If you're a gardener, you've probably heard the term "succulent" before, but what exactly are they?  Succulents are plants that have adapted to survive in drier climates by storing water in their leaves, stems or roots. This makes them perfect for gardeners who don't have a lot of time to water their plants regularly. There are several types of succulents, but what they all have in common is their water storage abilities. Many succulents retain water in the leaves and roots instead of letting it go through its roots or stem. The leaves may also be thicker than your typical plant's leaf. Some succulents store water in their leaves, others store it in their roots and still others use both.

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Succulents are often used as ornamental plants due to their attractive appearance and ease to grow. Succulent plants are usually able to survive with limited water, which makes them great for areas that have few hours of sunlight a day or poor soil quality.

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Succulents can be divided into categories based on how they store water: leaf succulents, and caudex (stem) succulents.

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Stem succulents can be either leafless or with leaves that look almost like scales. They have thick fleshy stems which store water and resemble a cholla cactus in appearance; most do not possess leaves but some produce small, fine leaves when young and then usually lose them as they age (ephemeral).

 

Succulent is a term used to describe about 2,000 species of plants belonging to the Crassulaceae family (Crassula is one genus in this family). These types of plants have fleshy leaves or storage stems that can hold significant amounts of water. There are several different growth habits within the groupings. Some of examples of these are:

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Rosary: This type forms rosettes with fleshy leaves arranged around a central stem and looks like a string of beads. Examples: Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Echeveria  

 

Rugose: Their leaves and stems are wrinkled and there is no central stem. Example: Sedum spathulifolium

 

Tuberous: This type has swollen storage roots. Examples: Sempervivum, Dudleya  

 

So if you’re looking for an easy way to add some personality to your garden, look no further than succulents. With their weird shapes and fun colors, they are sure to make a statement. And since they’re so easy to grow, even novice gardeners can get in on the action. So if you're looking for an easy way to add some life to your home office, garden, or greenhouse - succulents are the perfect option. 

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Are you ready to  add a little succ to your otherwise great space?

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