Succulent flowers are some of the most varied and easy to care for plants around. With numerous types of succulent flowers yielding an array of colors, shapes, and sizes, finding a variety that suits a particular purpose isn’t difficult—choosing a favorite, however, might be. Succulent plants have the ability to grow in nearly any setting, both indoors and out, from desert climates to tropical ones and even those in between. These plants can tolerate fluctuations in weather as well as a number of soil conditions. This is possible due to their fleshy leaves and roots, which are capable of storing water.
There are many different types of succulent flowers. Some of the more common of these plants include sedum, snake plant (Senservieria), hens and chicks (Sempervivum), aloe, and jade plant (Crassula). Most, if not all of these succulent plants, are grown indoors as houseplants. However, many other succulent flowers offer additional interest and can be easily grown outdoors in the succulent garden. For instance, both the flowering kalanchoe and euphorbia can be grown in various settings, providing amazing color with their spring blooms.
For a more dramatic effect, the black tree aeonium (A. arboreum) can be the perfect choice, with its dark, nearly black foliage and contrasting yellow blooms. Another impressive addition is the carrion flower (Stapelia gigantea).This attractive clump-forming succulent produces large star-shaped flowers amid gray-green foliage, but be warned, it may not smell all that pleasant. In addition to these succulent flowers, a number of cactus plants can be used in succulent gardens as well. Rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is a prime example, exhibiting long, spiked leaves and bright pink flowers.
Choosing among the numerous varieties of succulent flowers is only half the battle. Making sure there are plenty to go around is another thing. To keep stock supplies up, many people opt for propagation. Succulent propagation is fairly easy though there may be many choices to make here as well. Succulent cuttings can involve the entire leaf, leaf sections, or stems. All methods usually require adequate watering of the plant beforehand to improve the chances of rooting.
Cuttings from succulent flowers are generally taken in spring or early summer. They are placed in an equal mixture of sand, moist peat and compost. Once planted, they are watered thoroughly and moved to a warm, shaded area until rooting occurs—usually within a few weeks. Propagating these plants will not only help maintain a steady supply in the home or garden but can also come in handy when trading with others for additional plants to add to your collection.
