Succulent wonders: Care and cultivation
New Delhi: Succulents are a popular group of houseplants but their care looks a little different than the typical tropical foliage houseplant. Succulents are plants with thick, juicy stems and leaves. Succulents are found in many different plant families. Popular succulent species are found in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and cactus family (Cactaceae) among others. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Succulents generally make good houseplants because they require little care. They are grown for their attractive leaves, stems, growth habit and flowers. The many different colours, shapes and sizes of succulents and the fact that many are small in size make them highly collectible. Regardless of the species, nearly all succulents thrive in the same environmental conditions. This makes them good plants for dish gardens since all the plants in a multi plant container, such as a dish garden, must prefer the same growing conditions to grow well.
Importance and use of succulents
Low maintenance: They are ideal for busy people or those with little gardening knowledge because they require little maintenance. Water conservation: Because of their adaptation to dry conditions, succulents can survive with little moisture. They are therefore a sustainable option, particularly in areas with limited water resources. Aesthetic appeal: Succulents are a popular choice for interior and outdoor design because of their distinctive forms, textures, and vivid colours. They may bring a little bit of nature into any area. Air purification: Succulents, like many other plants, purify the air by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. They also clean the air of pollutants. Versatility in design: They can be grown in a wide range of containers and arrangements, from small pots to vertical gardens. This versatility allows for creative expression in gardening. Therapeutic benefits: Succulent care can be beneficial to one’s mental health. It is a relaxing and meditative activity that reduces stress and anxiety. Also use as pot plants in wedding and events decor, terrariums, dish garden, living wall aet, ground covers, medicinal purpose, culinary purpose, xeriscaping etc.
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Characteristics of plants
Succulent plants have several adaptations that allow them to thrive in arid environments with little water. Here are some of the key mechanisms that make succulents suitable for these environments.
Water storage tissues: Water storing specialized tissues found in succulents include modified stems or leaves and parenchyma cells. When there is water available, these tissues have the capacity to expand and retain large amounts of moisture.
Reduced leaf surface area: Many succulents have adapted by shrinking their leaves or developing spines or scales instead. This helps to reduce water loss due to transpiration.
CAM photosynthesis: The majority of succulents use a process known as Crassiform Acid Metabolism (CAM) for photosynthesis. With the help of this water saving adaptation, they can reduce water loss by opening their stomata at night, when the temperature is lower and the humidity is higher.
Shallow root systems: Succulents frequently have shallow root systems that absorb moisture quickly from light rain or dew. These roots are also good at collecting water from the soil.
Thick waxy cuticles: A cuticle is a waxy substance that protects the outer layer of a succulent’s leaves or stems. This cuticle supports in moisture retention by reducing water loss through evaporation.
Salt tolerance: Succulents frequently have mechanisms for dealing with high soil salinity, which is common in arid environments. Some species can even excrete excess salts via specialized glands.
Drought dormancy: Succulents have the ability to go dormant during prolonged periods of drought. They reduce metabolic activity and conserve energy in this state until conditions improve.
Growing conditions light
When growing succulents indoors, one of the most limiting factors is often light. Look for the brightest indoor location that can provide ten or more hours of bright, indirect light. Some species can tolerate lower light levels, but most cannot thrive with less than six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. It is often difficult to provide this amount of light indoors. Rotate plants frequently to prevent them from growing unfairly. Plants develop pale growth when light levels are too low. Move plants to a brighter location or use a grow light to supplement light. Look for full spectrum, high output lights. Fluorescent and LED lighting is ideal for home gardeners. Succulents can be moved outside for the summer, but they should be placed in partial shade and protected from the hot afternoon sun. Outdoors, the light levels are much higher,and the intense light can damage and burn the leaves and stems.
Soil
Soil is one of the most important factors to consider when growing succulents because it is one of the factors that separates succulents from other indoor plants. Succulents require well-draining soil that dries quickly and does not retain excessive moisture. Typical potting soil mixes retain too much water for too long, causing root rot and succulent death.
Succulents thrive in soil mixtures that contain one-third organic material and two-thirds mineral material. Combine one part organic material, such as potting soil, pine bark, compost or coir with two parts mineral material, such as perlite, coarse sand, pumice or fine gravel to make your own succulent potting mix.
Temperature
Succulents do not require above-average temperatures to thrive, even though many of them are native to hot regions. For almost all succulents, a home’s average temperature is ideal. The majority of succulents naturally occur in regions with significant day-to-night temperature variations. Succulents can withstand & occasionally even prefer, lower nighttime temperatures and warmer daytime temperatures when grown indoors. Succulents do best when kept between 55 °F and 75 °F. Temperatures as low as 45 °F and as high as 85 °F are tolerated by many species.
Humidity
Because most homes have low relative humidity, especially during the winter months, humidity is not usually an important factor to consider when growing succulents indoors. Succulents do well in this low humidity. Succulents benefit from lower humidity levels because it allows the soil to dry faster. Even succulents can suffer from low humidity levels on occasion. If the air is too dry and plants are shrivelling, wrinkling or developing dry leaf edges or tips, use a humidifier or pebble tray to increase humidity levels. Indoors, succulents are rarely found in conditions where the relative humidity is too low.
Collection of different succulents at Navsari Agricultural University
Watering
Apart from light and soil, watering is probably the most important and often misunderstood factor in succulent care. Setting up a wet dry cycle is the best way to water succulents growing indoors. When watering plants, make sure the entire soil volume is wet and water runs out of the drainage holes in the container. Allow plants to dry thoroughly before watering again, making sure the entire volume of soil is dry. Succulents do not like being wet for extended periods of time. Never leave water in trays, sleeves or double pots for more than a few hours.It is challenging to recommend a watering schedule because it depends on a variety of environmental elements, including the amount of light the plant receives, the kind of soil and container. Watering succulents every two to three weeks is generally the best way to get started. Before watering, check the soil; if it is dry several inches below the surface, apply water. Wait to water if it’s damp. Wait to water and check again in a few days if you have any doubts.
Fertilizer
For the most part, succulents don’t need much fertilizer for growth. In the spring and summer, apply a balanced fertilizer at a rate that is half to one-quarter that of the label. When the succulents are actively growing, you can apply a water-soluble fertilizer every three or four waterings or you can apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil early in the growing season. Since succulents are not actively growing during the winter do not fertilize them.
Container
There is an extensive variety of materials that can be used to make containers, such as glass, plastic, terracotta, glazed pottery, and ceramics. They have to have a drainage hole in them. Because succulents cannot stand to remain wet, it is frequently too wet for plants to flourish in them, even when a “drainage layer” or coarse gravel is added to the bottom of the container. If you are unable to make a drainage hole, think about switching to a different container or using two pots. Double potting is the practice of growing a plant in a slightly smaller container with holes for drainage and placing that container inside the desired, non-draining container. Succulents thrive in clay or terracotta pots because they are porous and allow the soil to dry out faster than plastic or glazed pottery. Succulents thrive in small or shallow containers because the soil volume is small and dries out quickly. Dishes, trays and other large containers can also be used to plant multiple succulent species in the same container.
Because most succulents have the same light, water and soil requirements, they can coexist in the same container.
Propagation seeds
Collect the seeds from fully grown succulent plants. Establish the seeds in a succulent or cactus soil mixture that drains well. Make sure the soil is constantly moist but not waterlogged. It can take some time for germination to occur, so be patient and provide bright, indirect light. The method of propagating seeds can be used to create new varieties. Since seed requires a long time to mature, this is not a commercial method of propagation.
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings are propagated by carefully removing a leaf from the stem. The entire leaf, as well as the cells that attach the leaf to the stem, must be removed for this type of propagation to be successful. These cells contain meristem tissue, which is required for new growth.
Partial leaf pieces will not root. Lay the leaves flat on slightly damp, well-drained rooting media, such as cactus potting soil, and gently settle them into the soil so that the end of the leaf that was attached to the stem is right at the soil surface but not covered in soil.
Maintain a damp but not wet soil surface. A spray bottle is an effective way to wet the soil surface without getting the soil too wet. New roots and leaves or rosettes will form in several weeks. This type of propagation works well for Graptopetalum, Pachyphytum, Sedum, Crassula, and Kalanchoe.
Stem cuttings
Use clean, sharp pruners or scissors to cut off a section of stem that is 3 to 6 inches long in order to propagate by stem cuttings. Take away the leaves from the lower part of the stem and leave the cut end on a tray or plate, or hang it in an empty pot or cup for a few days to allow it to callus over. The propagule is less likely to rot before developing beneficial roots if the cut end is callused. The callused propagule should be placed in a well-drained medium, like perlite or cactus potting soil. It can be potted in a container and grown once new roots appear. In a glass of water, most succulents do not root very well. While sometimes beneficial, rooting hormone. This type of propagation works well with Aeonium, Cotyledon, Echeveria, Graptopetalum, Pachyphytum, Sedum, Euphorbia, Crassula, Senecio, Kalanchoe, Adenium, Epiphyllum (Disocactus), and Schlumbergera.
Offsets & division
The species needs to have the proper growth habit in order to propagate succulents through offsets. Those species that grow in clusters of rosettes, produce “pups” or have runners that readily root and grow are often the best candidates for this type of propagation. Pull or cut the offset or side shoot gently, taking care to split the pieces that still have their roots and leaves/stems attached.
To cut and separate runners or other pieces holding the offsets to the parent plant, one may occasionally need to use clean, sharp pruners or scissors. Plant the propagule in a container with a drainage hole and a well-drained growing medium, such as cactus potting soil. Lightly water plants and after a few weeks the new propagule will establish and begin growing on its own. This type of propagation works well for Sempervivum, Agave, Aloe, Lithops, Gasteria, Haworthia, Manfreda, Sansevieria (Dracaena), Bryophyllum, and all of the cactus (Cactaceae family).
Grafting
Succulent grafting involves joining two different succulent plants to create a single plant. This technique allows for unique combinations of colors, shapes and textures. The process typically involves selecting a scion (the top part of the graft) and a rootstock (the base onto which the scion is attached).
They are joined together using a precise cut and secured until they heal. Grafting in succulents requires skill and patience. Adenium is generally propagated by grafting.
Problems and maintenance
Succulents like any plants, can face various issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them, Overwatering
Symptoms: Yellowing or translucent leaves, wilting, and rot at the base of the plant.
Solution: Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Adjust your watering schedule and consider using well draining soil.
Underwatering
Symptoms: Shrivelled or wrinkled leaves, wilting, and a generally unhealthy appearance.
Solution: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure water drains freely from the pot.
Leggy growth
Symptoms: Tall, stretched-out stems with sparse foliage. Caused by insufficient light.
Solution: Provide more direct sunlight or supplement with a grow light. Regularly inspecting your succulents for signs of problems and addressing issues promptly will help keep them healthy and thriving.
Root rot
Symptoms: Black, mushy roots, and a foul odour. Can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Solution: Trim away affected roots and repot in well draining soil. Adjust watering practices to prevent future occurrences.
Sunburn
Symptoms: Patches of discoloured or brownish spots on leaves. Occurs when succulents are exposed to intense, direct sunlight for too long. Solution: Gradually acclimate succulents to more sunlight. Provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Mealybugs
Symptoms: White, cottony masses on the plant, often found in leaf axils. Solution: Remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Parth M. Mangroliya1
Jignesh M. Zinzala2
Dr. M. P. Ahir3
Dr. Y. N. Tandel4
Dr. Alka Singh5
1Ph.D. (Research Scholar), Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
2M.Sc. (Research Scholar), Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, SDAU
3Principal, Horticulture Polytechnic, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
4Associate Professor, Department of Fruit Science, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
5Professor and Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
