Succulents or sedums are plants with thick, fleshy leaves that have the ability to retain water in their roots, leaves, or stems, enabling them to survive long periods of drought. There is a protective layer of wax on the surface of the leaves and stem that also helps them retain moisture.
Succulents also include cacti. Although they are often placed in the same group of plants, succulents and cacti differ in that cacti are native to desert areas, while succulents are oriented to semi-arid parts of the earth. Some cactus families also include some succulents, namely the families Cactaceae, Crassulaceae and Agavaceae.
Cacti are very easy to distinguish from other succulents, and the main difference is that cacti develop areoles, small cushion-like formations from which shoots, hairs, spines and flowers emerge. Succulents appear in more habitats than cacti and belong to 20 plant families.
Grasses, succulents or succulents owe their leaf and stem structure to the climate they came from, to which they had to adapt in order to survive. These are long dry periods with little rainfall.
The natural habitats of succulents are semi-arid parts of Africa, Australasia and Central America, parts of North America and northern Europe and temperate and cold areas of Asia, while cacti come from the desert parts of the southern USA, South America and Mexico where precipitation is rare and temperature differences huge.
Because of all of the above, they are often classified into groups of plants that do not require much experience, those that hardly need to be taken care of, and some consider them impossible to kill.
Succulents and cacti are hardy and adaptable plants that are easy to grow. To grow them in your garden or home, you won’t need to invest a lot of effort. To grow succulents, it is necessary to provide them with a lot of sun and a little water, except in the summer period when more frequent watering is necessary. Succulents are excellent plants for beginners and for all those who feel that they do not have much experience and knowledge in growing flowers and cacti.
Succulents can decorate your garden, but they can be indoor plants. During the spring, summer and early autumn months, take them out into the garden or onto the balcony, and once the cold periods begin, bring them indoors to overwinter in your home. In case you don’t have a garden, they will grow successfully as indoor plants or plants on the terrace or balcony. These are small plants that do not take up much space. The principle of growing and maintaining all types of succulents in all conditions is the same.
You can plant them in an individual container or combine various types of succulents in one larger container and thus create a wonderful mini garden. Plant them in succulent soil with the addition of clay and sand to allow for even better drainage. Add some charcoal powder to the soil to prevent mold. Choose clay jars that allow good drainage so that water can always drain quickly and freely from the jar.
Place them on the south side of the garden or room, because on that side they will be exposed to stronger light all day. Avoid direct and strong sunlight throughout the day. If you notice that the plant is changing shape or getting longer and longer, it means that it is not getting enough light, so change its position.
Cacti and other succulents do not need a lot of water, and more frequent watering is only necessary in the summer months. Watering with a sprayer every 14 days is recommended. The soil must dry completely between waterings. Be careful, because succulents are very sensitive to excess water. In this case, the leaves can become too soft, light green and yellow.
Succulents are fertilized during active growth, during the spring and summer months. Transplant them once a year into a larger jar and fresh soil.
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