How to Identify a Smooth Succulent Plant

Succulents grow in the warmest parts of the country. They survive arid conditions because their leaves, stems and roots store an excess of water. That's why succulents have a fleshy appearance. Cacti are the most well-known succulent. They are thorny, which makes them easily recognizable. There are many other types of succulents, however. Smooth succulents and cacti have similar properties. If you come across a succulent plant that you want to put in your garden, it helps to be able to identify it by examining specific characteristics.

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Instructions

- 1
  Look at the leaves. Succulent plants have thick, fleshy foliage because they are filled with water. Many species of leaf succulents, such as jade plants, have red on the outside margin of their leaves because of a buildup of vacuolar pigments in those cells. The cells are so watery that they have low amounts of chlorophyll.
- 2
  Examine the flowers. Some smooth succulents, such as the common purslane, have blooms that open only when it's sunny. Common purslane's flowers are yellow and have five small petals. They are often clustered at the ends of the branches.
- 3
  Squeeze a handful of soil. Most smooth succulents grow best in well-draining soil. If drops of water come out, the list of possibilities is narrowed or the plant is not a succulent.
- 4
  Determine the growth pattern. While many succulents grow in an upright form, Indian spinach (Basella alba) is a smooth succulent vine. It has purplish or green stems and fleshy, heart-shaped leaves.
- 5
  Examine the light in the planting area. Most thorny succulents need full sun but, according to University of Illinois Extension, smooth succulents can tolerate some shade.

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