Succulents are extremely popular houseplants that have fascinated plant lovers for years. Their plump leaves, unique shapes, and resilience have made them a staple in many homes and gardens. However, there are some common myths and misconceptions about growing and caring for succulents that need to be dispelled. Here are four things about succulents we all need to stop believing:

1. Succulents Don’t Require Much Care

One of the biggest misconceptions about succulents is that they require minimal care compared to other plants. While it’s true they are more drought-tolerant than other plants, they do still need proper care and attention to thrive.

Some key things to keep in mind when caring for succulents:

• Watering: Succulents should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. The specific watering frequency will depend on factors like climate, season, and size of the plant. Overwatering is the number one cause of death for succulents.
• Soil: A well-draining soil mix is essential for succulents. They do best in a gritty, sandy soil that allows excess moisture to pass through. Regular potting soil will hold too much water.
• Sunlight: Most succulents require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of adequate sunlight will cause them to become leggy and stretched out.
• Fertilizer: While succulents are less hungry than other plants, fertilizer is still needed a few times a year in the growing season. Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer to avoid buildup of salts.
• Pruning: Trimming or pulling off dead leaves and stems keeps the plant tidy and thriving. Leave the healthy parts intact.

Succulents may be lower maintenance than other houseplants, but they still require attentive care and cannot be neglected. Providing proper growing conditions is key.

2. All Succulents are Cacti

Cacti are a specific type of succulent, but not all succulents are cacti. This is a common mix-up for those new to the succulent world.

Differences between cacti and other succulents:

• Stems: Cacti have thick, rounded stems that store water. Most other succulents have leaves that store water.
• Areoles: Cacti have areoles, which are special structures on the stems from which spines, flowers, and branches grow. Most succulents lack areoles.
• Leaves: Cacti leaves are much smaller or even non-existent. Other succulent leaves come in diverse shapes and sizes.
• Spines: All cacti have spines – heavily modified leaves that protect the plant. Many succulents lack any spines at all.
• Flowers: Cactus flowers emerge from the areole. For other succulents, flowers emerge separately.
• Growth: Cacti tend to have slower, more deliberate growth. Many succulents are faster growing.

So while all cacti are succulents, succulents like aloe vera, jade plants, echeveria, and sedum are not cacti at all. Knowing the difference allows for better care.

3. Succulents are Only Small Plants

Many people mistakenly think all succulents are tiny, dainty plants. In reality, some succulents grow quite large, even into trees!

Some of the biggest succulent varieties include:

• Jade plants: With the proper care over many years, jade plants can grow into treelike specimens up to 10 feet tall! Even younger plants can reach 2-4 feet.
• Aloe vera: Mature aloe vera plants can grow up to 6 feet tall. They also produce offsets to expand their footprint.
• Agave: Certain agave species, like the blue agave, can reach heights of 5-8 feet at maturity. Their dramatic rosette shapes command attention.
• Yucca: These succulents are practically trees, growing up to 30 feet tall! Their trunks also expand in diameter with age.
• Euphorbia: Tree-like euphorbias like the Euphorbia trigona develop thick, tall stems and branches with age. Some reach 15-20 feet tall.
• Kalanchoe beharensis (elephant ear kalanchoe): These succulents have massive leaves, with mature plants reaching 8-10 feet tall. The leaves can grow over 1 foot long!

With the right variety and proper care over time, succulents can become focal point plants in the garden or dramatic houseplants. They are far from just tiny decor.

4. Succulents are Only for Warm, Dry Climates

Many assume succulents can only thrive in hot, arid regions since they store water in their leaves, stems, or trunks. But new hardy varieties are expanding their growing range.

Tips for growing succulents in cooler climates:

• Choose cold-hardy varieties like sempervivum, sedum, and sempervivum that tolerate frost and freezing.
• Provide plenty of sun, at least 6 hours a day. Sun exposure is crucial for cooler regions.
• Amend soil with extra grit to ensure excellent drainage. Soggy soil in winter will rot roots.
• Shelter plants from excess rain and moisture in winter to prevent rot. Use a covered patio or porch.
• Hold off on watering if temperatures are significantly below freezing. Frozen, saturated soil can damage plants.
• Monitor for pests like mealybugs that thrive in humidity and proliferate faster than in arid climates.

While most succulents still prefer warm conditions, varieties like hen and chicks and burro’s tail can survive winters as cold as -20°F when properly acclimated. With a little extra care, succulents can grow just about anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Succulents

Succulents are a diverse and intriguing group of plants. Here are answers to some common questions about growing and caring for these plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots:

What types of soil do succulents need?

Succulents require a fast-draining soil mix to prevent rot. A good mix contains equal parts perlite or coarse sand, potting soil, and a gritty material like pumice or crushed granite. Cactus/palm soil mixes also work well. Avoid regular potting soil, as it retains too much moisture.

How often should I water succulents?

It depends on factors like temperature, season, and size of the plant. In warm months, wait for the soil to fully dry out before watering again. In winter, water only every 2-3 weeks when soil is bone dry. Leaves can guide you – drier, thinner leaves need more water.

Should I fertilize my succulents?

Yes, fertilizing 2-3 times during the active growing season promotes healthy growth. Use a balanced, dilute fertilizer. Avoid high nitrogen formulas, and do not fertilize dormant plants in winter.

How much sunlight do succulents require?

Most succulents need 4-6 hours of direct sun daily. Some can manage with bright, indirect light. Insufficient light causes stretched, weak growth. Sun needs vary by variety – echeverias need more than haworthias, for example.

Why are my succulent leaves turning yellow or brown?

Overwatering is the main cause of discolored, dying leaves. Let soil dry between waterings. Other causes include sunburn, pests, age, and cold damage. Remove dead leaves promptly to prevent rot.

How do I propagate new succulents?

Take leaf or stem cuttings in spring/summer and remove lower leaves. Let cut end callous, then plant in well-draining soil. Mist occasionally until new growth emerges. Or remove offsets that form around the base of mature plants.

Can I grow succulents indoors?

Yes, many do well indoors on sunny windowsills. Grow them in containers with drainage holes using gritty potting mix. Provide ample sunlight and only water when soil dries out. Slow-growing varieties like haworthia do especially well inside.

How do I revive a stretched out, leggy succulent?

Leggy growth happens from insufficient sunlight. Improve light exposure and trim off any excess, weak growth. This stimulates the plant to grow more compact. You can also replant the rosette higher up on a stretched stem to hide it.

Why do my succulent leaves appear shriveled and wrinkled?

When succulent leaves look deflated or wrinkled, the plant is severely dehydrated and needs water immediately. Allow the soil to dry between thorough waterings to prevent this. Intense sun and dry indoor air can increase water needs.

Conclusion

Succulents have so much to offer with their diverse shapes, sizes, and adaptations – but they do come with some unique care requirements. Avoiding overwatering, providing plenty of light, using fast-draining soil, and proper fertilization are key to keeping them happy and healthy. And not all succulents remain tiny – with age, many develop into impressive specimens. Hardier varieties can grow well beyond hot, dry regions too. Dispelling these common myths helps us better appreciate and care for these amazing plants. With the right attention, succulents can flourish indoors and out, in gardens large and small.