Succulents refers to a group of plants that store water in their leaves, stems or roots. These unique plants vary greatly in size, shape and leaf colour. They are admired for their unique textures, colours, and hardiness.

Succulents are being used more and more in fashionable gardens to create stylish and dramatic effects. They look striking against other plants, as contrasts or accents in the landscape or when grown as feature plants in pots.

Succulents prefer sunny conditions. They tolerate periods of dryness and grow well with little care and attention. With water conservation becoming a big issue nowadays, they are ideal candidates for use in today's gardens. They are also perfect for busy people who don't have much time to spend in the garden watering.

Succulents are the ultimate in low maintenance plants. They do not have deep roots and are not invasive. If well grown, they remain neat and trim and grow wonderfully indoors and out.

Display succulents in decorative pots for the courtyard, patio or verandah, or plant them in a sunny warm spot in the garden to show off.

These plants demand that they be seen and noticed!

Succulents are easy to grow and generally trouble-free plants. Most succulents may be grown from seed or cuttings. They like well-drained soils and a position in sun or part shade. The vast majority of succulents like to be grown in an open and sunny situation.

Succulents in the Garden

Succulents are easy to incorporate into the garden. Here, their distinctive forms and colours can be shown to great advantage. All that they require is to be associated with plants that enjoy the same aspect and similar soil and water requirements. Go ahead and show them off in your garden!

Succulents in Pots

Succulents can also be grown in pots and in almost any type of container as long as there is adequate drainage. Many succulents have fibrous roots and do not require or use the full depth of a standard pot, and half pots or pans are more suitable. Display succulents in decorative pots for the courtyard, patio or verandah.

Watering

Observe the plants! They will almost tell you when to water. Water them freely during growing season (spring and summer). Only a few plants grow in the winter, so keep them dry. Try not to water on cool or wet days, so that plants have a chance to dry off after you have watered. When you water, water well and then leave the plants to get on and grow. Remember that overwatering will kill your plants.

Propagation from cuttings

Most succulents will grow readily from leaf cuttings. Simply break off a firm mature leaf or collect broken or fallen leaves (don't throw away!). Put aside to dry then insert just the base of the leaf into the soil. You will have more plants than you can use!

Propagation by division

Some succulents form clumps in which individual plants have their own roots. Simply dig up the whole clump and pull it apart, making sure each division has some roots and shoots. If, however, you have broken off a piece without roots, simply treat it as a cutting.

Pests

Luckily, succulents have very few pests and diseases. The most common is mealy bug, which may attack the plant and its roots, but watering with systemic insecticide will usually eradicate them or wiping off with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirits.

Potting and re-potting

When potting up use pots that are just the right sizes for the plant, never too large. Tap the compost around the roots, but never press it in. It will settle when the plant is watered later. Re-potting should not be necessary more than once a year into a next size pot. When plants are larger, re-potting only becomes necessary when the plant has outgrown the pot, or it does not grow well. It is best to re-pot plants at the beginning of their growing season in early Spring.

One word of warning:

Growing succulents is fun and once you are hooked it can become addictive!