“Vetplant” is the Afrikaans word for succulent, referring to plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. These plants are popular as houseplants and garden additions due to their distinctive appearance and resilient nature. Their ability to store water allows them to adapt to arid conditions.
Understanding Succulent Care
Succulents generally require ample light to maintain their compact form and vibrant coloration. Most varieties thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally from a south-facing window or outdoor placement. Insufficient light often leads to etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy with widely spaced leaves. While some succulents tolerate moderate or lower light, most prefer bright conditions to prevent stretching.
Watering succulents effectively involves a “soak and dry” method, mimicking their natural environment. The soil should be completely saturated until water drains from the bottom, then allowed to dry out fully before the next watering. Overwatering, which is more about frequency than volume, can lead to mushy leaves and root rot. Underwatering causes leaves to shrivel or become crispy. It is better to underwater than overwater, as succulents store water and can rebound from dryness more easily.
The right soil mixture is crucial for succulent health, prioritizing excellent drainage. A specialized cactus or succulent mix, often composed of inorganic materials like coarse sand, perlite, or pumice, is ideal. Pots must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, as succulents do not tolerate sitting in soggy conditions. Unglazed terracotta pots are favored because their porous nature allows for better air circulation and faster evaporation.
Succulents thrive in temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer low humidity, typically between 40% and 50%, as high moisture can lead to fungal infections and root rot. While they can tolerate short periods of higher humidity, consistent high moisture levels are problematic. Adequate air circulation also helps manage humidity, especially indoors.
Popular Succulent Varieties
A wide array of succulent varieties are available, each with unique forms and textures. Echeveria, known for its symmetrical rosette shapes and vibrant colors, is popular for its ornamental appeal. Sedum, or Stonecrop, encompasses many species, from ground-covering to upright forms, offering diverse foliage and colorful blooms. Haworthia varieties are recognized for their striking patterns and translucent leaf tips, making them interesting indoor plants that can tolerate slightly lower light.
Aloe, including Aloe vera, features fleshy, spiky leaves arranged in rosettes and is known for its medicinal properties. Crassula, like the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), forms tree-like structures with thick, oval leaves and is forgiving for beginners. These varieties offer a good starting point for new enthusiasts due to their distinct visual characteristics and adaptability.
Troubleshooting Common Succulent Issues
Overwatering is a frequent problem, indicated by soft, mushy, or translucent leaves that may turn yellow or black and drop easily. To address this, immediately remove the plant from its pot, gently remove wet soil from the roots, and allow the plant to dry in a warm, indirect light location for several days. Then, repot in fresh, dry succulent soil. If rot has set in, remove any affected mushy roots or stems; healthy parts can be propagated.
Underwatering manifests as shriveled, wrinkled, or crispy leaves, often starting from the bottom. The solution is to give the plant a thorough soak until water drains from the bottom, allowing the soil to absorb moisture deeply. Leaves should plump up within a few days.
Etiolation, the stretching of a succulent due to insufficient light, results in a leggy appearance with elongated stems and widely spaced leaves. While stretched growth cannot revert to its compact form, increasing light exposure, possibly with a grow light, can prevent further etiolation. Severely etiolated plants can be “beheaded” by cutting the healthy, compact top and propagating it to start a new, well-formed plant.
Common pests include mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, often in leaf axils. They can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or by spraying the plant with a dilute alcohol solution or neem oil. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions; increasing humidity or washing plants with a strong stream of water can deter them. Quarantining new plants helps prevent pest spread.
Propagation and Repotting
Propagating succulents is commonly done from leaves or stem cuttings. For leaf propagation, gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring the entire leaf base is intact. Allow the leaf to callous over for a few days to a week in a dry, shaded area to prevent rot before placing it on top of well-draining soil. Roots and new plantlets will emerge from the calloused end.
Stem cuttings involve cutting a portion of a healthy stem, removing lower leaves, and allowing the cut end to callous for several days. Once calloused, the cutting can be planted directly into dry succulent soil. Both leaves and cuttings should not be watered until roots have formed.
Succulents do not require frequent repotting. Signs a plant needs repotting include becoming root-bound, stunted growth, or the soil breaking down. Repotting is best done during the plant’s active growing season. Carefully remove the succulent from its old pot, gently shake off old soil, inspect roots for rot, and place it in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining succulent soil. After repotting, avoid watering for a few days to allow any damaged roots to heal.