Thick succulents are a distinctive group of plants recognized by their plump, fleshy leaves, stems, or swollen bases. Their unique appearance and ability to endure challenging conditions make them a popular choice for various indoor and outdoor settings. This robust form is a visual indicator of their specialized adaptations.
Understanding Thick Succulents
The characteristic “thickness” in succulents results from evolutionary adaptations for water storage, allowing them to thrive in arid environments. These plants developed specialized tissues, often called succulent tissues or parenchyma, within their leaves, stems, or root structures. These tissues contain large, thin-walled cells highly efficient at absorbing and retaining water. This mechanism enables the plant to endure prolonged periods without rainfall.
The stored water serves as a reserve, providing hydration during dry spells when external sources are scarce. This adaptation minimizes water loss through transpiration, where water vapor escapes from plant surfaces. Storing water internally allows thick succulents to regulate hydration, maintaining turgor pressure within their cells. This reserve gives them their characteristic swollen and fleshy appearance.
Popular Thick Succulent Varieties
Several popular succulent species exemplify “thickness” through their distinct features. Pachyphytum oviferum, or Moonstones, has thick, spherical, pastel-colored leaves resembling small pebbles. Each plump leaf retains water, contributing to the plant’s compact, rounded appearance. Adromischus cooperi, also known as Plover Eggs, features thick, egg-shaped leaves adorned with reddish-brown spots. These leaves are densely packed along short stems, creating a compact, textured plant.
Pachypodium lamerei, or Madagascar Palm, showcases thickness with its robust, spiny, columnar stem that swells at the base. This swollen stem acts as a primary water reservoir, storing moisture for extended periods. Dorstenia foetida is a unique succulent with a thick, knobby caudex or swollen stem base, from which unusual, disc-shaped flowers emerge. The caudex is a water-storage organ, giving the plant a distinctive, gnarled appearance. Lastly, Euphorbia obesa, known as Baseball Plant, is nearly spherical with prominent ridges, resembling a baseball. Its entire body is a water-storing stem, making it a compact, highly succulent specimen.
Care Guide for Thick Succulents
Providing adequate light is important for the health and growth of thick succulents. These plants require abundant bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours daily to maintain their compact form and vibrant coloration. Placing them in a south-facing window indoors or a sunny outdoor location is ideal for sufficient light exposure. Insufficient light can lead to stretching, where the plant grows elongated and pale as it searches for more light.
The choice of growing medium is important for thick succulents due to their susceptibility to root rot from excess moisture. A well-draining, gritty soil mix is necessary, composed of inorganic materials like pumice, perlite, or coarse sand mixed with a small amount of potting soil. This substrate allows water to drain rapidly, preventing roots from sitting in prolonged dampness. It also supports healthy root development by providing aeration and preventing compaction.
Watering practices are a key aspect of care for thick succulents, linked to their water-storing capabilities. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Then, allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering cycle. This approach mimics their natural habitat, with infrequent but heavy rainfall followed by long dry periods.
Allowing the soil to dry completely prevents roots from remaining in perpetually moist conditions, which can quickly lead to fungal infections and rot. Overwatering is a common cause of succulent demise, as their specialized tissues cannot handle constant saturation. Watering frequency depends on environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and light intensity. It is always safer to underwater than overwater. These succulents prefer moderate temperatures, 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), and low humidity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Overwatering is a frequent problem for thick succulents, leading to root and stem rot. Symptoms include mushy, translucent, or discolored leaves, often yellow or black. The stem might also feel soft or squishy. To prevent this, always ensure the soil is completely dry before watering, and use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Conversely, underwatering can also cause issues, though it is less detrimental than overwatering. Signs include wrinkled, shriveled, or deflated leaves, indicating a lack of stored moisture. The plant may also feel lighter than usual. While thick succulents are drought-tolerant, prolonged underwatering leads to dehydration and stunted growth. Correcting this involves thorough watering, allowing the plant to rehydrate.
Etiolation, or stretching, is an issue characterized by elongated stems and widely spaced leaves, often with a paler green color. This symptom indicates the succulent is not receiving enough light and is stretching to find a brighter source. Moving the plant to a location with more intense, direct sunlight is necessary to prevent further stretching. While existing etiolation cannot be reversed, providing adequate light encourages new, compact growth.