Succulents are plants that have leaves, stems or roots that are fleshy and have the ability to store moisture within the tissues.
The fleshy adaptation allows plants to survive in their natural habitat; hot dry regions. During wet seasons plants absorb and store as much liquid as possible in their leaves, stems and roots.
At this time the succulents also bloom, put on new growth and produce seed. The length of bloom is dependent on the season.
In wet years the flowers last longer than in a dry one.
Blooms fade and plants become inactive with the return of the hot dry weather. Plants use the moisture they have stored until the next rainfall.
As houseplants succulents, which include cacti, thrive indoors if they are given a climate similar to their native one.
The majority of succulents come from a hot dry area but there are exceptions that thrive in a rain forest.
Succulents that come from arid conditions have a long dormancy period from October to March.
Extra water or fertilizer during this time can harm or kill the plant.
As March arrives succulents begin to break their long dormancy and again require regular water and fertilizer.
At this time of year the plants are still growing slowly so one application of water and fertilizer is enough.
New growth should appear during the April and May. To insure optimum growth, water and fertilize every other week.
The plants can be left inside in a warm sunny window or moved into a warm, sunny spot on the balcony, deck or garden from June to August.
If they are to go outside the plants need to be acclimatized slowly.
Start by taking the plants outside for a few hours each day.
Increase the length of time outside until the plants become accustomed to their new climate. Plants that are not acclimatized burn, resulting in large ugly brown patches that will be present until the part of the plant is removed.
An actively growing cacti or succulent should be watered and fertilized weekly during June and July. Continue to water once a week in August but do not fertilize as the plants need to stop growing to prepare for dormancy.
Take all indoor succulents inside around the end of August or early September; before the first frost.
Shorter days signal the plants and they start to go dormant which means they need less water.
Water plants once in September and every six weeks between October and March.
Succulents that thrive in moist humid areas include the Christmas Cacti. These plants are easy to identify as they succulent, jointed stems. Flowers are light sensitive.
They form at the end of segments when they receive the correct balance of light and darkness.
Water these succulents on a regular basis, the same as all tropical plants.
While specialized, cacti potting soil is available, it is not necessary. Use any potting soil with good drainage will work.
Likewise cacti fertilizer is also available but succulent growers often use a water soluble 20- 20- 20 fertilizer diluted to half strength.
When first transplanted, succulents such as cacti should be placed in a pot where they take up 1/3 of the room.
With good growth the plants will need repotted in approximately every two years; when the pot grows crowded. Clay or ceramic pots are recommended for larger plants as they tend to get top heavy and tip over.
Insect problems are minimal. Succulents will occasionally get mealy bugs and a few varieties are prone to aphids. This in itself makes them great houseplants.
A large succulent or a dish garden full of small plants make a great addition to the home or office as they are attractive and require minimum attention.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com