Succulent Plant Species

Cacti

• Cacti are one of the best-known groups of succulents. Almost 2,000 species belong to the cactus family (Cactaceae) and, although often viewed as desert plants, cacti grow throughout North America, right up to the Arctic Circle. Cacti are distinguished from other succulents by their spines, which range from small and fuzzy to several inches in length and perilously sharp. Since cacti grow primarily in the arid Southwest, most gardeners grow them as houseplants. When growing cacti, replicate their natural growing conditions as much as possible: well-drained soil, abundant light and occasional water.

Succulents as Houseplants

• Because they require little special care and only occasional water and fertilizer, many homeowners keep succulent species as houseplants. Although you can find myriad species and cultivars available for growing indoors, a few favorites characterize succulent houseplants. Jade plants (Crassula species) have thick, oval-shaped leaves on thick stems and grow well in the conditions found in most homes. Long-lived, some species attain the size of a small shrub and resemble a miniature tree. Aloe plants (Aloe species) grow natively in Africa, where they range from ground-huggers to small trees. Because of their medicinal properties, aloes have spread around the world. In cultivation, aloes make dependable houseplants. Their thick, snaky, armlike leaves have spines along their edges and white speckles. In general, succulent species grown indoors prefer a well-drained sandy soil and abundant light. Although they need minimal water in the winter, water them more frequently and fertilize them in the spring and summer, when they are actively growing.

Succulents for the Perennial Garden

• Other gardeners grow succulents in the garden. In hot, arid climates, many species become suitable, but even gardeners in temperate regions have a few options. Natives of the American Southwest, yuccas (Yucca species) give a southwestern feel to a landscape. Their sword-shaped leaves grow directly out from the base of the plant and can reach 5 feet in height and nearly the same width. Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) are a smaller, subtler succulent addition to the perennial garden. Rosette-shaped plants lie almost flush with the ground and send out runners from which new, smaller plants arise, giving the visual impression of a mother hen surrounded by baby chicks. Hens and chicks grow well in the spaces between rocks. Although some succulents will flower under the right conditions, most people choose them for their foliage rather than the rare chance that they may blossom. Sedum (Sedum species), on the other hand, is a succulent suitable for outdoor gardens and known for its colorful and enduring star-shaped blossoms. Like their indoor cousins, succulents will thrive on poor, dry soil or hot sites, often thriving where other plants would fail.

Succulents in Nature

• In nature, succulents typically occupy open sites in dry regions with poor soil. Their ability to store water allows them to survive conditions other plants cannot. Families of succulent species other than cacti found in the wild include the agave, mesembs -- which includes aloe species --and stonecrops.