Succulent Stemmed Plants

Conditions

• Locate succulents in a sunny area that stays warm during the growing season. Succulents survive temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They put on new growth only during the warm summer months. Pour water in the top of the plant container until it drains out the bottom. Water the succulents once a week during the summer, but only once a month during the cool season.

Soil

• The best soil blends equal parts of potting soil, sand, and peat moss. This creates a lightweight, quick-draining mixture that is lightweight. Repot succulents when they become top heavy, or the roots begin to creep out of the pot.

Pests and diseases

• Do not keep the succulents in waterlogged soil since this causes black stem rot. The soil needs to be quick-draining and sandy. Certain pests such as red mites and spider mites attack succulents. Wash the infested succulent with clear water to knock the mites off the plant. Mealybugs gather on succulents and resemble tiny puffs of cotton. Use a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol to remove the mealybugs from the leaves and stems.

Propagation

• Succulents are commonly propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from the actively growing tips. Let the succulent cutting dry for up to three days. Then slide the cutting into a small container of sand, and let the cutting form roots. While the cutting is growing roots, avoid putting it in direct sunlight, and keep the sand moist. When active growth occurs, repot the cutting into a large container.

Types

• One of the best-known succulents is aloe vera. This plant grows in a rosette with thick leaves full of sap. The sap is used to treat topical burns. Hen-and-chicks are small rosette-type succulents that are commonly planted in rock gardens. Jade plants are found mainly as houseplants, unless planted outside in warm climates. These thick stemmed succulents are covered with round fleshy leaves. Christmas cactus form long branches of jointed stems that bloom once a year during the holidays.