A healthy succulent is a happy succulent, and happy succulent is a beautiful succulent. These houseplants really aren't picky, and will tell you when you're doing a good job. Here are 5 ways you can know that you're getting it right! (Throughout this post I will be using the names of some different varieties of succulents. If you're unfamiliar with these names, check out these blog posts from last winter) 1. Color Succulents are known for being colorful plants. In fact, that's one of the things that makes them so beautiful! Looking for bright colors in succulents is one way to tell that they're being well cared for. These bold hues show that the succulent is getting plenty of light. Because it has access to lots of sunshine, the plant doesn't need to produce as much chlorophyll, the part of the plant that turns light energy into nutrients and makes the plant look green. With less chlorophyll, you are able to see more of the other colors in the succulent. Being in sunshine also causes a succulent to make other pigments which protect it from getting harmed by UV rays. Both of these things combine to bring out the reds, oranges, yellows, and purples in succulents! 2. Shape Happy succulents also have tight, full shapes. This is especially noticeable in echeverias, like the ones in the picture above. These rosette-shaped succulents have layered leaves that make beautiful patterns. But, if they're not getting the light they need, your plants will start to stretch out, growing tall and losing their tight shape. When this happens, a little pruning and a sunnier spot will get you back on track. A tight, full shape also means that you're watering your succulent correctly. These drought-tolerate plants store water in their leaves so full, plump leaves means that they're hydrated. Succulent with unusually thin or wrinkled leaves are saying, "I'm thirsty, please water me!" 3. Growth Succulents are naturally slow-growing plants, so this one is a little harder to spot. But, if you keep checking on your succulent, you should see signs of growth. Many succulents, like echeverias and haworthias, grow from their center. Other succulents, like crassulas, look more like trees or bushes, and grow new leaves at the end of their "branches." Where ever the new growth is, happy plants will have small, closely grouped together leaves. If the leaves near the center of your plant are brown/black, or appear to have bites taken out of them, your plant isn't doing so well. Head over to the Q&A page, and I'll help you out. 4. Pups Finding a pup near the base of your succulent is very exciting, and a definite sign that your plant is happy! Pups are baby plants which can be separated from their mother as they grow bigger. Not all succulents grow pups, but the ones that do (haworthias, aloes, kalanchoe...) will only do so when they are happy and healthy. Growing a pup is hard work! Along with light and water, a succulent needs space to grow a pup. Plants that are in crowded containers just don't have enough room. So finding a pup is a good sign that your succulent is enjoying the space you're giving it. 5. Flowers Even more exciting than pups are flowers! When a succulent will flower depends on it's variety. Some succulents take years to reach the size and age at which they are able to flower, so a lack of blooms doesn't necessarily mean that your plant isn't doing well. Most succulents only flower during certain times of the year (spring and summer being the most common) so that plays a part as well. But, when your plant does bloom, it's a celebration! Like pups, growing flowers takes work, so only healthy plants can do it. For some succulents, flowers are their last hurrah before the plant produces offspring and then dies. Either way, flowers are a sign of a happy plant. I hope that you were able to find some of these characteristics in your succulents! I know that I am always excited when my succulents flower, have pups, or turn bright colors. If your plant is having some trouble, I'd love to help you out. You can send me an email at [email protected], or head over to the Q&A page. If you have a succulent that's doing especially well, I'd love to hear about that too!
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Common Name: Topsy Turvy Scientific Name: Echeveria runyonii Variety: Echeveria
Megan’s Thoughts: Many times echeverias have good variety when it comes to color, but their basic shape is often similar. However, the turned-in leaves of this succulent make it unique and interesting. I think Topsy Turvy looks especially good when the plant has just been watered and its leaves are very plump. This plant is also unique in that it is one of the few white succulents. To top all of this off, it propagates easily. What a great plant!
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Megan KamperHi! I am the creator of Thrive Living Art! I love to learn about how to help plants thrive, and then combine that knowledge with my creativity to make living art! On my blog, you'll learn more about taking care of succulents and other plants. You'll also find out what Thrive is up to, and where I'll be selling my art next! Buy your creation in person!Archives
December 2020
Are you struggling to keep your plants alive?Get some advice!
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