People who are not engaged in floriculture, for sure, have not even heard of succulents. Yes, even if you don’t like it, then 10 facts about succulents will be able to reverse your opinion.
10. Named after their own leaves
Translated from Latin, succulent means "juicy." These plants are called so because they survive due to their water reserves. Leaf succulents store moisture in thick leaves. Stem succulents hold it in a stem that usually resembles a ball, and instead of leaves they have thorns. The variety of succulents is simply amazing, they are completely different from each other. However, they still have a common feature - all succulents have developed mechanisms for storing and saving moisture. It is logical that this group is called by such a "juicy" name.
9. Living decoration
No matter how unpretentious these plants are, some of them in beauty can surpass even the beloved roses and orchids. Yes, they look a little like an ordinary flower. Nevertheless, they look worthy. They can decorate any interior. Each apartment and house will become much more comfortable if a green plant appears in it. But succulents are not only green, some of them are brightly colored: reddish shades, white blotches on the leaves and many other options. There are plants that resemble stone; they will become the original decoration of the apartment. Particularly daring people prefer to use succulents instead of jewelry.
8. Residents of the desert
As already noted, the homeland of succulents is arid deserts. They are common in Africa, Madagascar and South America. Thanks to their unusual mechanisms and devices, they can stretch without water for quite a long time. They will be an ideal option for those who constantly forget to water the flowers. In addition, nature rewarded them with the ability to economically consume moisture. Therefore, even lazy growers will be able to observe the beauty at home, without putting much effort. However, do not forget that succulents need good lighting. This does not mean that you need to put plants under the scorching sun. There is a risk that the plant will get burned. Therefore, before you purchase succulents, still ask what conditions will be suitable for it.
7. I do not recognize you in makeup
Succulents are very diverse, their appearance often has absolutely no common features. So how do you determine what is succulent in front of you? Do not rely on your knowledge, even if you are an experienced florist. Sometimes succulents do not give themselves away, but look like an ordinary flower. If you buy a plant in a store, the seller will probably tell you whether it refers to succulents. If the plant came to you in a different way, you can search it in any catalog of indoor flowers. Maybe you're lucky and your new green friend will turn out to be a succulent. Then you can breathe a sigh of relief, because he is very unpretentious in leaving.
6. Taste and color
Yes, you already know that succulents can have not only green color of leaves. But if you have never been interested in flowers, then you can’t even imagine how beautiful they can be. Orange, red, pink, purple leaves will revive even the most boring interior. By the way, classic green succulents look no worse. So, you can choose a plant for yourself depending on your color preferences. As the saying goes "to taste and color ...". Yes, by the way, about taste, ordinary aloe will protect you from many diseases. Its juice cures tuberculosis, ulcers, colds.
5. Members of a large family
The “family” of succulents is very large, with about 70 genera. And the number of species of succulents exceeds 800. But still, most people grow in their apartment the most familiar plants: cacti, aloe, euphorbia. Do not be afraid to experiment, your old green friends will only be happy with their relatives. At least they will look good together. Some of them are so in harmony with each other that you do not even have to compose compositions, buy other plants or additional decorations.
4. Easy to breed
The dignity of succulents does not end there. The indisputable advantage of them is that they reproduce easily. It is enough to cut a couple of leaves from an adult plant. They do not need to be put in water, the future plant will die. Dry the leaves a little, and then plant them in the ground. After a while, the plant takes root. But remember that autumn and winter are not the best time to breed succulents. Therefore, do not be surprised if your plant begins to rot.
3. The enemy will not pass
Another plus of succulents is that most pests are completely indifferent to them. Who wants to bite the thorns? But still, they can suffer from a mealybug, scutellum and spider mites. If you notice pests, wipe the leaves of the plant with a cloth moistened with alcohol. If there are many pests, and these actions do not help, you will have to use pesticides. You can be sure of one thing for sure: your cat will definitely not be interested in succulents. After all, cats often do much more damage than pests. They eat flowers, play with leaves, turn over pots.
2. And then the tail of a donkey
What do succulents and donkey tail have in common? It turns out that in Mexico they nicknamed one of the types of succulents belonging to the family of stonecrops. To be more precise, the plant there is called "donkey tail." Usually they are used for landscaping a city or garden. They plant them in the open ground. The plants really look like a donkey’s tail, but they look amazing. Succulents of this species also come in different colors; they are ideally suited for vertical gardening.
1. Christmas Flower
Succulents can please you with beautiful delicate flowers just at the time of the New Year and Christmas. In particular, this applies to poinsetia. She is also called a Christmas star. This plant blooms in winter: from December to March. Other flowers at this time usually do not spoil their hosts with flowering. Therefore, before the holidays, poinsettia usually sets sales records. She is willingly bought for gifts and just for a good mood. Her flowers are usually red or pink. When buying poinsettia in the winter, it is important not to freeze it while you carry it home. The next New Year, with proper care, the poinsettia will again delight you with flowering.