Species Of Succulents

Cactaceae

• The mention of cacti typically conjures up Images of spine-covered giants towering above the desert floor, but not all cacti fit this description. While many cacti have spines, others may be spineless, covered with coarse hairs or have leaves like the pereska cactus. While many cacti are native to hot, arid deserts, some are found in cool climates. Some cacti are epiphytes, plants that derive nutrients from the air, and do not require soil to grow.

Crassulaceae

• This family includes a host of common houseplants, such as the jade plant, kalanchoe, sedum and burro's tail. These plants thrive under normal household conditions, but require more water than do other varieties. Stems and leaves vary in color from rich green to red or bronze, depending on the cultivar.

Aizoaceae

• The carpetweed family of succulents includes 1,200 species with most native to South Africa. Many of these succulent herbs developed into weeds in much of North America. These include the delicate pink sea fig that lines the sand dunes from California to Oregon, the ice plant that has naturalized along the West Coast, and New Zealand spinach that is found along beaches and in marshes.

Euphorbiaceae

• Succulent euphobiacea includes a range of treelike or shrublike plants that contain succulent leaves and stems. Many are native to Africa. Some, such as Euphorbia obesa, resemble cacti, while others, such as E. tirucalli “Sticks on Fire,” have a grasslike growth habits. Others resemble trees with succulent leaves.

Care

• Succulent care depends on the variety, but most prefer a sunny location where they receive bright light. Because succulents are store moisture in their fleshy leaves, most require only occasional watering. Shriveled leaves are a sign that the plant requires more water. Always refer to the specific growing and handling requirements for your succulent plants to ensure proper watering and light exposure.