Succulents are plants that are extremely popular for many gardeners because they can be grown indoors and outdoors, and they are easy to care for and maintain. I have come to love succulents, and since there is such a huge variety of this type of plant, they tend to vary quite a bit. With that being said, there are quite a few interesting facts that pertain to all succulents. Let’s take a look at 10 of them.
1) The Name Originate from Latin
The word succulent originates from the Latin word sucus, which means sap. These plants typically have sap-filled leaves that help provide the plants with nourishment when there is none. In fact, the sap or juice that is in the leaves makes it so that you do not need to fertilize these plants or water them as often.
2) Background on the Size of the Leaf
Different sized plants grow better in different locations. Succulents with smaller leaves tend to perform best at higher elevations, and even though these plants are often confused with cacti, they are more than desert plants.
3) Over 60 Succulent Families
You may think of succulents as a single family, but the truth is that there are more than 60 different families of succulents. In fact, there are approximately 10,000 plant varieties that you can grow. Some of these are common like the cactus or the aloe plant, while there are also several uncommon succulents that will look beautiful in your garden.
4) Quite a Bit of Color and Variety
Succulents grow in a variety of colors and textures. Of course, shades of green are going to be the most common, but these plants can also have shades of pink, blue, purple, yellow, red, and orange in the leaves and the blooms.
5) Succulents are Easy to Grow
You can propagate succulents from cuttings or pieces of the stem that break away from the main plant. It does not require a lot of effort on your part to start the new plant, simply place the cutting by a window, and soon new sprouts will begin to grow on the end of the cutting. Once the roots begin to form, you can place the small plant in soil and give it a bit of water.
6) Pest Resistant Plants
Most succulents do not have a lot of issues with pests. You may find aphids on some outside plants, but they are uncommon, which makes succulents some of the easiest plants to care for. The insects that you see around the plants are typically only on specific varieties because succulents such as stapeliads are great for pollination.
7) Succulents can be Fashionable
Succulents are plants that are small enough to grow on jewelry. Since they are low maintenance, you can place the plants on bracelets, earrings, and even rings and wear them for a few weeks at a time. You can even make a boutonniere or a corsage with small enough succulents.
8) Succulents grow well in dry, hot conditions
Succulents originate from hot areas of the world like Africa and South America, so they are able to grow well in conditions that are dry without much water. This is mainly because their leaves hold nutrients to be released when the plant is lacking water. Because of this, you should only need to water these plants about twice a month or when the soil that it is planted in is completely dry.
9) These Plants are Very Hardy
Many succulents can survive living in cold climates as well as hot ones, which means that they can grow in nearly every part of the country. Many succulents will live through freezing temperatures and the ground being covered with snow, but what most people do not realize is that some cacti can survive these conditions as well.
10) Succulents have Sun Protection
The chalky substance that can be found on the leaves of these plants is designed to protect the plant from the sun. Some plants will change colors with too much sun, but these easy to care for plants will never get sunburn. This same substance also helps protect the plants from pests and diseases that may affect other plants in your garden.
