It is a common occurrence when, being the owner of a plant, we do not know its exact genus or species. And it very often can be succulents, whose names are sometimes difficult to pronounce. Amazing plants with unusual leaves and stems and even more original flowers will always catch admiring glances. They love the sun, and in order for it to influence them only from the best side, nature has awarded succulents with thorns and thorns, thick leathery leaves and an interesting shape.
What are succulents?
Succulents are a large group of plants of different genera and families, united by one common for all of them amazing ability to accumulate moisture in a special tissue. This is the result of adaptation to environmental conditions, as they are inhabitants of an arid climate. If you can find a plant that is most adapted to the lack of moisture, high temperatures and rare rainfall, then these are succulents. The species included in the group are representatives of cacti, euphorbia, agave, lithops, and even there are specimens from the Aroid (Zamioculcas) and Bromeliad families.
The ability to retain moisture is the result of evolution, and for this, succulents havemany fixtures. For the economical consumption of the available water supply, there are dense leathery leaves with a wax coating, which reduces its evaporation, the stem is reduced, the leaves of some species are modified into spines, underdeveloped or absent altogether. Moisture is stored in the leaves or stem, which very often has a ribbed structure - this is also an adaptation, in case there is an excess of precipitation, then the folds will straighten out and the succulent will not burst.
Succulents: species
Classification of succulents in botany is carried out depending on where the moisture depot is located, in stems or leaves. Thus, two large groups are distinguished:
1. Stem succulents (photo above). All moisture accumulates in a modified (elongated or spherical) stem. Leaves, as a rule, are transformed into spines or underdeveloped. Typical representatives are most of the cacti.
2. Leaf succulents. The species included in this group accumulate and store moisture in thick leaves, which are collected in a rosette, and the stem is most often reduced. This group of succulents includes the well-known aloe and agave (pictured below), unusual lithops, stonecrop, representatives of the genus Haworthia, Echveria.
If we talk about growing issues, then succulents are too large a group, consisting of various species. Even within the same Cactus family, care for individual species can vary greatly. But still there are basic nuances that will help you choose the right direction forthe initial stage, when the plant first appeared in your home.
Which place to choose?
Succulents are definitely children of the sun. Therefore, it should be a lot throughout the year. South facing windows, open balconies and terraces are the best choice for these plants, although some species prefer bright but diffused light. Succulents do not tolerate drafts at all, the air temperature should be high in summer and cool during the winter dormancy of plants. If they have little light, they will, of course, grow, but they will lose all decorativeness, and even more so the ability to bloom. Succulents, the photo of which is presented below, suffered from improper lighting and watering. First of all, this is manifested in the deformation of the stem and a change in its color.
Substrate for succulents
Soil plays an important role in the life of any plant. Succulents do not tolerate organic matter in the soil, that is, ordinary earth, well flavored with humus, is the first step towards their death. When compiling the soil, three points must be remembered: lightness, breathability and good drainage. Experienced flower growers are advised to mix leafy and soddy soil, coarse river sand in equal proportions. If there is no self-confidence, then it is best to buy a ready-made substrate in the store, and use expanded clay as drainage. If the plant naturally grows in the mountains or on stony soils, then it is best to add crushed stone to the substrate. The pot for succulents should not be too large, as they grow very slowly. Best fitshallow but broad. When transplanting, the diameter of the pot is increased by only 1.5-2 cm, succulents feel better in cramped conditions.
How to water succulents?
Despite their high drought tolerance, watering is necessary and should be regular. Water should be soft, room temperature. All this contradicts the popular belief that you can practically not water succulents. Species with leaves (euphorbia, agave, zamiokulkas) require more moisture than the same cacti or lithops. But it is important to remember that the plants of this group have a pronounced winter dormant period, when watering is stopped altogether or reduced to a minimum. The combination of high humidity in the soil with low air temperatures is absolutely detrimental, sooner or later this will lead to decay of the root system, which is why they reduce watering in winter.
The use of complex mineral fertilizers is possible, but with caution. If the concentration is high, then the plant may crack, as excess nitrogen provokes too active growth. Succulents do not like organic fertilizers. Top dressing should be carried out during the period of active growth or flowering, once a month.
How do succulents bloom?
The flowering process of succulents is very interesting, and some of them can be the envy of even the most beautiful flowering plants. True, sometimes you need to wait a long time for this, many specimens bloom only in adulthood and under certain conditions. Some succulents, whose flowers are of stunning beauty, can easily begrow at home, these primarily include the well-known echinopsis, with proper care, watering and a dormant period, they will delight you with flowering annually.
Mammillaria bloom very profusely, and caring for them is extremely simple. Lithops, or, as they are also called, "living stones", themselves look like some amazing alien flowers, although, in fact, these are modified leaves.
