Talk about Succulents

I never knew I would ever give these plants the time of day.

But I was given a faithful opportunity (see the story here) to save a few succulents and I haven’t stopped being fascinated with these plants. Specifically, how they flower and propagate. I will talk more about propagating them, so read on.

Before then, I would pass the isle with the funny plants of insignificant importance like they are a bunch of weeds.

Thanks to the above circumstances, now I can spend solid 10 minutes evaluating if there is any new kind I haven’t seen before and need to have in the imperfect garden.

These little weeds cause a lot of confusion, or so it seems, with what they are, how to water them and if there are any rules.

I’ll break it down for you right now.

THERE ARE NO RULES.

ALL Plants need 3 things to survive.

• AIR

• WATER

• SUN (to a certain degree)

Most plants do not need and do not live in compost and decaying plant matter, and do not require ALL the fertilizers in the world. In fact, most plants will live in water alone, given they have roots and the water is frequently changed (aerated).

SANDY LOAM SOIL=GOOD AERATION.

You can even get away with some banana peals on the top, without making the roots rot away in a sweaty pot on a hot summer day, if you have correct soil.

From my experience, succulents that are planted in small pots of “desert mix” soil will not thank you for much watering and will be tricky to care for. Succulents do not live in the decaying plant matter (what most commercially sold bags of soil provide) in their natural environment.

The best soil mix I make for my succulents is native soil from the backyard mixed with sand, pumice and volcanic rock sand. I personally add a bit of peat moss in the mixture to retain some moisture.

My succulents love drinking and seem to enjoy rather frequent watering if they are sitting in small size pots.

FYI, succulents planted in Terra Cotta pots need a sip more frequently than you think. Plastic pots retain moisture better.

The only reason you are told that succulents don’t need water is because they are known to be desert plants and survive in “harsh conditions”.

Ask yourself

Am I in the desert?

if Yes, are my succulents in pots?

If your succulents are in pots and you are in the desert, plant them in the ground in semi shade.

You tiny little pots is a harsh condition.

Because in the desert they are able to develop a very solid root system. Solid means either long tap root going deep or shallow root system stretching wide. In fact, it’s so solid that it can deliver and store the right amount of moisture to the plant when it needs.

Underneath the ground the roots are protected from baking from consistent heat, winds and decaying elements, all the elements your pots masterfully create. They also have better access to certain minerals like calcium.

You can help the plants that need some nitrogen by adding the nitrogen containing supplements like Blood Meal or Aged chicken manure on top of the pot.

It’s very important to consider the dormancy period of certain succulent varieties.

From observation, succulents like the “CAT PAWS”, OR commonly known as Mimicry Plant go dormant in the summer season in California. It was very active growing and producing leaves in winter. Winter is when you water “active” succulents.

If you are in California, I would suggest you place your pots in a semi shady spot away from direct sun during the hot summer.

Soil in small pots dries out fast and you will be surprised how fast some of your succulents may grow if you put them in bigger pots and water regularly.

Two good examples are Dark Rose Succulent and Elephant Bush .

Most succulents will appreciate larger pots and consistent watering.

Propagating succulents

Let me show you a few pictures.

Have you figured it out yet?

The bottom line is most succulents are able to survive long periods of drought, because a thirsty plant lacking water will be supported by moisture stored in it’s leaves, temporarily. When you notice the leaves shrivel, it means the plant needs a good drink or two. If a fallen leaf touches soil, or better yet moist soil it will grow a pup at the base. That pup will grow roots into the soil, and as it grows bigger it will eventually suck all the moisture from the leaf. It will have sufficient roots system to support itself, as long as you continue watering the young plant.

You can propagate any succulent by snipping off a leaf and putting it in a pot filled with soil, barely covering the base of the leaf. It’s not particularly important what type of soil you choose. I would only make sure it’s not dry clay.