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Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Succulent.

 Succulents are a large group of plants capable of storing water in their fleshy leaves or stems, allowing them to survive in arid conditions. They are not a separate botanical family, but rather include members of different families (e.g., Cactaceae, Crassulaceae, and Agavaceae) based on this common adaptive trait.

 Description and Features

 Succulents are adapted to life in desert and semi-desert regions throughout the world, including Africa, Latin America, and Madagascar.  

Succulent.

 Their key features are:
 Water storage: Water is stored in specialized tissues—the parenchyma of leaves (e.g., aloe, agave) or stems (cacti, some species of milkweed).

 Slow water release: To minimize moisture evaporation, succulents have various adaptations:


 Few stomata, often located in depressions.
Leaves can be reduced to spines to protect against animals and reduce evaporation.

 Light Requirements: These plants require plenty of bright light.

 Low Maintenance: Due to their hardiness, they are popular as houseplants that don't require frequent watering.

 Indoor Care

 Caring for succulents is relatively simple, but requires following a few key rules:

 Lighting: Provide bright light. A windowsill facing any direction except north is ideal.

 Watering: The main rule is to underwater rather than overwater. Water only after the soil is completely dry, usually every 7-10 days for medium-sized plants. In winter, watering is significantly reduced, and it's best to keep the plants in a cool place (around 12-14°C). Water at the roots, avoiding contact with the leaves.
Soil and Drainage: Use well-drained soil. Avoid organic fertilizers.

 Repotting: Repot only when absolutely necessary, or when the pot becomes too small.
Popular Types of Succulents
There is a huge variety of species. Below are some popular examples:

 Echeveria: Often called "rock rose" due to its beautiful rosettes of fleshy leaves. Easy to propagate and suitable for beginners.

 Aloe: Known as an ornamental and medicinal plant, there are both large and miniature varieties.

 Cacti (Cactaceae): The most famous succulents, these plants store water in their stems, often with spines instead of leaves.

 Crassula: Includes the popular "money tree" (Crassula ovata). Distinguished by their fleshy, rounded leaves.

 Lithops: Known as "living stones," they camouflage themselves as pebbles in their natural habitat. Requires a special watering regime.

 Read: https://gerbizor.blogspot.com/search/label/Poppy?m=0

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