Succulents, the easiest plants to keep alive; they are the “forget me and I will get
stronger” type of the plant world.
For the most part, they love the light and can survive without being watered for
longer periods of time. There are many different types of succulent plants, which
come in a wide variety shapes and sizes for for your indoor decor, or cactus
garden.
However, all succulents have similar characteristics that they share, such as that
they store their water, which makes them drought resistant.
Succulent is derived from the word sucus, which means juice or sap; and
succulents store their water their roots, stems and/or leaves. Also, succulents
need special soil to help them thrive.
We have compiled a list of different types of succulents and cactus with their
common names and pictures to help you to identify what kind of succulent do
you have and how to grow them to make your succulents thrive.
Succulent Identification Chart - find your unknown plant here
1. Aloe vera "Medicinal Aloe"
2. Adromischus cristatus "CrinkleLeaf Plant"
3. Adromischus Maculatus "Calico
Hearts "
4. Kiwi Aeonium "Aeonium
Haworthii"
5. Aichryson Laxum "Tree of
Love"
6. Aeonium Arboreum "Tree
House Leek"
7. Aeonium 'Sunburst' "Copper
Pinwheel"
8. Adenium Obesum "Desert
Rose"
9. aloe aristata "Lace Aloe"
10. Aloe Brevifolia Short-leaved
Aloe
11. Aloe 'Çhristmas Carol'
12. Aloe Black Doran "Dorian
Black"
13. Aloe Haworthioides
"Haworthia-leaved Aloe"
14. Aloe Juvenna "Tiger Tooth
Aloe"
15. Beaucarnea Recurvata
"Ponytail Palm"
16. Ceropegia Woodii Variegata
"String of Hearts"
17. Cotyledon Tomentosa Bear’s
Paw
18. Crassula Exilis Ssp. Schmidtii
"Fairy Tongue"
19. Crassula Capitella "Campfire
Crassula"
20. Crassula Falcata Propeller Plant
21. Crassula Muscosa "Watch
Chain"
22. Crassula Ovata Jade Plant
23. Crassula 'Tom Thumb'
24. Delosperma Sphalmanthoides
"Tufted Ice Plant"
25. Drosanthemum Speciosum
"Red Ice Plant"
26. Euphoribia Milii "Crown-ofThorns "
27. Echeveria Elegans "Mexican
Snowball"
28. Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ "Black
Prince"
29. Echeveria Imbricata "Blue
Rose"
30. Echeveria Runyoni 'Topsy
Turvy' Echeveria ‘Silver Spoons’
31. Euphorbia Tirucalli "Fire
Sticks"
32. Faucaria Tigrina "Tiger’s Jaw"
33. Fenestraria Rhopalophylla
"Baby Toes"
34. Gasteria 'Little Warty'
35. Pincushion Cactus
"Mammillara"
36. Graptopetalum Paraguayense
"Ghost Plant"
37. Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’ "Fred
Ives"
38. Graptoveria 'Silver Star
39. Hylotelephium Sieboldii
"October Daphne"
40. Hatiora Salicornioides "Dancing
Bones"
41. Haworthia Fasciata "Zebra
Plant "
42. Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora "Flapjack
Paddle Plant"
43. Kalanchoe Pumila "Flower Dust
Plant "
44. Lithops Helmutii "Living
Stones"
45. Kalanchoe tomentosa "Panda
Plant"
46. Mammillaria Elongata
"Ladyfinger Cactus"
47. Opuntia microdasys albata
"Bunny Ears"
48. Pachyveria Glauca "Little
Jewel"
49. Plectranthus Prostratus
"Tangled Hearts"
50. Peperomia Graveolens "Ruby
Glow"
51. Pleiospilos Nelii "Split Rock"
52. Portulacaria Afra "Elephant
Bush"
53. Schlumbergera Truncata
"Christmas Cactus"
54. Sedum morganianum "Burro’s
Tail"
55. Sedum Nussbaumerianum
"Coppertone Sedum"
56. Sedum Rubrotinctum "Pork
and Beans"
57. Sempervivum 'Pacific Devil's
Food' "Hens and Chicks"
58. Sempervivum 'Royanum'
"Houseleek"
59. Senecio Barbertonicus
"Succulent Bush Senecio"
60. Senecio Haworthii "Cocoon
Plant"
61. Senecio Radicans "String of
Bananas"
62. Senecio rowleyanus "String of
Pearls"
63. Senecio Serpens "Blue
Chalksticks"
64. Yucca Filamentosa "Adam’s
Needle"
65. Common Problems with
Succulents and How to Fix
Them
Aloe Vera "Medicinal Aloe"
Order: Asparagles Family: Asphodelaceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus:
Aloe
Native: Mediterranean, North Africa, South America and Caribbean
Aloe Vera is a short-stemmed aloe shrub. It has erected, greyish-green leaves
with white specks, that have little spikes on them. They can grow little tubular
yellow flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9a-11
Light: Aloe vera wants bright, indirect light, wither it is sunlight or artificial.
You can place it in either a western or southern window.
Temperature: Aloe vera also likes temperatures between 55° and 80°F.
Water: Aloe vera will die, if it is watered too much. You only want to water your
plant roughly every three weeks and even less in the winter.
Problems/Issues: Diseases that occur with aloe vera is root rot, soft rot, fungal
stem rot and leaf rot.
General Care for Aloe Vera
Container
You want to use a terra-cotta or other porous material pot, that is as wide as it is
deep, that has at least one hole in the bottom.
Soil
You can plant the aloe vera in either cactus potting soil or regular potting soil
with extra perlite added to it. Cactus soil is made up of sand, grit, soil and
sometimes peat moss.
You can either buy commercially made cactus soil or make your own. If you buy
cactus soil, you need to be careful because they normally add peat moss to it.
The peat moss helps to keep moisture, however, when the peat moss dries out, it
is very hard for it to ingest water again. Instead of buying, you can make your
own.
To make your own, you can either use washed sand mixed with soil and a gritty
substance (such as pebbles or shards of a pot) or potting soil that is mixed with
pumice and coir.
If you live in a barren area, you may want to add peat moss, you just want to be
careful that it doesn’t completely dry out. You can fertilize, but you only want to
do it during the spring and summer and no more than once a month.
If you do fertilize, you only want to use half strength of a well-balanced
houseplant formula.
Adromischus Cristatus "Crinkle-Leaf Plant"
Other name: Key Lime Pie
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Adromischus
Native: South Africa (Eastern Cape)
A small succulent with leaves that form as crinkles. Its leaves are covered with tiny
hairs and this plant grows slow. This can grow up to two inches long and up to
one inch wide for each leaf. Its flowers can grow up to eight inches.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9B to 10B
Light: Sun, Shade or Perhaps Something in Between
Temperature: The Crinkle-Lead plant isn’t really a fan of the cold. The
temperature it is in should only be up to 19 °F. It’s why it is advisable to have it
planted in a container that can be brought indoors so that when the
temperature has dropped, you can just bring it indoors to avoid frosting.
Water: Thrives on dry soil. You should only water this plant when its soil is
completely dry.
Problems/Issues: As this plant ages, some of its leaves tend to elongate.
General Care for Adromischus Cristatus "Crinkle-Leaf
Plant"
Container – Should be planted on indoor containers with excellent drainage.
Soil – You should use a well-draining soil that is premixed. The mix should have
perlite, sand, or peat moss.
Adromischus Maculatus "Calico Hearts "
Other name: Chocolate Drops
Order: Saxifragales Family: Sedoideae Tribe: Kalanchoeae
Native: South Africa
Calico hearts are short succulents that are a gray-green to green-brown in color,
they may or may not have purple spots on them.
The leaves are minuscule clusters that can get up to 3 inches long and up to 1.5
inches wide.
The leaves are curved, wedge-shape and almost glisten. The flowers that calico
hearts produce is cylinder shape and are a pale, yellowish green color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9b-11
Light: Calico hearts enjoys to be in the light.
Temperature: Calico hearts is a frost hardy succulent and can handle
temperatures as low as 25°F, but it prefers above 50°F.
Water: During spring, summer and autumn you should give your calico hearts a
good soaking then allows them to dry between watering. They need less water in
the winter, then they do during other seasons. Also, during the winter, you need
to keep water off of the leaves.
Problems/Issues: Calico hearts can be subject to root rot and can attract
mealybugs and vine weevils. Calico hearts are also fragile, so once you find a
spot you want it to be, you should leave it there.
General Care for Adromischus Maculatus "Calico
Hearts"
Container- Calico hearts should be grown in containers that have excellent
drainage.
Soil- You should use a succulent potting soil.
Kiwi Aeonium "Aeonium Haworthii"
Other names: Aeonium Haworthii ‘Kiwi’, Aeonium Decrum ‘Kiwi’, Aeonium
percarneum ‘Kiwi’, Aeonium haworthii ‘Variegata’, Aeonium Haworthii ‘Dream
Color’, Aeonium haworthii ‘Tricolor’, Aeonium ‘Verde’, Aeonium ‘Keweonium
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Aeonium
Native: California, United States
This succulent grows as fleshy green rosettes with red color on the edges.
The inner part of the rosettes is a bit yellow in color. It could grow up to 24
inches tall.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A to 11B
Light: It will be better to keep this indoors. Expose it to sunlight for at least six
hours.
Temperature:This plant doesn’t enjoy too much warmth, but it also won’t thrive
when the weather is too cold.
Water: Infrequent watering is how this succulent will thrive. Do not water again
if the soil is still wet.
Problems/Issues: The Aeonium Kiwi is prone to root rot and is monocarpic,
which means it dies after it blooms.
General Care for Aeonium ‘Kiwi’
Container – You may grow this plant in a medium to a large container with
drainage.
Soil – You will need a well-draining soil for this plant. You may use a cactus mix
with peat and perlites.
Aichryson Laxum "Tree of Love"
Other name: Mice Ears
Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Airchryson
Native: Portugal
Tree of love has a dwarf-tree like appearance, with enormous, oval, fuzzy, dark,
green leaves. Tree of love have short, leaf stalks that have clusters of pale-yellow
flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 6a-9b
Light: Tree of love wants bright, light.
Temperature: Tree of love is a frost hardy succulent. It can handle temperatures
as low as -10°F; however, it prefers temperatures between 61°F-75°F.
Water: Give tree of love a good soaking then allow the top half of the soil dries
out.
Problems/Issues: You need to cut off the inflorescence or tree of love will die
after flowering. If the leaves fall off, tree of love is receiving too much
light. They can also suffer from root rot and attract mealybugs.
General Care for Aichryson Laxum "Tree of Love"
Container- You should plant tree of love in 4-5-inch-deep, clay pots.
Soil- You should plant them in cacti/succulent soil. If you want to fertilize tree of
love, you can do it 2 or 3 times a year with a standard, liquid fertilizer.
Aeonium Arboreum "Tree House Leek"
Other names: Irish Rose, Pinwheel Desert Rose
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedinae Tribe: Sedeae
Subtribe: Sedinae Genus: Aeonium
Native: North Africa, Carney Island
Tree house leek has a tree like appearance, with forked stems. It can reach 3 feet
in height. The leaves are green, oval shaped and can reach 3 inches long. Tree
house leek produced minuscule, yellow, star-shaped flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10a-13a
Light: It prefers full light during the colder months and shade during the
summer months.
Temperature: - It prefers temperatures around 50°F, it can go as high as 100°F,
but higher than that can kill it.
Water: Only water tree house leeks once a month during winter. The rest of the
time, give them a good soaking then allow them to dry between waterings.
Problems/Issues: Tree house leek can suffer from root rot and attract
mealybugs, scale and aphids.
General Care for Aeonium Arboreum "Tree House
Leek"
Container- Tree house leeks should be planted in terra cotta pots.
Soil- They should be planted in succulent potting soil.
Aeonium 'Sunburst' "Copper Pinwheel"
Other names: Sunburst, Aeonium Decorum
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Aeonium
Native: Canary Islands
The Copper Pinwheel is a variegated and branching succulent that forms as
rosettes. It has leaves that are colored green and a bit of white. The leaves’ edges
are pinkish in color but turns red when directly exposed to sunlight. This
succulent can grow up to 18 inches tall. Its flowers are white in color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10A
Light: It’s best to just place it indoors
Temperature: This plant isn’t a fan of the hot weather. Keep it placed in a place
where it is 65–75˚F in temperature. If it gets colder than 30˚F outside
Water: While it is dormant, watering is not really necessary for this plant. You
can only water this when it is extremely dry. When it’s not dormant, only water if
the top soil is already dry.
Problems/Issues: This plant is prone to having pests. Bugs, birds, and slugs tend
to also eat the leaves of this plant.
General Care for Aeonium 'Sunburst'
Container – The Copper Pinwheel can be grown outdoors and indoors, so it’s
best to choose a container that is easy to move. Just make sure that the container
will allow smooth drainage.
Soil – This Aeonium succulent need some moisture so it’s best to use a sandy
potting mix.Do not fertilize this plant when it is dormant, which is during the
summer.
Adenium Obesum "Desert Rose"
Other known names:Mock Azalea, Impala Lily, Sabi Star
Order: Gentianales Family: Apocynaceae Subfamily: Apocynoideae Tribe:
Wrightieae Genus: Adenium
Native: Eastern Africa, the Middle East, and Madagascar
Desert rose is a condensed stemmed shrub, with barely any leaves, that produce
red flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 11-12
Light: They prefer full light, so a sunny window is a good place to put them.
Desert roses want up to six hours a day in direct light.
Temperature: Desert roses prefers temperatures between 75-95°F, but can
survive temperatures as low as 55°F. Desert roses are frost sensitive.
Water: Give desert roses a good soaking and allow the soil to dry between each
time you water them. During the months of October through February only
water once a month.
Problems/Issues: Desert roses have toxic sap, so don’t allow place them were
small children and animals can get them. They can suffer from rot root and can
attract spider mites, mealybugs and aphids.
General Care for Adenium Obesum "Desert Rose"
Container- Desert roses grow best in unglazed, terra cotta pots.
Soil- You should use succulent/cacti potting mix. You can fertilize weekly, but
only during the growing season.
Aloe Aristata "Lace Aloe"
Other names: Bearded Aloe, Hardy Aloe
Family: Xanthorrhoeacea Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus: Aloe
Native: South Africa
Lace aloe is a stemless, dark-gray to green, dwarf shrub. It has a compressed
rosette, with each leaf getting up to 6 inches long. The leaves look like they have
little teeth on them and the edges of the leaves are white. During early summer,
lace aloe produces orange flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9a-11
Light: Lace aloe likes bright light.
Temperature: They grow fine in normal room temperatures.
Water: Lace aloe likes a good soaking and then having its soil dry between
waterings. You also shouldn’t water lace aloe in the winter.
Problems/Issues: Lace aloe can suffer from wilting, yellowing leaves, rotting at
the base and rot root. They can also attract mealybugs and scale.
General Care for Aloe Aristata "Lace Aloe"
Container- Lace aloe should be planted in shallow, clay pots.
Soil- You should use cacti or succulent potting soil.
Aloe Brevifolia Short-Leaved Aloe
Other names:
Family: Xanthorrhoeceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus: Aloe
Native: South Africa
The Short-leaved Aloe is greenish gray in color with spiky edges. It forms as a
rosette and can grow up to one foot tall.
When exposed to the sun, its leaves may look a bit yellow. Its orange flowers
blossom every spring.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A
Light: The Short-leaved Aloe enjoys the strong and bright light of the sun. Make
sure it gets light for at least six hours daily.
Temperature: If the temperature drops to 20° F, it’s best to take this plant
indoors.
Water: Do not let the leaves sit on water. During summer, you can water this as
soon as you see its top soil dry, but every winter, make sure to water this less.
Problems/Issues: In some cases, this plant can be toxic to humans and animals.
This plant is also prone to overwatering.
General Care for Aloe Brevifolia "Short-Leaved Aloe"
Container – You can plant this on medium to large sized container that has
depth. Choose a container that you can easily move when needed.
Soil – You should plant this on a potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles.Only
fertilize this plant every summer.
Aloe 'Çhristmas Carol'
Other names: Aloe Cultivar Christmas Carol
Family: Asphodelaceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus: Aloe
Native: A hybrid by Kelly Griffin
The Christmas Carol is a star-shaped slow-growing succulent that known for its
shape and colors. It could grow up to 1 foot tall and six inches wide. Its leaves are
pointed and colored dark-green. The leaves also have red edges and yellow
bumps. Its flower is pinkish in color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9B to 11
Light: Like most succulents, it needs at least six hours of sunshine daily.
Temperature: Keep this in an area with a temperature of 70 to 80 °F.
Water: Do not let it sit on stagnant water. Occasional watering is required.
Problems/Issues: It is prone to root rot if overwatered.
General Care for Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’
Container – You can have this planted on medium-sized containers that allow
good drainage.
Soil – You’ll need a well-draining and rich gritty cactus mix.
Aloe Black Doran "Dorian Black"
Other names: Aloe ‘Dorian Black’
Family: Asphodelaceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus: Aloe
Native: Africa
Contrary to its name, the Black Doran actually has whitish-green and pointy
leaves that could grow up to six inches tall. It forms in clumps, which is typical in
aloe plants. It has red and orange flower.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10a to 11
Light: It does well under partial to full shade of the sun. Give it at least 6 hours
of light exposure daily
Temperature: If the temperature drops to 30 °F, it’s best to place this plant
indoors.
Water: It has the typical watering need of an aloe. Do not let it sit on stagnant
water for a long time. Avoid letting water stay on its leaves as well.
Problems/Issues: Aloes are mainly prone to root rot when overwatered.
General Care for Aloe ‘Doran Black’
Container – The Black Doran is a good container plant. You can have this placed
on a medium-sized container that allows smooth drainage.
Soil – Use a well-draining gritty mix with peats or pebbles.
Aloe Haworthioides "Haworthia-Leaved Aloe"
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus: Aloe
Native: Madagascar
Haworthia-leaved aloe are fast-growing, stemless, minuscule succulents. They
have a compressed rosette that are lance shaped. They have comfy, plumed,
shiny white shaggy spines. They have orange, cylinder flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9b-13b
Light: Once haworthia-leaved aloe become accustomed to the light, it likes
strong, bright light.
Temperature: It prefers temperatures around 75°F.
Water: Haworthia-leaved aloe should be soaked, then allowed to dry out
between waterings. You should stop watering them in winter.
Problems/Issues:
Haworthia-leaved aloe can suffer from rot root and attract mealybugs and scale.
General Care for Aloe Haworthioides
Container- Haworthia-leaved aloe should be planted in excellent draining, clay
pots.
Soil- They need to be grown in cacti or succulent potting soil. You can also
potting soil, mixed with coarse sand or pebbles. If you want to fertilize it only use
cactus fertilizer during the summer months.
Aloe Juvenna "Tiger Tooth Aloe"
Other names: Aloe Juvenna Brandham & S.Carter
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus: Aloe
Native: Kenya
This clump-forming succulent grows as rosettes with spiky leaves.
Each stem could grow up to 12 inches upright.The leaves are naturally green but
when it is happily stressed, the leaves turn reddish-brown.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A
Light: You can have it exposed to light fully or partially.
Temperature:This plant enjoys the warmth and it should be brought indoors if
the temperature dropped to 20° F.
Water: Don’t overwater. You need to wait for the soil to dry up before watering
this plant again. This is drought-tolerant, so it won’t really mind being
underwatered for some time.
Problems/Issues: Has the tendency to sit low and is also susceptible to having
pests.
General Care for Tiger Tooth Aloe
Container – You can have this planted on medium-sized containers that can be
brought indoors when needed.
Soil – This needs a potting soil or mix that drains well. Preferably, the mix should
have perlites. You can add a small amount of fertilizer on its soil during its
growth.
Beaucarnea Recurvata "Ponytail Palm"
Other known names: Bottle Palm Tree, Elephant’s Foot Palm
Order: Asparagales Family: Asparagaceae Subfamily: Nolinoideae Genus:
Beaucarnea
Native: Eastern Mexico
Ponytail palm is not a palm tree; it just happens to look like one. It has a large,
onion shaped trunk, which store water in it, that tapers off into a narrow stem.
It has long green, leathery, hair-like leaves. When grown indoors, it can reach up
to three feet in width and four feet in height. Older plants can develop white
flowers on them.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9a-10b
Light: They like to have bright light during half of the year and prefer to be in
indirect light during the other half of the year.
Temperature: Ponytail palm like warmer temperatures during the summer,
(think in the 70s°F), and colder temperatures in the winter (50-55°F). During the
winter, you should not keep your ponytail plant close to windows or they could
freeze.
Water: To keep a ponytail palm happy, soak the soil and allow the excess water
to drain out, let your plant sit in the extra water for a minute or two, then dump
it back into the plant. Afterwards, allow the plant’s soil to dry out before rewatering. Water the ponytail plant less often in the winter.
Problems/Issues: Ponytail palm, if overwatered can develop stem rot. They can
also attract spider mites. It is also important to note, that ragged edges that
could cut you, so you may want to keep it out of reach of small children and
handle it with care.
General Care for Beaucarnea Recurvata "Ponytail
Palm"
Container- Ponytail palm should be grown in a clay pot, where, the trunk of
should have roughly an inch between it and the rim of the pot. Pot should have
at least one hole in bottom for drainage.
Soil
- You should grow your ponytail palm in either cacti or succulent potting
soil. You can also make your own soil mixture of potting soil, perlite and
sand. Ponytail palm only needs to fertilized two or three times during the spring
and summer, with a cacti or succulent fertilizer.
Ceropegia Woodii Variegata "String of Hearts"
Other names: Sweetheart Vine, Rosary Vine, Heart Entangled, Chain of Hearts,
Rosary Plant
Family: Apocynaceae Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae Genus: Ceropegia
Native: Africa and Southern Asia
The String of Hearts is a vining or trailing succulent with heart-shaped leaves. Its
leaves are colored green, white, and pink, while its stems are purplish in color. It
can grow up to 4 inches tall, but it could also trail up to 13 feet.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 11A
Light: It can thrive on full and partial lighting of at least six hours daily.
Temperature: If it gets colder than 40° F, place this plant indoors.
Water: You should allow its soil to completely dry out before watering. Water
this plant less during the winter.
Problems/Issues: It has the tendency to grow thinly. You can remedy this by
tucking a few of its cuttings in the soil.
General Care for Ceropegia Woodii Variegata "String
of Hearts "
Soil – You may use a cactus potting mix or soil with at least one-third of sand.
Only fertilize with a well=balanced fertilizer during spring.
Cotyledon Tomentosa Bear’s Paw
Other names: Cotyledon Tomentosa ‘Variegata’, Variegated Bear’s Paw
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Cotyledon
Native: Africa
The Bear’s Paw is a shrub type of succulent that got its name because of how its
leaves look like. It has thick and curvy leaves with mini claws at the tips that are a
bit red in color. This could grow up to 20 inches tall and its flowers are bellshaped and orange-red or a bit pinkish in color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A to 10A
Light: Make sure to expose it to light for at least six hours.
Temperature: The Bear Claws prefer the warmth that shouldn’t go below 30° F.
Water: It’s advisable to only water this once a week when the soil is already dry.
Problems/Issues: It can be toxic to humans and animals. It is also prone to light
frost during winter.
General Care for Cotyledon Tomentosa "Bear’s Paw"
Container
– Make sure that you choose a container with at least one drainage hole. Since
this plant tends to grow a lot, it’s best that you choose a deep container to let its
roots spread nicely.
Soil – You should have this planted on a well-draining potting soil that is a bit
sandy. Fertilize lightly during summer. You can do this twice a month.
Crassula Exilis Ssp. Schmidtii "Fairy Tongue"
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Crassuloideae Genus:
Crassula
Native: Cape Province, South Africa
Fairy tongue have fuzzy stems that stick straight up. It has green leaves, that start
out wide at the rosette that taper to slim. The purplish-pink flowers are star
shaped and are in clusters.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10a-11
Light: It likes full light, but when it is extremely hot, it likes to have some shade.
Temperature: Fairy tongue can survive in temperatures that drop to 30°F.
Water: During the months that are cooler, you should give fairy tongues a good
soaking and allow it to dry out in between waterings. During the summer
months, you should water it less.
Problems/Issues: Fairy tongues become dormant in the hotter months. It can
develop root rot and attract mealybugs.
General Care For Crassula Exilis Ssp. Schmidtii "Fairy
Tongue"
Container- Fairy tongues need containers that have excellent drainage.
Soil- They should be planted in a succulent potting soil. You can use a control
release fertilizer at the beginning of spring.
Crassula Capitella "Campfire Crassula"
Other names: Crassula Capitella, Crassula Capitella ‘Campfire’, Crassula Erosula
‘Campfire’, Crassula Cocinea ‘Campfire’
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Crassuloideae Genus: Crassula
Native: South Africa
The leaves of the Campfire Crassula are fleshy and light red in color. Its leaves are
propeller-shaped and can turn to bright red under the sun.
Each mat formed by its leaves can grow up to six inches tall and three feet wide.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A to 1B
Light: You can have this exposed to partial and full sun for at least six hours
every day.
Temperature: Do not let it sit on a place with a temperature that is below 30° F.
Water: This plant only needs light watering to avoid root rot.
Problems/Issues: The Crassula Capitella is prone to getting mealy bugs and
fungal diseases, especially when it’s overwatered. Its flowers can attract bees.
General Care For Crassula Capitella "Campfire
Crassula"
Container – You can have this planted on medium-sized containers that allow
good drainage.
Soil – You’ll need a well-draining and rich gritty cactus mix.
Crassula Falcata Propeller Plant
Other names: Airplane Plant, Crassula Perfoliata, Scarlet Paintbrush
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Crassuloideae Genus: Crassula
Native: South Africa (Eastern Cape)
This succulent that grows well indoors is called as it is because of its leaves that
are shaped like propellers. Its leaves are overlapping and are grayish green in
color. This can grow up to two feet tall, with its leaves elongating up to four feet.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9B to 11B
Light: Make sure to place the container near a sunny window if it will be grown
indoors.
Temperature: It can thrive in an area with a temperature of 25 °F to 50 °F and
can easily frost when exposed in cold climate. Make sure to bring this indoors
when needed.
Water: Not much watering is needed, especially when repotting. Always wait for
the soil to be dry before watering it lightly.
Problems/Issues: This plant is prone to having mealy bugs and fungal diseases.
Its flowers can attract bees and butterflies.
General Care For Crassula Falcata "Propeller Plant"
Container – You may use any containers with excellent drainage.
Soil – This could thrive on potting soil and gritty soil mix. Just make sure to have
this repotted during the warm season.
Crassula Muscosa "Watch Chain"
Other names: Princess Pine
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Crassuloideae Genus: Crassula
Native: Namibia and South Africa
This is a succulent with small compacted leaves. It is shaped like a bush and
colored light green. It can grow up to 12 inches tall. It also has little flowers that
are yellow-green in color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A
Light: This will require at least 6 hours of time under the light or sun.
Temperature: This is a plant that doesn’t thrive in cold temperature. If the
climate or temperature has dropped below 20° F, then this should be brought
indoors to avoid frosting.
Water: Water at least thrice a week or only when its soil is completely dry.
Problems/Issues: This plant can easily suffer light overexposure. When
overexposed, it easily dries and stiffens.
General Care For Crassula Muscosa "Watch Chain"
Container – Should be planted on containers that be brought indoors.
The container should have a drainage hole.
Soil – Like most cactus and succulent, this plant thrives on dry soil.You can plant
this on a gritty soil mix with perlites.
Crassula Ovata Jade Plant
Other Names: Lucky plant, Money plant, Money Tree
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Crassula
Native: South Africa and Mozambique
Jade plants have crowded branches that have an abundant amount of lustrous,
polished leaves. Jade plants tend to look like miniature trees. The leaves are can
range in color from jade green to yellow green.
They tend to be between 18 and 30 inches tall. Occasionally during the spring,
jade plants grow tiny, white flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10a-11
Light: Jade plants like at least 4 hours of sunlight a day, so you should place
them in south facing windows.
Temperature: Jade plants like temperatures between 65-75°F during the day,
and 55°F during the night and during the winter. During the winter, you also
want to move jade plants away from windows or any drafty areas.
Water: You should keep them most, but only water when the top layer of soil
dries out. Make sure you don’t spray the leaves with water.
Problems/Issues: Jade plants can attract mealy bugs, develop root rot and
occasionally develop droopy leaves.
General Care For Crassula Ovata "Jade Plant"
Container- You need a wide, sturdy pot; that has at least one hole in the bottom.
Soil
- You should use cactus mix that has been mixed with organic materials or use
organic soil that has been mixed with peat moss and coarse sand.You can fertilize
with a water soluble fertilizer two times a year, however, you never want to
fertilize when the soil is dry.
Crassula 'Tom Thumb'
Other name: Tom Thumb
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Crassuloideae Genus: Crassula
Native: Namibia and South Africa
It’s a miniature succulent plant with tiny and triangular leaves. Its leaves are
colored green with some red on the edges. It could grow up to six inches
tall. This blooms during spring with tiny white flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9B to 11B
Light: Partial sun is fine for this plant. This means it needs at least 6 to 7 hours of
light exposure.
Temperature: It loves the temperature of summer. If it gets colder than 30° F,
it’s best to take this plant indoors.
Water: During the summer, you don’t need to water it often. Like a lot of
succulents only have this watered when the soil is already dry. Never let it sit on
water for a long time.
Problems/Issues: This is susceptible to root rot. What you can do is to
sometimes leave this plant dry for a week to avoid this from happening.
General Care For Crassula 'Tom Thumb'
Container – This requires a container where it could spread its roots. Preferably,
use a container that can be brought indoors.
Soil – A succulent mix with perlite, sand, and peat moss is what you should use.
Make sure that the pH of the soil is at 6.
Delosperma Sphalmanthoides "Tom Thumb"
Order: Caryophyllales Family: Aizoaceae Subfamily: Ruschioideae Tribe:
Ruschieae Genus: Delosperma
Native: South Africa
Tufted ice plants have small, crowded, finger-like leaves that are a bluish-green
color. Tufted ice plants produce magenta and pink flowers, that come out at the
end of summer and fall.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 7a-10b
Light: Tufted ice plants can survive in partial light, but prefer full light.
Temperature: Tufted ice plants are frost hardy and survive in temperatures as
low as zero. It prefers to be at 55°F.
Water: You should water it weekly during the summer and allow the soil to dry
out in the winter.
Problems/Issues: Tufted ice plant can suffer from root rot and sooty
mold. They can also attract aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and vine weevil.
General Care For Delosperma Sphalmanthoides
"Tufted Ice Plant"
Container
- Tufted ice plants need containers that have excellent drainage and also work
well in hanging baskets.
Soil- You should plant them in cacti potting soil. You can fertilize tufted ice plants
once a month in spring and summer with cactus fertilizer. You can also use a
standard, liquid fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength.
Drosanthemum Speciosum "Red Ice Plant"
Other Known Names: Royal Dew Flower, Dew Flower, Red Bush Ice Plant
Order: Caryophyllales Family: Aizoaceae Genus: Drosanthemum
Native: South Africa, Nambia
Red ice plant is an entangled shrublet, that can get up to two feet tall. It has
miniature, shimmery green leaves. Red ice plants have flowers that come in an
array of colors, such as, scarlet, yellow and orange. Only on nice summer
afternoons, will the flowers open.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9a-11
Light: It likes full sun; however, if you live in extremely hot areas, you should give
it partial shade.
Temperature: Red ice plants can survive as low as 20°F.
Water: Just like other succulents, red ice plants don’t like to be
overwatered. You need to give it a good soaking, then allow it to dry between
waterings.
Problems/Issues: Red ice plants can suffer from root rot and can attract
mealybugs and scale.
General Care For Drosanthemum Speciosum "Red Ice
Plant"
Container- Red ice plants need containers that have excellent drainage.
Soil- They need to be grown in a loam based potting soil, that has perlite added
to it.
Euphoribia Milii "Crown-Of-Thorns"
Other known names: Christ plant, Christ thorn
Order: Malpighiales Family: Euphorbiaceae Genus: Euphorbia
Native: Madagascar
Crown-of-Thorns is a shrub, that can get up to three feet long. The leaves are
smooth edged, when they are immature they are bright green but as they mature
they turn to a grayish green, which are arranged in a spiral pattern. Crown-ofThorn stems have sharp spines that run through them.
The flowers are either red or yellow, however, hybrids have a variety of colors.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 8a-11
Light: It likes full direct sunlight.
Temperature: likes temperatures between 65-75°F, but can survive if it gets as
low as 50°F and as high as 95°F.
Water: Crown-of-thorns needs water when the soil is dry, one inch in
depth. You should flood the pot and let the extra water drain out, once it drains
out dump out the excess water. During the winter, you should allow the soil to
dry out to two-three inches in depth.
Problems/Issues: Crown-of-thorns can attract mealybugs, spider mites and
scales. They can also develop root rot. Another important issue with Crown-ofthorns is that they are poisonous if eaten and their sap can cause skin
irritations. You should wear gloves when handling them and keep them out of
the reach of small children and animals.
General Care For Euphoribia Milii "Crown-Of-Thorns"
Container- You need a container that will allow for drainage and make sure the
container is large enough to contain the roots. You will want to replant crownof-thorns, every two years in the late winter or early spring to protect the roots.
Soil- Crown-of thorns should be grown in cacti or succulent soil. During the
summer you should use a liquid houseplant fertilizer every two weeks, then once
a month during the winter.
Echeveria Elegans "Mexican Snowball"
Other known names: Mexican gems, White Mexican Rose
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Echeveria
Native: The semi-deserts of Mexico
Mexican snowballs are low-growing plants, that grow in compressed, blue-green
mounds. They have pink flowers that have tints of yellow in them, and the tips of
the leaves are pink.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9a-11
Light: They enjoy being in full, direct light.
Temperature: Mexican snowballs can be in high temperatures and their only
real protection they need is when temperatures reach below 25°F.
Water: Just like other succulents, water them when their soil dries out, during
the spring and summer. Don’t water Mexican snowballs during the winter.
Problems/Issues: Mexican snowballs can experience soft and root rot; and can
also attract mealy bugs.
General Care For Echeveria Elegans "Mexican
Snowball"
Container- Mexican snowballs grow best in unglazed, clay pots.
Soil- You want to make sure that their soil drains well.
You should either use a cactus soil or a mixture of equal parts sand, topsoil and
compost.
You can use a liquid fertilizer two to three times a year.
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ "Black Prince"
Other names: Black Hens and Chicks
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Echeveria
Native: Semi-desert areas of Central America, Mexico, and Northwestern
South America
The Black Prince is a rosette-forming succulent that is low-growing. Its leaves are
thick and dark purple in color. Each rosette could grow up to three inches wide
and this plant has dark red flowers that bloom every late fall and early winter.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A to 11B
Light: The Black Prince requires at least six hours of light exposure. When grown
indoors, the color of this plant may change and lighten up a bit.
Temperature: It can’t tolerate the cold temperature. Put it indoors if the
temperature gets colder than 20° F.
Water: Do not let the rosettes sit on water. Wait for the top soil to dry out first
before watering this plant again.
Problems/Issues: It is prone to fungal diseases. Its dead leaves can be a home
to different types of pests, so make sure that you remove those as soon as you
see them.
General Care For Echeveria ‘Black Prince'
Container – You can plant this on a medium to large sized container that allows
smooth drainage.
Soil – Use a cactus potting mix with the pH level of 6.
Echeveria Imbricata "Blue Rose"
Other names: Blue Rose Echeveria, Hens and Chicks
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Echeveria
Native: Mexico
The Echeveria Imbricata is a rosette-forming succulent, which is considered as
one of the most common types of Echeveria.
It is powdery blue in color with a touch of pink on the edges of its leaves. It could
grow up to eight inches wide and its flowers are yellow in color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A
Light: It also loves the sun, so full exposure to sunlight shouldn’t be a problem.
Temperature: This plant enjoys the summer weather of around 65ºF to 70ºF. If
the temperature drops to 30º F, it’s best to bring it indoors.
Water: Do not let it sit on water for too long. It’s best to only water this plant
when the soil is already dry.
Problems/Issues: It is prone to having mealy bugs. Remove its dead leaves right
away as it could start the pest infestation.
General Care For Echeveria Imbricata "Blue Rose"
Container
– Make sure that you use a container that will allow smooth drainage.
Soil – The Blue Rose prefers soil that has a pH level of 6. You can use a cactus
potting mix.
Echeveria Runyoni 'Topsy Turvy' Echeveria
‘Silver Spoons’
Other names: Silver Spoons, Mexican Hens and Chicks, Silver Spoons
Echeveria, Topsy Turvy
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Echeveria
Native: Tamaulipas in Mexico
This fast-growing succulent has log leaves that could grow up to five inches long.
It grows as a rosette that is heavy and thick. Its leaves are bluish green in color
that look powdery.
During the fall is when its orange and yellow flowers bloom.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 8A to 10B
Light: It can take partial and full sunlight of at least six hours daily.
Temperature: This plant won’t thrive well on cold temperature. It’s best to bring
this plant indoors if the temperature has dropped to 20° F.
Water: Careful watering is needed, and you should only water this plant if its soil
is completely dry.
Problems/Issues: This plant is prone to having mealy bugs.
General Care For Echeveria Runyoni 'Topsy Turvy'
Container – It’s best to have this planted on a medium-sized container that
allows drainage.
Soil – Use a well-draining cactus gritty mix.
Euphorbia Tirucalli "Fire Sticks"
Other names: Sticks of Fire, Red Pencil Tree, Sticks on Fire, Euphorbia tirucalli
‘Rosea’
Family: Euphorbiaceae Subfamily: Euphordioideae Genus: Euphorbia
Native: Southern India
The Euphorbia Tirucalli is a shrub type of succulent that could grow up to 25 feet
tall. It has cylindrical branches that are green with yellowish and pinkish tips.
Its leaves are small, which only measures about half an inch, and that is why this
plant sometimes appears to be naked.Its lowers are pale yellow in color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10A
Light: Make sure to expose it to sunlight for at least six hours.
Temperature: It won’t thrive in cold weather as this plant loves the sun.
Water: Only water this plant if the soil is already dry as it cannot tolerate wet or
moist soil.
Problems/Issues: This is known to be toxic to humans and animals.
General Care For Euphorbia Tirucalli "Fire Sticks"
Container
– This is preferably grown outdoors because of its tendency to grow tall, but it
still would do good as a container plant.
Just make sure you choose a deep container that will allow smooth drainage.
Soil – It needs a well-draining soil with a lot of peat moss or perlites that will
allow good drainage.
Faucaria Tigrina "Tiger’s Jaw"
Order: Caryophyllales Family: Aizoaceae Genus: Faucaria
Native: Cape Province/Karoo Desert of South Africa
Tiger’s jaws are a low growing succulent, with several layers of leaves that form a
weaved pattern that forms a star shaped rosette.
The leaves can be .8 inches wide and can be up to two inches long. The leaves
have teeth shaped, edges on them. The leaves are a greyish-green color with
white dots on them. As tiger’s jaw plants mature, the “teeth” on the leaves, start
to give a more jaw-like appearance. During the autumn, they produce large, daisy
like flowers that are golden yellow.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9b-11
Light: Tiger’s jaw wants at least 3 hours of direct light all year long, but during
the hottest parts of the day in the summer, it prefers to be in the shade.
Temperature: jaw can survive as low as 23°F and can survive a mild frost. It
prefers during the spring-fall temperatures ranging between 70-90°F, and during
the winter months it prefers 60-75°F.
Water: Give tiger’s jaw a good soaking and then allow the soil to dry out
between each time you water them.
Problems/Issues: Wild tiger’s jaw is endangered, so make sure you get your
plant from a reliable botanist. They can suffer from root rot and can attract
mealybugs and scale.
General Care For Faucaria Tigrina
Container- You should grow tiger’s jaw in shallow pans, that have well drainage.
Soil- They will do well in any type of soil as long as it has excellent drainage
capability. You can make a mixture of course sand/gritty soil with topsoil.
You can use a standard fertilizer, at half strength, once a growing season.
Fenestraria Rhopalophylla "Baby Toes"
Order: Caryophyllales Family: Aizoaceae Genus: Fenestraria
Native: Southeastern Namibia, South Africa
Baby toes are dwarf plants that leaves are shaped like baby’s toes.
The leaves can be from grayish green to grayish brown. During the summer and
autumn, baby toes produce a variety of yellow, daisy-like flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9a-11
Light: They like bright, indirect light.
Temperature: Baby toes are frost hardy and survive in temperature as low as
20°F and as high as 50°F.
Water: Sprinkle baby toes in the summer; and during autumn, winter, and early
spring, give baby toes a good soaking then allow them to dry between
waterings.
Problems/Issues: Baby toes can suffer from root rot and leaf splitting. They can
attract mealybugs and scale and during the summer they go dormant.
Another important note, is that there are conflicting reports on whether or not it
is toxic, so to be safe keep it out of the reach of children and animals.
General Care For Fenestraria Rhopalophylla "Baby
Toes"
Container- You should plant baby toes in well-draining, terra cotta plants.
Soil- You should plant them in a soil that is a mixture of potting soil and pumice
or perlite, or you can use a mixture of potting soil and sand or fine gravel.
Gasteria 'Little Warty'
Other name: Little Warty
Family: Asphodelaceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus: Gasteria
Native: South Africa
The little warty is a small succulent with white and green-colored leaves. It got its
name because of the little wart-like bumps it has on its leaves.
Generally, it doesn’t have a concrete form as some of its leaves point upwards,
while some just sticks out.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10A
Light: This plant mainly enjoys the summer heat, but do not directly expose it to
sunlight.
Temperature: If the weather gets colder than 30° F, it’s best to let this plant stay
indoors.
Water: Only water this plant when the soil is completely dry. Water less during
the winter and do not let the water stay in between its leaves.
Problems/Issues: The Little Warty is prone to having dark spots on its leaves
caused by fungal diseases.
General Care For Gasteria 'Little Warty'
Container – The Little Warty is shallow-rooted.
It's best to plant this in a wide and shallow container that can be brought
indoors.
Soil – A cactus soil mix will let this Gasteria thrive well. Choose a soil mix with
sand. It’s best to fertilize this during the summer with cactus fertilizers.
Pincushion Cactus "Mammillara"
Order: Caryophyllales Family: Cactaceae Subfamily: Cactoideae Tribe: Cacteae
Subtribe: Cactinae Genus: Mammillaria
Native: Mexico, Southwestern United States, Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela,
Guatemala, and Honduras
There are 250 species, but for the most part they are short, stocky, orb or
cylindered shaped cactus.
*Please note:
There are 250 species of pincushion cactus (such as Giant Snake, Snowball
Cushion, Old Lady), however, they are all grown and taken care of in the same
manner*
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: Depends on the plant
Light: Cactus like temperatures between 50-75°F, but prefer the higher
temperatures. They also prefer direct light.
Temperature: Cactus only need to be water every two-three weeks. Just like
other succulents, give them a nice soaking but don’t allow them to sit in the
water. Also water them more infrequently in the winter time.
Water: This has moderate water needs, which means that you shouldn’t water it
if the top soil is still moist or wet.
Problems/Issues: Like other succulents, if cactus will develop disease such as
stem rot, root rot, or soft rot. They can develop cactus anthracnose, sun burn
and they can attract spider mites and mealy bugs. Also note that cactus are
prickly, so you should keep them out of the reach of small children and use care
when handling them.
General Care Pincushion Cactus "Mammillara"
Container- Pincushions should be grown in unglazed clay or other porous
pots. There needs to be at least one drainage hole on the bottom.
Soil- Pincushions should be grown in cacti potting soil or soil that has good
drainage and a bit gritty, with a sandy top layer. You should also add small gravel
to the base of cactus. You can fertilize once a month during the spring and
summer seasons. You can use a diluted houseplant general-purpose fertilizer.
You can also give your cactus a little cactus food in the early spring.
Graptopetalum Paraguayense "Ghost Plant"
Other known name: Mother of Pearl
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Graptopetalum
Native: Mexico
Ghost plants grow in concentrated leaves that form a rosette.
The leaves start out wider (and can be up to several inches wide) and as they go
up forming the rosette, the leaves get skinner (and can be less than an inch
thick).
The stems on the ghost plants are fragile and trail along. One interesting thing
about ghost plants, are that the leaves grow from the center of the rosette out.
The leaves are covered in pruinose, which is a powdery substance, that gives it, its
ghost look.
They have the ability to range and change color, depending on the amount of
light they receive. If ghost plants are in full sun, the leaves are somewhat
luminous in a yellowish pink color.
If the ghost plant receives partial light, the leaves turn a bluish-gray; and if the
ghost plant is in grueling heat, the leaves are grey with an overtone of pink.
As the ghost plant matures, it has a lanky appearance; however, to get rid of the
lanky appearance, you can pinch the leaves back. If you are lucky, your ghost
plant will grow little, yellow flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 8b-11
Light: Ghost plants can survive in partial light but prefers full light.
Temperature: They can survive in temperatures as low as 25°F; however, they
prefer temperatures above 55°F.
Water: Ghost plants need to be watered when their soil becomes dry a few
inches deep or the leaves start to shrivel. You want to give them a soaking but
don’t allow them to sit in the water. During the winter months, you only want to
water them once a month.
Problems/Issues: Ghost plants have very fragile stems, so you are going to pick
a spot and leave them there. They can also suffer root rot, and can attract
mealybugs, vine weevil and aphids.
General Care For Graptopetalum Paraguayense
"Ghost Plant"
Container- Ghost plants grow best in terra cotta plants. They can also be put in
unglazed, clay plants.
Soil- You want a soil that drains well.
You can make a mixture of peat grass/sand, topsoil and compost. You can also
use a cacti or succulent potting soil. You should only fertilize in the spring.
Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’ "Fred Ives"
Other names: Echeveria Fred Ives
Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Graptoveria
Native: Mexico
The Fred Ives is a rosette-forming succulent with dense pinkish purple leaves.
When exposed to the sun, its leaves can change to different colors like yelloworange and blue-green. It could grow up to eight inches tall and up to 1 foot
wide. It has yellow flowers that blooms every summer.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A to 11B
Light: It needs at least six hours of light exposure daily.
Temperature: If the temperature gets colder than 20° F, it’s best to bring this
plant indoors.
Water: This has moderate water needs, which means that you shouldn’t water it
if the top soil is still moist or wet.
Problems/Issues: The Fred Ives is prone to overwatering that could cause root
rots. It can also be infested by pets.
General Care For Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’
Container – You can use an indoor container with at least 6 inches of depth.
Soil – Choose a potting mix with peat or sand with a bit of compost.
Graptoveria 'Silver Star'
Other name: Graptotetalum
Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Graptoveria
Native: Mexico
The Silver Star has greenish-gray leaves that could form as a dome-like rosette.
The tips of its leaves could have a rosy color when exposed to the sun. It could
grow up to six inches tall and also six inches in diameter.It has pink and white
flowers that only blossom in spring.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10A to 11B
Light: It thrives well with just partial sunlight.
It needs at least six hours of light exposure.
Temperature: The silver star can tolerate a bit of cold, but if the temperature
has already dropped to 10° F, then it’s best to bring this indoors.
Water: It can only handle moderate watering. There’s no need to wait for the
soil to be completely dry until the bottom. You can already water this if the top
soil of at 5 inches down is already dry.
Problems/Issues: It is prone to root rot and pest infestation.
General Care For Graptoveria 'Silver Star
Container – This is a good container plant but choose a container with excellent
drainage.
Soil – The soil should have peat, sand, grit, and a bit of compost.
Hylotelephium Sieboldii "October Daphne"
Other known names: Misebaya, October Plant, October Stonecrop,
Stonecrop, Showy Stonecrop
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Tribe:
Umbilicinae Genus: Hylotelephium
Native: Japan
October daphne bulbous, heap with parallel branches that come from central
point. The leaves are bulbous in shape and can either have blue-green or silver
blue leaves. The leaves spiral around the stem and have clusters of star shaped,
bright pink flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 6a-9b
Light: It likes to have full light, but during the extreme heat, it likes to have some
shade.
Temperature: October daphne is a hardy plant. It can survive as low as -10°F;
however, during the winter it prefers to be around 45-50°F.
Water: It likes to have a good soaking and then to dry out between
waterings. During the winter, you should water October daphnes less.
Problems/Issues: October daphnes can develop root rot and attract aphids,
scale and mealybugs.
General Care For Hylotelephium Sieboldii "October
Daphne"
Container- October daphne need to be in containers that have excellent
drainage; they also do well in hanging baskets.
Soil- They should be planted in soil-based compost that is mixed with coarse
sand or perlite. If you want to fertilize, you can use a standard liquid fertilizer,
which is diluted. If you fertilize, you should do it every two weeks during the
growing season.
Hatiora Salicornioides "Dancing Bones"
Other names: Drunkard’s Dream, Spice Cactus, Bottle Cactus
Order: Caryophyllales Family: Cactoeae Subfamily: Cactoideae Tribe:
Rhipsalideae Genus: Hatiora
Native: Brazil
Dancing bones is a lanky, upright, elliptical, moderately shaggy cactus; that can
reach 2 feet tall (in the wild). Dancing bones produce flowers which are an
orangish-yellow color and belled shaped.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10a-12
Light: Dancing bones like indirect light but likes morning and evening light;
however, dancing bones like long nights, (up to 14 hours of darkness), and you
can do this by covering them with a brown paper bag.
Temperature: During spring, summer and autumn, dancing bones like
temperatures between 75°F and 80°F; and during winter it prefers temperatures
between 45°F and 65°F. Drafts can kill it.
Water: You should keep the soil slightly moist and during the summer months,
water it every 3 to 5 days. During the months of October through December, you
should water it once a week. You need to remember though, you don’t want to
over water it and let it sit in water.
Problems/Issues: When the flowers appear on dancing bones, you should not
move them because their flowers are very fragile. You also need to give it a
months’ rest, after it flowers, so rarely water it. If dancing bones start to spot, it
means it has received too much light. Also dancing bones can attract mealybugs
and spider mites and be subject to root rot.
General Care For Hatiora Salicornioides "Dancing
Bones"
Container
- Dancing bones need to have a container that has excellent drainage. You can
also place them in a hanging basket.
Soil- You can plant dancing bones in cacti potting soil or use regular potting soil
mixed with either tree bark or perlite. If you want to fertilize, you can once a
month in spring and summer, using a cacti fertilizer that is high in potassium.
Haworthia Fasciata "Zebra Plant"
Other names: Zebra Haworthia
Family: Asphodelaceae Subfamily: Asphodeloideae Genus: Haworthia
Native: South Africa (Eastern Cape)
Based on its name as the Zebra Plant, the Haworthia Fasciata has thick dark green
leaves with white stripes. The leaves are triangular in shape and point upwards. It
has white flowers that bloom in October and November.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10
Light: When it comes to lighting, the Zebra Plants need plenty of sun, so when
placed indoors, make sure that it is placed where it could get direct sunlight for
at least 10 hours.
Temperature: The temperature it is in shouldn’t reach below 50°F. Keep this
plant in a place that is 65°F – 80°F in temperature.
Water: It can only handle moderate watering. There’s no need to wait for the
soil to be completely dry until the bottom. You can already water this if the top
soil of at 5 inches down is already dry.
Problems/Issues: It is prone to root rot and pest infestation.
General Care For Zebra Plant "Haworthia Fasciata"
Container – You can plant this on medium-sized containers with drainage.
It’s best to use containers that can be used indoors as it also grows well indoors.
Soil – You can use a cactus mix with peat for this plant.
Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora "Flapjack Paddle Plant"
Other known names: Paddle Plant, Dessert Cabbage
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Kalanchoe
Native: South Africa
Flapjack paddle plants have a rosette that is made of horizontal, smooth, oar
shaped leaves. The leaves are a greenish-gray color; however, when they are
exposed to the sun, the leaves take on a reddish tint to them. Mature flowers can
have yellow flowers, which are very aromatic.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10a-11
Light: They prefer bright light, if you place them in a window, turn them weekly
so the whole plant receives light.
Temperature: Flapjack paddle plants don’t like temperatures below 50°F and
prefers temperatures between 60-85°F.
Water: Give flapjack paddle plants a good soaking when the first two inches of
their soil becomes dry, and allow them to dry out between each time you water
them. You should avoid getting their leaves wet.
Problems/Issues: paddle plants can suffer from root rot and can also attract
mealybugs.
General Care For Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora "Flapjack
Paddle Plant"
Container- Flapjack paddle plants grow best in terra cotta plants. You can put
them in other pots, as long as they have a good drainage to them.
Soil- You can use cacti/succulent potting soil. You should only fertilize in the
growing season, with a cacti/succulent fertilizer.
Kalanchoe Pumila "Flower Dust Plant"
Other names: Kalanchoe Pumila Baker, Silver Gray
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Kalanchoe
Native: Madagascar
This is a dwarf succulent shrub that has medicinal values. It has a few light spots
and its leaves have spiky edges.
It could grow up to 12 inches tall. It has pink-violet flowers with yellow anthers. It
spreads as it grows and the light spots plus the waxy hairs that its leaves make it
seem as if it’s frosted.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A
Light: M
ake sure that it is placed where it could get direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8
hours.
Temperature: This succulent loves the warmth. It should be taken in a controlled
space if the temperature outside drops below 55ºF.
Water: It can only handle moderate watering. There’s no need to wait for the
soil to be completely dry until the bottom. You can already water this if the top
soil of at 5 inches down is already dry.
Problems/Issues: It is prone to root rot and pest infestation.
General Care For Flower Dust Plant
Container – This can be planted on regular containers with drainage, but it’s best
to have this planted on a hanging container.
Soil – This needs light soil that is well-draining. It thrives well on any succulent
potting mix.
Lithops Helmutii "Living Stones"
Order: Caryophyllales Family: Aizoaeae Subfamily: Ruschioideae Tribe:
Ruschieae Genus: Lithops
Native: South Africa
Living stones are roughly an inch and a half tall and look like rocks, with their two
leaves. They are not completely intermixed and are slightly luminous. They are
very light/pale green. They can develop flowers which are yellow with a white
center.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9b-11
Light: Living stones prefer full light and should be placed in a southern facing
window.
Temperature: Excess heat can kill living stones and they don’t like temperatures
lower then 40°F, but can survive as low as 25°F.
Water: Living stones have a definite cycle that they follow. During the fall, you
should give living stones the most amount of water, (that is when their growing
season is), by soaking it then allowing it to dry between waterings. During the
spring, you should give them a light watering. Then during the winter and
summer, you shouldn’t water it because this is the living stones dormant period.
Problems/Issues: Living stones can get root rot and can also attract spider
mites. Another important note is that if living stones become stressed they can
become toxic, also if you use certain insecticides they can become toxic, so you
should be cautious with them.
General Care For Lithops Helmutii "Living Stones"
Container- Living stones need containers with excellent drainage and that are
between 3 and 5 inches deep.
Soil- You should use cacti planting soil or use potting soil that has been mixed
with sand.
Kalanchoe Tomentosa "Panda Plant"
Other known name:Pussy Ears
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Kalachoe
Native: Madagascar
Panda plants that are grown indoors are limited in their size by the container, so
they grow to be about two feet tall and about two feet around. Their leaves are
trimmed in a brownish-red color and covered with white or silver hairs that make
the plants look and feel velvety.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9b-11
Light: It prefers direct sunlight in either the early morning or late afternoon. It
does best in bright, indirect light.
Temperature: Panda plant loves temperatures between 60° and 75°F.
Water: Panda plant will die if it is over watered. You should only water the plant
when the soil becomes completely dry. When you water it, you soak the plant;
however, you don’t want to let the plant to sit in water.
Problems/Issues: Disease that could occur with panda plant are root rot, soft
rot, fungal stem rot and leaf rot. Panda plants can attract mealy bugs. It is
important to note, that the leaves of panda plants are toxic, so you need to keep
your plant out of reach of small children and animals.
General Care For Kalanchoe Tomentosa "Panda
Plant"
Container- You want to use a terra-cotta or other porous material, with at least
one hole in the bottom.
They can also be grown in hanging pots.
Soil- You can plant the panda plant in either succulent potting mix or a soil
mixture that is mixed with course sand, that has broken pieces of clay pot pieces
on the bottom. During the spring and summer months you can add a weak
fertilizer to it, but only once a month.
Mammillaria Elongata "Ladyfinger Cactus"
Other names: Ladyfinger, Gold Lace Cactus
Family: Cactaceae Genus: Mammillaria
Native: United States and Mexico
The Ladyfinger Cactus has densely packed elongated clusters. It green and
orange in color and has yellow and/or brown spines.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9b-11
Light: It loves the sunlight, but make sure to avoid overexposure. It thrives well
with just four hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature: It loves temperatures between 60° and 75°F.
Water: There is no need to water this plant during winter. During other seasons,
only water if the soil is already dry.
Problems/Issues: This plant is prone to fungal diseases.
General Care For Mammillaria Elongata "Ladyfinger
Cactus"
Container – It’s best to use a container that you can bring indoors. It’s important
that you choose a container that allows the draining.
Soil – It needs a well-draining cactus mix.
Opuntia Microdasys Albata "Bunny Ears"
Other names: Angel Wings, Polka-dots Cactus, Opuntia Microdasys
Family: Cactaceae Genus: Opuntia
Native: Central and Northern Mexico
Almost true to its name, this cactus type of plant looks like the ears of a bunny.
It has flat and oval stems that could grow up to 18 inches tall. It forms as a dense
shrub and has white or yellow aureoles or glochids on its pads.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A
Light: It prefers direct sunlight in either the early morning or late afternoon. It
does best in bright, indirect light.
Temperature: Keep this is in a place where the temperature is 70-100° F. If the
temperature gets colder than 20° F, you should bring this indoors.
Water: – Its soil should be kept moist during its first season. The watering
should become less after the first season. During winter, you should not water
this plant.
Problems/Issues: This is prone to stem base rot and shriveling patches when
overwatered. Mealy bugs can also affect this plant’s appearance.
General Care For Opuntia Microdasys Albata "Bunny
Ears"
Container
– Choose a wide container for this plant as it could grow wide and need some
space. Drainage is also a must.
Soil – The Bunny Ears thrives well on sandy soil with perlite or bark.
Pachyveria Glauca "Little Jewel"
Other names: Pachyveria Glauca ‘Bea’, Pachyveria ‘Bea’
Family: Crassulaceae Genus: x Pachyveria
Native: Mexico
Bluish gray in color, the Little Jewel is a rosette-forming succulent that could
grow up to six inches tall. Its leaves are a bit fleshy and changes to the color
maroon when exposed to the sun. During winter, its peach-colored flowers
bloom.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A to 11B
Light: plant is heat-tolerant and needs at least six hours of sunlight exposure
daily.
Temperature: Keep this is in a place where the temperature is 70-100° F. If the
temperature gets colder than 20° F, you should bring this indoors.
Water: – You should only water this plant when the soil is already dry. Avoid
letting its leaves sit on water for a long time.
Problems/Issues: Prone to mealy bug infestation. Be on the lookout for white
cottony substances when checking for this.
General Care For Pachyveria Glauca "Little Jewel"
Container
– You can use small to medium-sized containers for its rosettes. However, the
Little Jewel is best planted outdoors.
Soil – This needs a gritty soil mix with peat or sand.
Plectranthus Prostratus "Tangled Hearts"
Other names: Succulent Swedish Ivy, Pillow Plant
Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Subfamily: Nepetoideae Tribe: Ocimeae
Genus: Plectranthus
Native: South Africa
Tangled heart is a modest succulent, that has multiple stems. Tangled heart
leaves are lime green with purple lining the edges; they are also dense, teeny and
hairy. The flowers it produces are teeny, white and have hints of purple in them.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 10a-11
Light: It likes bright-indirect light, and enjoys being in a southern faced window.
Temperature: Tangled hearts can handle temperatures as low as 30°F and the
frost doesn’t affect the flowering. In the summer it prefers temperatures
between 70-75°F and during the winter it prefers temperatures between 60-65°F.
Water: You should give tangled hearts a good soaking then allow the soil to dry
between waterings. You should not allow tangled hearts to sit in water.
Problems/Issues: Tangled hearts can get leaf spots and root rot. They can also
attract mealybugs, spider mites, scale and aphids.
General Care For Plectranthus Prostratus "Tangled
Hearts"
Container- Tangled hearts do well in hanging baskets, that have at least one
drainage hole.
Soil- You should plant them in soil-based potting soil with perlite added to it.
Peperomia Graveolens "Ruby Glow"
Other names: Ruby Glow Peperomia, Ruby Peperomia
Family: Piperaceae Genus: Peperomia
Native: Peru and Ecuador
The Ruby Glow is a shrub-like succulent that could grow up to 10 inches tall. Its
stems and the outer part of its leaves are colored red. It forms a V-5shape as it
grows, making it look nice as a filler in a container or arrangements. The leaves
look a bit powdery and its flowers are yellowish in color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A
Light: Avoid exposing this to direct sunlight. Partial lighting is best for this plant.
This plant will thrive indoors, and you can use fluorescent grow lights.
Temperature: The Peperomia doesn’t enjoy a freezing weather. Try to keep it in
a temperature that’s around for 65˚F to 75˚F.
Water: The soil it’s on should be moist. A bit of spraying on the leaves would
also do it good.
Problems/Issues: It’s very easy to have this overwatered and when it is, the
plant easily wilts and have scab-like protrusions on its leaves. It’s also prone to
be infested by mealy bugs.
General Care For Peperomia Graveolens "Ruby Glow"
Container – You can use small to medium-sized containers with drainage. The
Peperomia is a good display plant so you can put it on something that could go
on a table or window.
Soil – It thrives best on loose and rich potting mix with peat and sand. You can
have this fertilized every two weeks.
Pleiospilos Nelii "Split Rock"
Other names: Royal Flush, Royal Flush Split Rock, Pleiospilos Penduculata,
Pleiospilos Tiliaceus Color
Family: Aizoaceae Subfamily: Ruschioideae Genus: Pleiospilos
Native: South Africa
This perennial succulent is egg-shaped and has a cleft in the middle.
It only produces a pair of leaves yearly, and these leaves are grayish-green in
color. It looks like a rock that’s split in two, hence its name.
It has a rosy purple color with dark spots all over. In winter, its orange flowers
bloom. Interestingly, its flowers smell like coconut.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9B to 11B
Light: It enjoys the bright shade of sunlight. Make sure to expose this to light for
at least six hours.
Temperature: won’t thrive in really cold areas. Avoid placing it in a place with a
temperature that is below 30° F.
Water: The Split Rock is drought-tolerant. There is no need to water this during
winter but do water when the soil is already dry during other seasons.
Problems/Issues: The good thing is that the Split Rock is generally pestresistant. What you need to avoid is overwatering this plant. Avoid using poor
draining soil as it could also affect this plant’s growth.
General Care For Pleiospilos Nelii "Split Rock"
Container – You can use a small to medium-sized container that allows smooth
drainage.
Soil – This plant prefers gritty soil with pebbles or small rocks. You can just use a
cactus potting mix that is loam-based.
Portulacaria Afra "Elephant Bush"
Other names: Elephant Food, Elephant’s Food, Elephant Plant, Miniature Jade,
Dwarf Jade, Dwarf Jade Plant, Small Leaf Jade, Porkbush
Family: Portulacaceae Subfamily: Portulacarioideae Genus: Portulacaria
Native: South Africa and Swaziland
The Elephant Bush is a succulent shrub that looks like a small tree.
It could grow up to 15 feet tall and it has round small leaves that grow from its
woody stems. Its flowers are star-shaped and pink in color.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9B to 11B
Light: It doesn’t do well under the intense sunlight. Keep it under a partially
shaded area.
Temperature: It won’t thrive in a temperature that’s colder than 30° F.
Water: This is drought-tolerant but it’s best to have this plant’s soil regularly
checked. Once the soil is already completely dry, then you should water it.
Problems/Issues: Its leaves could easily fall off when it’s overwatered.
General Care For Portulacaria Afra "Elephant Bush"
Container
– You’ll need a medium to a large-sized container that has some depth.
Soil – Use a damp gritty soil that is slightly acidic (pH level of 6).
Schlumbergera Truncata "Christmas Cactus"
Other names: Thanksgiving Cactus, Holiday Cactus, Claw Cactus, Yoke Cactus,
Crab Cactus
Family: Cactaceae Subfamily: Cactoideae Genus: Schlumbergera
Native: Mountains of South Eastern Brazil
This is named as the Thanksgiving and Holiday Cactus for a reason. It blooms in
November to January and its flowers can be colored pink, red, orange, or
white. Its leaves seem to have teeth and could grow up to 2.4 inches.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 11A
Light: This is a tropical plant that does not thrive when it’s freezing, but this also
shouldn’t be exposed to too much heat and sunlight. If the temperature gets
higher than 30° F, it should be taken to a controlled environment.
Temperature: It likes 50-60% humidity and should be exposed to light for 10-12
hours.
Water: Avoid flooding with water. Use the soak and dry method, wherein you
only water this plant when the top soil is already completely dry.
Problems/Issues: It could be a challenge to make this plant bloom, especially if
it’s not in a controlled environment.
General Care For Schlumbergera Truncata "Christmas
Cactus"
Container – You should have it planted on containers that can be brought
indoors. Avoid planting it in big pots.
Soil – It needs sterile well-draining potting soil with sand and pebbles.
Sedum Morganianum "Burro’s Tail"
Other known names: Horse’s Tail, Lamb’s Tail
Order: Saxifragales Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sedum
Native: Southern Mexico and Honduras
It is a dwarf shrub, that has stems that creep behind it. Burro’s tail has lanced
shaped, blue-green leaves that form a braided appearance.
Rarely burro’s tail that is grown indoors develop small, pinkish red, star shaped
flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9a-11
Light: You have to accustomed burro’s tail to bright light, and then once it is
accustomed to it, it likes bright light.
Temperature: Burro’s tail likes temperatures about 40°F.
Water: Soak the burro’s tail, then allow the soil to almost dry out between
waterings, then reduce the frequency in the fall and winter. Sometimes, you only
need to water burro’s tail only once a month, during the winter months.
Problems/Issues: Mealy bugs, root rot and sometimes the leaves will wilt.
General Care for Sedum Morganianum "Burro’s Tail"
Container
- Its best to keep burro’s tail in a hanging basket, that is well drained.
Soil- You can either use cactus mix or a mixture of regular soil, perlite, pumice
and small pea gravel. You can fertilize it with cactus food once or twice a year.
Sedum Nussbaumerianum "Coppertone
Sedum"
Other names: Coppertone Stonecrop, Nussbaumer’s Sedum
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Sedum
Native: Mexico
This is a low-growing perennial and evergreen shrub that turns into a copper
color when exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Its stem elongates for
up to three inches. Naturally, its leaves are yellow-green and sometimes a bit
red. Its blossoms are white.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9A to 11B
Light: It needs at least 6 hours of light exposure.
Temperature: This prefers cooler places with the temperature of at least 30° F.
Water: Soak the burro’s tail, then allow the soil to almost dry out between
waterings, then reduce the frequency in the fall and winter. Sometimes, you only
need to water burro’s tail only once a month, during the winter months.
Problems/Issues: Mealy bugs, root rot and sometimes the leaves will wilt.
General Care For Coppertone Sedum
Container – This can be grown directly on the ground or in containers with
drainage.You can also plant this on a hanging container.
Soil – You may use a gritty potting mix with pebbles and peat moss. What’s
important is that you use a well-draining soil. You should only fertilize its soil
annually with a balanced fertilizer.
Sedum Rubrotinctum "Pork And Beans"
Other names: Jelly Bean Plant, Brown Beans, Christmas Cheer, Banana Cactus
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Sedum
Native: Mexico
This evergreen and perennial succulent has spreading and leaning leaves that can
grow up to eight inches tall. Its leaves are shaped like jelly beans, hence the name
it is popular in. The leaves are mainly green, but when it is exposed to the sun,
the tip of the beans turn red. Sometimes, especially during summer, the tips turn
bronze.
Quick Facts:
Light: It also requires at least 6 hours of light exposure.
Temperature: This prefer warm places and it shouldn’t stay in a place that is
colder than 20° F.
Water: This doesn’t need to be watered all the time. You can wait for the soil to
dry out before watering it again. It’s better to have this plant underwatered
rather than overwatered.
Problems/Issues: is not suited for indoor growing. It can easily die when it is
overwatered.
General Care for Sedum Rubrotinctum "Pork and
Beans"
Container – This is very easy to grow and so you can use any container you
prefer, as long as the container has a drainage hole. You can also have it planted
directly on the ground.
Soil – It can thrive on regular potting soil. It doesn’t need to be fertilized.
Sempervivum 'Pacific Devil's Food' "Hens And
Chicks"
Other names: Pacific Devil’s Food, Chocolate Kiss
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Sempervivum
Native: United States
The Pacific Devil’s Food is a perennial has leaves that are almost crimson in
color.The leaves are also shiny and also form as a rosette. It is great for beginners
as it is easy to care for. Its flowers are pink in color.
Quick Facts:
Light: This should be under the light for a minimum of six hours.
Temperature: It needs to be kept in an area with at least -30° F in temperature.
Water: As a drought-tolerant plant, the Pacific Devil’s food shouldn’t be watered
often. It should be kept dry during winter. It needs at least six hours of light
exposure.
Problems/Issues: This plant attracts bees and it is monocarpic. Once this plant
blooms, it dies.
General Care for Sempervivum 'Pacific Devil's Food'
Container
– This thrives well as an outdoor plant, so it’s best to plant it outdoors. When
planting in a container, make sure its roots can spread well.
Soil – You can use regular soil with this as it is an adaptable plant.
Sempervivum 'Royanum' "Houseleek"
Other names: Hen and Chickens, Sempervivum Tectorum ‘Royanum’
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Sempervivum
Native: The mountains of Southern Europe
The Sempervivum ‘Royanum’ is a rosette-forming evergreen succulent that could
grow up to 5 inches in diameter.It has yellowish-green leaves that are red on the
tips. It’s a flowering plant that produces star-shaped reddish-purple flowers.
Quick Facts:
Light: It requires full sun shade of at least six hours daily.
Temperature: This plant enjoys warm temperatures of 65 to 75 °F.
Water: Keep the soil moderately moist while germinating. However, after
germination, only water if the soil is already dry.
Problems/Issues: Prone to root rot when it is overwatered.
General Care for Sempervivum 'Royanum'
"Houseleek"
Container – Use a small to medium-sized container that’s shallow and allow
smooth drainage. It’s best to grow this plant outdoors.
Soil – It’s best to use a well-drained gritty mix with peat when it comes to
planting this Houseleek. It doesn’t need to fertilizers to thrive healthily.
Senecio Barbertonicus "Succulent Bush
Senecio"
Other names: Barberton Senecio, Barberton Groundsel
Family: Asteraceae Subfamily: Asteroideae Genus: Senecio
Native: South Africa
This evergreen succulent bush can grow up to six feet tall.
Its leaves are long and finger-like and could grow up to four inches. This also has
flowers that are yellow in color and could elongate for up to three inches.
Quick Facts:
Light: It can thrive under the full sun or partial shade. What’s important is that it
receives light for at least six hours a day.
Temperature: It’s best to plant this during the summer or early June as it loves
the warm weather. If the temperature gets colder than 30 ° F, it would be better
to bring this indoors.
Water: The method soak and dry is what works best for this. Do not water if the
soil is still wet from watering it previously.
Problems/Issues: It can be affected by scale and mealy bugs. When it gets really
tall, it gets floppy, so make sure you have it pruned from time to time.
General Care For Senecio Barbertonicus "Succulent
Bush Senecio"
Container – This can thrive on the ground outside, but it’s best to have this
planted on an indoor container.
Soil – This needs soil with softwood cuttings or sand. It prefers slightly acidic to
slightly alkaline soil but would still thrive in normal soil.
You should only fertilize its soil annually to avoid over fertilizing.
Senecio Haworthii "Cocoon Plant"
Other names: Wooly Senecio
Family: Asteraceae Subfamily: Asteroideae Genus: Senecio
Native: South Africa
This perennial dwarf succulent shrub has whitish and cylindrical leaves that grow
upwards. It could grow up to 1 foot tall. It looks a bit hairy and the flowers it
bears are bright yellow in color.
Quick Facts:
Light: It’s fine to fully or partially expose it to the sun for 6-12 hours.
Temperature: This plant doesn’t like the cold weather, even if it looks cool with
its white color. When the temperature rises to 30° F, take this plant indoors.
Water: Thrives well on dry soil so do not overwater. Wait for the soil to
completely dry out before watering again.
Problems/Issues: Prone to getting scales and mealy bugs. It can also get floppy
or weighed down as it grows taller. This can be toxic to animals so avoid placing
it where pets can reach it.
General Care for Senecio Haworthii "Cocoon Plant"
Container – You can plant this directly on the ground or in any containers with
drainage holes.
It’s best to pot it in a small to medium-sized container so that you can easily take
it indoors when needed.
Soil – This can only thrive on well-draining soil. Potting mixes with sand or
perlites would work well with this.
Senecio Radicans "String of Bananas"
Other names: Curio Radicans, String of Pearls, Banana Vine, Necklace Plant,
SYting of Fishbooks, Fishbook Senecio, Creeping Berry
Family: Asteraceae Subfamily: Asteroideae Genus: Curio
Native: South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia
A fast-growing trailing succulent with the shape of little bananas. This plant can
trail up to three feet. Its tiny banana leaves can grow up to 1.2 inches long. The
fish hook leaves this plant has are also semi-translucent on the sides.
Quick Facts:
Light: It’s fine to fully or partially expose it to the sun for 6-12 hours.
Temperature: This succulent cannot survive in a very cold environment. In fact,
it prefers a warm environment that’s about 55˚F. To avoid frosting when the
weather is cold, it’s best to put this plant indoors.
Water: This should only be watered when its soil is completely dry.
Problems/Issues: When this plant gets tall, it gets floppy. It is also prone to
pests like scales and mealy bugs.
General Care For Senecio Radicans "String Of
Bananas"
Container – It should be planted on a regular or hanging indoor container.
Soil – A well-draining soil is what will make this plant thrive. A common gritty mix
can be used and when it comes to fertilizing, it should only be done annually to
avoid legging.
Senecio Rowleyanus "String Of Pearls"
Other known names: String of Peas, Rosary, String of Beads
Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Senecio
Native: Southwest Africa
String of pearls is a vine plant, with green leaves that are the in the shape and
size of a pea. The leaves have a darker green area on them that is known as a
window; where, during the spring, little white flowers grow at.
Quick Facts:
Light: String of pearls like indirect, light, with the occasional direct light.
Temperature: String of pearls like 72°F, it does not like temperatures over 100°F
and will can die if the temperature drops below 45°F. However, during the
winter months, when the string of pearls is in hibernation, it prefers
temperatures between 50-55°F.
Water: Like other succulents if the String of Pearls is over watered it will die, and
should only be watered when the soil becomes extremely dry. When you water
it, give it a good soaking but don’t allow it to sit in water. During the winter
months, water the String of Pearls more infrequently.
Problems/Issues: Like the other succulents, disease that could occur are root
rot, soft rot and leaf rot. Another important note is that String of Pearls’ leaves
are toxic, so keep it out of the reach of small children and animals.
General Care For Senecio Rowleyanus "String Of
Pearls "
Container- Pot with at least one hole in the bottom for drainage. String of pearls
can also be grown in hanging pots.
Soil- You can use either cactus or succulent potting soil.
You can give string of pearls liquid fertilizer once in the spring and once in the
summer.
Senecio Serpens "Blue Chalksticks"
Other name: Senecio Serpens G.D.Rowley
Family: Crassulaceae Subfamily: Sedoideae Genus: Sempervivum
Native: South Africa (Cape Province)
This is a perennial and evergreen succulent with finger-like and fleshy leaves that
are blue-grayish in color.
It can grow up to eight inches tall and 3.3 feet wide with small white flowers.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 9B to 11B
Light: It needs at least 6 hours of light exposure.
Temperature: It can become stagnant when the weather is a bit cold. It grows
actively during warmer months. It thrives well when the temperature is 20˚F to
55˚F.
Water: Do not leave this on wet soil for too long. It is drought-tolerant so it’s
better to leave this underwatered.
Problems/Issues: When ingested, this can be toxic to both humans and animals.
Since it could grow tall, it could get leggy.
General Care For Senecio Serpens "Blue Chalksticks"
Container – This is a good container plant, so it could thrive on any
containers. Just make sure that the container will allow good drainage.
Soil – You can plant this on sandy soil. You should only fertilize this once a
year. Make sure that you only put a little bit of fertilizer when you do.
Yucca Filamentosa "Adam’s Needle"
Common names: Common Yucca, Spanish Bayonet, Bear-grass, Needle-palm,
Silk Grass
Order: Asparagales Family: Asparagaceae Subfamily: Agavoideae Genus: Yucca
Native: Southern United States, Caribbean
Adam’s needle has compressed, dark green rosette of leaves, which give off a
peculiar blue cast. The leaves also are lanky and end with a point. During the
summer the snow white, bell-shaped, aromatic flowers bloom.
Quick Facts:
USDA Zone: 5a-10b
Light: It prefers full light, with some shade.
Temperature: Adam’s needle is frost hardy and can survive in temperatures as
low as -20°F, but prefers warmer temperatures.
Water: You should give it a good soaking, then allow it to dry out between
waterings.
Problems/Issues: Adam’s needle can suffer from root rot. It can get dusty, so
you should dust it, but make sure you use gloves because of the points on the
leaves. Adam’s needle can attract scale or mealybugs.
General Care For Yucca Filamentosa "Adam’s Needle"
Container- Adam’s needles need to containers that have excellent drainage.
Soil- You should plant them in succulent soil. If you want to fertilize, you should
use a standard fertilizer, that has been diluted to half strength and you should
fertilize them once in spring and once in summer.
Common Problems with Succulents and How
to Fix Them
What Are Mealybugs?
Mealybugs look like a white, silky, lumps that appear on your plant; while they are
feeding, they excrete honeydew, which causes the plants to become sticky.
They feed off the plants’ sap, which can lead to yellowing of leaves and curling of
the plant.
The honeydew the mealybugs excrete causes other problems for your plants,
besides showing that your plant is infected by mealybugs, it will encourage sooty
mold.
Eventually, mealybugs will kill the plant that infects.
How to Get Rid of Mealy Bugs On Succulents?
You shouldn’t over fertilize or over water your plants; they are attracted to the
significant amount of nitrogen that is being produced.
You should start out by pruning the infected areas. You can also get a Q-tip that
has rubbing alcohol on it and put a drop on each mealybug you find.
If your plant can handle the cold air, you can place the plant next to a window,
which will force the mealybugs to the other side of the plant, and it will make it
easier for you to see them.
You can buy insects that will feed off of mealybugs, such as, ladybugs, lacewing
and cryptolaemus montrouzieri.
You can also use insecticides to destroy mealybugs.
Once the mealybugs are gone or even a good way to keep them from being
attracted to your succulent is to use neem oil on the foliage of the plants.
Neem oil has properties that repel and encourage an antifeed, but also keep your
succulent looking beautiful.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids, that like to feed off of the sap that is produced by
succulents. You might actually overlook them and the first time you noticed they
are there is when you notice what looks like a spider web on your succulent.
It is important to note, that spider mites are not like the normal insects that are
attracted to succulents because they are arachnids, so normal bug pesticides may
not work on killing them.
How To Treat Spider Mites On Succulents And Cacti
You shouldn’t overwater your succulent and you should dust your succulent,
frequently; spider mites are attracted to the stress that over watering causes and
the dust.
If you see spider mites, you should pick them off and then dispose of them. As
soon as you notice the web, make sure you wipe it off of the succulent.
You can buy insects that feed off of spider mites, such as, ladybugs, lacewing and
predatory mites. You can use all-natural pesticides that are for arachnid insects, if
your succulent gets spider mites.
You can also use system insecticides, that your succulent will absorb into its
system and then when the spider mites feed off of the succulent, it enters the
spider mites and kills them.
You can also use insecticidal soap to wash you succulent off with and natural
insecticides.Once the spider mites are gone or even a good preventive measure is
to use neem oil on the foliage of the plants.
Scale
Scale look like tiny, brown or tan, spots that appear on your succulent. There are
two types of scale, armored and soft. Armored scale have a hard coating to
protect the insect, while soft scale have a waxy, film to protect the insect.
How to Treat Scale On Your Succulents And Cacti?
The best way to treat your succulent, if it has been infected by the armored scale
is to prune off the infected areas, and treat with a system insecticide.
For armored and soft, you can get a Q-tip that has rubbing alcohol on it and put
a drop on each scale you find. For soft scale, you can use insecticidal soap
(sometimes it can’t break down the shell of the armored scale, so you can try it if
you want).
You can also use insects that feed off of scale, such as, lady bugs and
cryptolaemus montrouzieri. Once scale is gone or even a good preventive
measure is to use neem oil on the foliage of the plants.
What Are Vine Weevils
Vine weevil are beetles that are attracted to succulents. The adults will eat the
leaves, while the grubs will eat the roots of the plants.
How Can You Get Rid Of Them
You should check your plants at night (vine weevil are nocturnal) and pick off any
adults that find. You can place sticky traps around your plants, so the adult vine
weevil will get suck in them.
You can use nematodes which can put into you plant when you water it, to kill off
any grubs. You can also use a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide on them.
Aphids On Succulents
Aphids are small, bugs, that look like mini-grasshoppers. They feed off of the sap
that is produced by succulents.
Just like the mealybugs, they leave a honeydew that makes your plant sticky.
The honeydew the excrete can cause sooty mold and attract other bugs and
insects.
How Do I Get Rid Of Bugs On My Succulents?
Sometimes just washing your succulent with water or a solution of soap and
water can rid your succulent of aphids.
You can use a Q-tip that has rubbing alcohol on it and put a drop on each aphid
you see. You can also dust your plant with flour, which makes them sick.
You can use insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils to get rid of the aphids. You
can also use neem oil to get rid of them or as a preventive measure.
Diatomaceous earth is another product you can use on your succulent to get rid
of aphids.
What Happens If You Overwater Succulents?
If you are overwatering your succulent it can cause a wide variety of issues; the
same is true, if your succulent is sitting it water.
You should adjust your watering cycle, by making sure that the soil dries out
between waterings. It is important to make sure that your succulents are planted
in potting soil that allows for drainage.
Checking to make sure that the drainage hole is not plugged is another good
idea. Also if your plant is sitting in water, you make want to drill extra holes in
the bottom of the container.
Overwatering and having your succulents sitting in excess water, can lead to root
rot, soft rot, stem rot, leaf rot, sooty mold, leaves falling off, yellowing of leaves
and leaves, misshaped leaves, and leaves that appear limp.
What Happens If You Underwater Succulents?
Just like overwatering, under watering can cause issues for your succulent. You
will want to increase the amount/number of times you water your succulent.
Underwater can lead to leaves turning yellow, leaves that look shrivel, leaves that
are wilted, and misshaped leaves.
Succulent Sunburn And Too Much Heat
Succulents can receive too much sun, so if you notice any of these, you should
move your succulent to a shadier spot. Too much sun, can give your succulent
sunburn, spots on the leaves, and wilted leaves.
Too Little Sun
Succulents can also receive not even sun, so if you notice any of these, you
should move your succulent to a sunnier spot.
Not enough sun can stunt your succulents growth or cause your succulent to
have stems that seem to be stretching out towards the light.
Lack Of Nutrients
Succulents, like humans, can be starved from their proper nutrients. If this occurs,
you should give your succulent some fertilizer, either a well-balanced fertilizer or
one that is specifically made for cacti/succulents.
Some problems that can occur if your succulent is lacking nutrients are leaves
falling off, yellowing of leaves, misshaped leaves or stunted growth.
Review
Succulents are a wonderful plant for those who have a green thumb, those who
don’t, those who are starting to learn and everyone in-between.
Succulents are quite easy to take care of as long as you remember a few simple
things.
Succulents don’t need a lot of water and should be planted in porous pots. They
need soil that has excellent drainage and there is succulent/cacti potting soil
made, especially for them.
Some succulents can handle cold weather, while others can’t, some want bright,
light all the time, while others don’t. One of the most important things for you to
do with/for your succulent is to make sure you pay attention to it and see what it
wants. Happy gardening!