Succulents - What are they?

What Are Succulents?

Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves. The leaves tend to be thick and fleshy. Succulents tend to thrive in dry climates and don’t like a lot of humidity. As with any other plant, proper watering will ensure the best growth and flowering. While they do need water to survive, they can endure extended periods of drought, relying on the stored water and nutrients in their leaves. If their roots are sitting in water for too long they will start to rot and die.
Most succulents prefer warm temperatures and are not able to withstand freezing.Some species of sedums and sempervivums are able to withstand temperatures below freezing, although they are still better off in warmer temperatures. Extremes in temperature as well as lack of water or sunlight can often result in a color change for succulents. Succulents tend to “blush” or turn a different color when given a shock, such as more sunlight than they are used to. Generally when succulents are lacking in sunlight they will be dull or green. When fully blushing they range in color from pinks, oranges, and purples to dark blacks and reds.
One of the amazing qualities of succulents is their ability to propagate easily. While some species propagate more easily than others, many can grow new plants from a leaf that has fallen off the plant. Some put of new pups as they get larger.