
Thus, due to their ability to adapt to extreme climates they can be found on almost every continent as mentioned below:
- In the Alpine regions of Europe
- In the jungles of central and South America
- Deserts and semi-deserts ranging from Africa to North and South America.
- Arid regions of Australia.
- Asia has some of the rarest hybrids of Succulents.
Can you start succulents from cuttings?
We know two main methods when it comes to planting succulents using the cuttings: Using the leaf. To start with this process, you just need to remove some leaves from the established plants. Keep them dry. Once the roots grow, the leaves can be planted into respective pots. Using the stem. Aside from the leaves, you can also use the stems. You start by “beheading” the overgrown succulents.
How do you get succulents to root?
You will need:
- succulent leaves, mooched from a friend is best because it's free (or buy a plant and make 180 new ones)
- a hot-food container from the deli of your local grocery store is ideal, but you can also use aluminum trays with matching lids, or just any tray-like container and some ...
- small rocks or chunky gravel
- good, thick paper towels
How to propagate succulents from leaves and cuttings?
Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Preparing and Planting Succulent Cuttings Download Article
- Strip leaves from the lower part of the stem. If you are using a stem cutting, remove the lowest cluster of leaves.
- Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone (optional). Commercial rooting hormone powder may hasten the development of the cutting, and often includes an antifungal agent as well to ...
- Let the cutting dry out in a lightly shaded location. ...
Where do succulents originate?
Where do succulents originate from? ANNE: Succulents are indigenous to many parts of the world and are seen under many different conditions. Typically, they come from Africa, Central America, the European Alps, South America and South Africa. One native succulent frequently sold in local nurseries is the Dudleya (common name Sea Lettuce).

Where do succulent plants grow naturally?
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.
How do succulents start?
Some succulents grow smaller versions of themselves, similar to what you'll see if you propagate a leaf. You'll usually see these baby plants at the succulent's base or along the stem. They will have their own roots, and by gently removing them along with their roots, you can replant them right away.
How are succulents made?
Succulents can be propagated by different means. The most common is vegetative propagation; this includes cuttings where several inches of stem with leaves are cut and after healing, produce a callus. After a week or so, roots may grow.
Which country is famous for succulents?
The two counties that contain the most species of succulents are Mexico and South Africa. Mexico is home to numerous succulents due to its ideal climate.
How long do succulents live?
around 3-4 yearsSome succulents don't live long but grow offsets to replace themselves. A great example is Chicks and Hens. The main plant only lives around 3-4 years but sends out lots of offsets during its life....What's The Average Succulent Lifespan?Jade Plant70-100 yearsChristmas Cactus30+ years4 more rows•Jun 22, 2022
How do succulents make babies?
Place leaf cuttings directly on top of a shallow layer of succulent potting soil (do not bury) and mist with water to keep moist. Within three weeks or so, the leaf cuttings will begin to sprout tiny "pup" plants. Around eight weeks, the mother leaf will wither and fall off, and your pups are ready to be planted.
Is succulent a cactus?
First off, all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti (say that 10 times fast)! Succulents are known to be moisture packed due to storage of water. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems or roots and the arms - thus they can survive quite a while without being watered.
How often do you water succulents?
every other weekYou should water your succulents every other week during non-winter months when temperatures are above 40 degrees. During the winter time (when temperatures are below 40 degrees) you should only water your succulent once a month because it is dormant during this time.
Why succulents are costly?
Succulents are so expensive because they usually take a long time to grow, and many nurseries can only produce so many per year. Exotic species need to be imported, adding taxes and fees to their cost, and as they become more popular in general, their prices rise along with the demand for them.
Is aloe vera A succulent plant?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. The plant is stemless or very short-stemmed with thick, greenish, fleshy leaves that fan out from the plant's central stem. The margin of the leaf is serrated with small teeth.
Can you cut off a piece of a succulents and replant?
Yes, you can cut off, or prune, a piece of a succulent and replant it. And with the proper living conditions, the pruned piece of succulent will take to its new home and grown into a full-fledged succulent. Keep on reading if you're interested in learning about pruning succulents.
Can you root a succulent in water?
0:262:06HOW TO PROPAGATE SUCCULENTS IN WATER - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't let the stem touch the water place the jar in a well-lit airy. Place wait for two to threeMoreDon't let the stem touch the water place the jar in a well-lit airy. Place wait for two to three weeks and the roots will start to grow avoid putting the jar in direct sunlight.
How do you get succulent seeds?
0:485:39How to extract and save the seeds from a succulents flower stalkYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you just tickle it around all around that little seed pod in the center. And that little podMoreSo you just tickle it around all around that little seed pod in the center. And that little pod right there is going to turn into a bunch of seeds that you can harvest. And start to grow.
How often do succulents need to be watered?
You should water your succulents every other week during non-winter months when temperatures are above 40 degrees. During the winter time (when temperatures are below 40 degrees) you should only water your succulent once a month because it is dormant during this time.
History Of Succulents
Succulents originally grew in areas that were prone to long dry periods, such as the desert. Typical locations included all over Africa, North America, Central America and in certain parts of the Alps.
Where Do Succulents Originate?
As mentioned above, succulents can be found in many locations across the globe, predominantly growing in Africa and the Americas. Each location has its own unique conditions for growth, resulting in lots of different species of succulents.
Where Do Most Succulents Come From?
It’s tough, even nigh-on impossible to determine which country has the most species of succulent. However, it is known that most species can be found across multiple countries.
Succulent Myths
Due to their history, there are plenty of myths that surround succulents.
Where are succulents naturally found?
Succulents are typically found in dry, arid climates, and this is because they have adapted to survive in conditions where water is scarce. They are often found in desert regions, such as the Sahara Desert and the Mojave Desert.
When did succulents originate?
The first succulents are thought to have originated in the arid regions of North America, South America, and Africa. These plants adapted to survive in hot, dry climates by storing water in their leaves and stems. Succulents were brought to Europe in the 1600s, where they became popular ornamental plants.
How long do succulents live?
These plants are native to regions that experience long periods of drought followed by sporadic rainfalls. This means they have adapted to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots.
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.
Why are succulents so thick?
Their leaves tend to be fleshy, plump and thick to conserve water and to help minimize water loss.
How much sun do succulents need?
Most succulents can tolerant moderate sun light-about 6 hours of sun a day . In most cases you’d need to slowly acclimate your succulent to the sun before exposing them to full 6 hours of sun light.
What is a cactus?
A cactus or cacti are a unique subset of the succulent group. The cactus family, or Cactaceae, is one of the largest families of succulents in the world. The word cactus is derived from the Greek word kaktos, meaning spiny plant. Cacti are fleshy plants that store water, making them part of the succulent group.
How big do echinopsis scupulicas get?
They can grow up to 13 feet tall and 4 inches in diameter.
What is the unique feature of a sage plant?
Their unique feature are their pointed green leaves and white variegated warty spots on the leaves. These plants prefer plenty of indirect sunlight. Water thoroughly during the growing season and less during the winter months. They produce offshoots which can be repotted in a suitable growing mix.
Where do rosettes come from?
Native to Guatemala, this is an evergreen perennial succulent. It forms pretty rosettes with curved spoon-shaped wavy edged leaves. Their beauty is in the color of their leaves, which are metallic bronze-green with pink margins. These are not complicated to care for given the right environment.
Do succulents need to be taken care of?
I love succulents and they are easy to care for. Unlike other plants succulents don’t need much to survive. As long as you take care of the 3 basic things and your succulent will thrive.
What is a succulent plant?
Succulents are a type of plant with thick fleshy leaves that grow well in warm dry conditions. All succulent species store water in their leaves, roots, or stems. Although most varieties of succulents have green leaves, some kinds have shades of red, blue, purple, pink and orange. Succulents are generally small compact plants ...
What is the most well known succulent?
Aloe vera is one of the most well-known types of succulents. Aloe vera is a fleshy green succulent plant that is characterized by its gel-filled leaves that have a soothing, healing nature. Aloe vera is just one of over 500 types of aloe plants in the genus Aloe.
How many different types of succulents are there?
There are an estimated 60 different plant families that contain varieties of succulents. Some well-known succulent genera include aloe and agave from the order Asparagales and echeverias, as well as jade plants and kalanchoes from the order Saxifragales. It is important not to confuse succulents with cacti.
Why are succulents called living stones?
These succulents are also named ‘living stones’ or ‘pebble plants’ due to their stony appearance. If fact, their name comes from Greek for ‘stone face.’
What is a Burro's tail succulent?
Burro’s Tail ( Sedum morganianum) ‘Burro’s Tail’ is flowering perennial succulent that is great for hanging baskets. ‘Burro’s Tail’ is one of the best types of succulents to plant in hanging baskets due to its long trailing stems.
How to tell if a succulent is a baby?
With some varieties of succulents, you may notice tiny ‘babies’ growing along the leaf edges. With some succulent species, it can be difficult to tell them apart. For example, pictures of an echeveria and sempervivum may look remarkably similar.
How to identify succulents?
The best way to identify succulents is by their leaf shape and growth habit. Of course, fleshy leaves are what classifies succulents apart from other plants. Some succulent species have fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette shape, giving the plant a spiky look.
What are the most well known succulents?
As a group, succulents include some of the most well-known plants, such as the aloe and agave plants , as well as many nearly-unknown varietals found only in their natural environment. In addition, cacti are a unique subset of the succulent group and feature their own individual care and appearance.
Where do succulents store water?
Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. They've adapted to survive arid conditions found throughout the world, from Africa (where many of them are native to) to the deserts of North America.
Why are my succulents dying?
Overwatering (and the plant rot that can ensue) is the most common cause of succulent failure. 1 An overwatered succulent might at first plump up and look very healthy, but the cause of death may have already set in underground, with rot spreading upward from it's root system.
What temperature do succulents like?
Ideally, succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. When it comes to humidity, not all succulents are created the same.
Why are succulents so popular?
Succulents are a popular choice with home gardeners for two simple reasons: They're beautiful to look and nearly indestructible. To get technical, a succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy (succulent) water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots.
How cold can succulents survive?
In the desert, where there is often a marked contrast between night and day, succulents thrive in the colder nights , where temperatures sometimes reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Ideally, succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 70 degrees Fahrenheit and about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much sunlight do succulents need?
Succulents prefer bright light when kept indoors or out, and should get at least six hours of sunlight a day. You can watch their leaves for an indication that the light exposure level you're giving them is correct—some species will scorch if suddenly exposed to too much direct sunlight, while others will have leaves that turn brown or white as the plant bleaches out and the soft tissues are destroyed.
How long does it take for a succulent to grow?
Succulent cuttings grow somewhat slowly, so be patient as you care for your new plant. However, within a couple of months of planting, you should begin to notice new growth.
How long can succulents survive without water?
Don’t worry - succulent cuttings can survive without water for quite a long time! After letting the cutting sit for 2-3 weeks , give the top of the cutting a gentle tug to test for roots. If there is any resistance, roots have begun to grow and the cutting can now be watered.
How to separate a succulent from a cutting?
Find an appropriate spot on your succulent to take the cutting. With your pruning shears, make one swift and even cut through the stem of the succulent to separate a cutting. Ensure that the cutting has about 1" of stem exposed for planting. This may require removing the lower leaves of the cutting.
What are succulent cuttings used for?
Succulent cuttings are used frequently for floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and even as cake decorations. They have a long life, surviving as cut succulents for weeks without soil which makes them ideal 'living decor'. However, succulent cuttings are not just for show! Plant them and give them a little love, ...
Can you take cuttings from a succulent?
While suc culent cuttings can technically be taken any time, taking them in when the succulents are in their active growing period will help to ensure that the mother plant recovers from the pruning and that the new succulent has the strength to survive on its own.
Can you propagate a succulent?
Nearly all succulents propagate easily through cuttings, although some types of succulents (such as furry/hairy succulents) are generally more difficult to propagate than others so the success rate may be lower depending on which type of succulent you are propagating. Nevertheless, propagating succulents is a quick and easy way to create lots of new plants, which is great for expanding your collection or for sharing with friends!
Can you cut off a succulent?
If your succulent is growing offshoots or pups, these can be cut off and planted in the same manner as for regular succulent cuttings. Otherwise, look for areas that need pruning or shaping to take a cutting from. Large, established succulents can handle pruning more easily than others and can recover from larger cuttings being taken. Smaller succulents will require smaller cuttings, so keep this in mind.

Overview
Habitat
Other than in Antarctica, succulents can be found within each continent. According to the World Wildlife Fund, South Africa is home to around a third of all succulent species. 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, mainly due to the difficulty such low growin…
Definition
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, adapted to dry environments". The difference affects the relationship between succulents and "
Appearance
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. These may include:
• crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) to minimize water loss
Conservation
In South Africa, several species have been threatened with extinction due to poaching from the wild for the black market and mining related activities. The plants are mainly sold to collectors in Asian countries, where there has been a high demand for them. It is illegal since 1974 to be in possession of protected succulents such as the Conophytum without authorisation in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, the two South African provinces where they grow.
Families and genera
There are approximately sixty different plant families that contain succulents. Plant orders, families, and genera in which succulent species occur are listed below.
Order Alismatales
• Araceae: Zamioculcas
Cultivation
Succulents are favored as houseplants for their attractiveness and ease of care. They have been cultivated as houseplants since at least the 17th century. If properly potted, succulents require little maintenance to survive indoors. Succulents are very adaptable houseplants and will thrive in a range of indoor conditions. For most plant owners, over-watering and associated infections ar…
See also
• Cactus and Succulent Society of America
• Crassulacean acid metabolism