking growing on cacti. The large flowers appear along the ribs with multiple yellow petals and golden centers.

Which succulents have color?

Some succulent species and varieties have colored foliage such as Echeveria, Kalanchoe, and Sedum. Like most ornamental plants, these leaves will retain their color under the full sun. Schlumbergera, Echinopsis, and Gymnocalycium are the kinds that produce flowers for indoor color.

Overview

Definition

Appearance

Habitat

Conservation

Families and genera

Cultivation

See also