So many varieties!  A very versatile plant!

They’re resistant to drought and easy to care for.  They’re great in garden beds, or in containers.  Plant them individually or in groups for a beautiful display.

What is a Succulent Plant?

“Succulent” comes from root word in Latin, succos, which means juice. This name was given to these type of plants for their ability to retain water. Within their thick and swollen leaves, stems or roots, they have water storage tissues that have evolved to survive in habitats too dry for most other plants.

Popular Succulent Varieties

There are more than 60 families of succulents and more than 300 varieties. Here’s a look at the most popular:

• Agave consists of hard and rigid rosettes with teeth along the spine of the plant. There are 300 types of agave. Agave is the base ingredient of tequila. 

• With more than 450 species, Aloe is commonly known for its medicinal benefits, such as hydrating and soothing the skin after too much sun exposure. The different varieties of Aloe vary from smooth waxy surface to rigid edges along the spikes of the plant.

• Jade Plant comes from a succulent family called Crassula. The Jade Plant is admired for its smooth jade-green foliage and star-shaped pink or white flower. This species of succulents varies widely in size, shape, and color.

• One of the most attractive succulents is Echeveria.  Available in many colors, textures and tones, Echeveria has waxy leaves and bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of yellow, white, orange and pink.

• Sedum is very popular as an indoor plant as well as a groundcover in the garden.  The succulent foliage of many types of sedum are topped by starry flowers in late summer and fall.  They are low growing and are perfect for container gardening.  Sedum also attracts butterflies!

• Kalanchoe is a durable flowering succulent, typically grown indoors, but can also be used in container gardens for a low maintenance tropical look. It is available in a multitude of colors and its blooms are very long-lasting.

Succulent Care

• Watering:  Because of its ability to retain water, succulents need much less water than other houseplants. Too much water is not good for succulents. Allow soil to dry out between watering.  There is no need for misting succulents but they do like good air flow!
• Soil & Drainage:  Having good soil and good drainage is essential for succulent survival! English Gardens recommends Espoma brand Organic brand potting soil specially formulated for succulents.
• Sunlight:  Succulents require bright light. Outdoors, plant in areas that provide a little shelter from hot afternoon sun.  Too much sunlight may burn the plant.   Indoors display in or near a south-facing window. If your plant starts to stretch and has a lot of space between the leaves, it’s a sign that your plant is not getting enough sunlight.
• Fertilizer:  Feed succulents every two to three weeks from spring to early fall with a cactus/succulent fertilizer or all-purpose plant food. Do not fertilize in the winter.
• Propagation:  Take a stem cutting or leaf cutting in the spring or summer and allow them to dry for a few days. Place into a well-drained potting medium and watch it grow!

English Gardens offers a wide selection of succulents from individual plants to amazing container gardens. Product selection may vary by store.