Tube succulents, distinguished by their unique cylindrical or finger-like foliage, offer a fascinating addition to any plant collection. These plants are known for their ability to store water within their specialized leaves, an adaptation that allows them to thrive in arid environments and makes them relatively low-maintenance houseplants.
Understanding Tube Succulents
Tube succulents are defined by their unique leaf morphology, typically hollow, cylindrical, or trumpet-shaped. This specialized structure helps the plant efficiently store water, enabling it to endure dry periods.
Among popular types, Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ and ‘Hobbit’ jade plants are widely recognized. ‘Gollum’ jade features tubular leaves with a trumpet-like opening, sometimes with a reddish tint. The ‘Hobbit’ jade is similar but has leaves that curl backward, creating a scoop-shaped appearance. Senecio vitalis, commonly known as ‘Blue Chalk Sticks’, displays slender, chalky blue-green finger-like leaves that grow upwards, forming dense mats. Opuntia subulata, also called Eve’s Needle, is a tree-like cactus with cylindrical, branching green stems and long, awl-like leaves, reaching significant heights.
Caring for Tube Succulents
Tube succulents require bright, direct sunlight to maintain compact growth and vibrant coloring. Placing them in a south-facing window is often ideal indoors, ensuring at least six hours of daily sunlight. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, a condition where the plant stretches and becomes leggy as it searches for more light.
Proper watering is important, as overwatering is a common issue. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, and then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so they do not tolerate sitting in consistently wet soil, which can lead to root rot.
A well-draining, gritty soil mix is essential to prevent water retention around the roots. Commercial cactus and succulent mixes are a good starting point, which can be enhanced by adding inorganic materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. These amendments increase drainage and aeration, mimicking the arid conditions these plants naturally inhabit. Fine-grained sand should be avoided as it can compact and hinder drainage.
Tube succulents prefer average room temperatures, generally thriving between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-27°C). They can tolerate some temperature fluctuations but are not frost-hardy and should be protected from freezing conditions. High humidity is not conducive to their health, so good air circulation is beneficial.
Fertilization should be minimal, as tube succulents are accustomed to nutrient-poor environments. During their active growing season, typically spring and summer, a diluted, balanced succulent-specific fertilizer can be applied once every one to two months. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to leggy growth and potentially harm the plant.
Propagating Tube Succulents
Propagating tube succulents is straightforward, often achieved through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, carefully snip a healthy section of the stem using a clean, sharp tool. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus, which is a protective seal, over several days or up to a week. This callusing process helps prevent rot once planted.
Once the callus has formed, plant the cutting in a well-draining succulent soil mix. Placing the potted cutting in a warm spot with indirect light encourages root development. For leaf cuttings, gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring the entire base is intact. Allow the leaf to callus before placing it on top of or slightly inserted into gritty soil.
Common Problems with Tube Succulents
Overwatering is a frequent issue, manifesting as mushy, yellowing, or translucent leaves and potentially a black, soft stem, indicating root rot. If detected early, remove the plant from its wet soil, trim any rotted roots, and repot into fresh, dry, well-draining soil. Adjusting the watering schedule to allow the soil to dry completely between waterings is essential to prevent recurrence.
Conversely, underwatering can cause leaves to shrivel, become wrinkled, or turn brown. A thorough soaking of the soil usually revives an underwatered succulent, though consistent neglect can lead to root death and hinder recovery.
Pests like mealybugs or aphids can occasionally infest tube succulents, often appearing as white, cottony masses or small green insects. These can be treated by gently dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by applying a diluted neem oil solution. Regular inspection helps catch infestations early.
Etiolation, characterized by stretched stems and widely spaced, paler leaves, occurs when succulents do not receive enough light. Providing more intense light, such as relocating the plant to a brighter spot or using grow lights, will encourage new, compact growth. Severely etiolated plants can be beheaded, and the healthy top portion can be rooted to start a new, compact plant.