How to Identify a Succulent Plant
Succulents are able to survive arid conditions because of their ability to store water in their leaves, roots and stems. The majority of succulents originate in tropical, desert and subtropical regions. Cacti are the most well-known variety from the succulent family. They are easily recognizable while other types of succulents take more inspection. Gardeners who are traveling or visiting gardens often run into a type of plant they would love to grow in their own garden. Identify succulents, so you can add this low maintenance plant to your landscaping. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Check the United States Department of Agriculture's Plant Hardiness Map to find out your region. Most succulent plants live in zones 8 to 11. If you find a succulent plant that is living outside of this range, it may not be a succulent or it may be one of the few cold hardy succulent plants.
-
2
Look at the leaves of the succulent plant. Succulent plants almost always have larger leaves than other plants because they are filled with water.
-
-
3
Remove one thorn or spine from the succulent with a pair of needle nosed pliers. Check to see if the plant begins oozing white to clear sap. Many succulents contain a toxic sap as part of their defense mechanism.
-
4
Look at what type of light the succulent is getting in the garden. The majority of succulents enjoy full sunlight or at least eight hours of sun. If the plant is planted in the shade, it is one of the few shade thriving succulents or not a succulent at all.
-
5
Grab a handful of soil. Almost all succulents need well-draining soil to survive. Squeeze the soil to see if it is releases water. If water droplets are released, it narrows down the list potential succulent plants or the plant is not a succulent.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Take a picture of the succulent and visit The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's website for galleries of pictures of succulents that you can use to compare your picture.
Avoid cutting off a piece of the succulent. Improper pruning can cause harm to the plant.
Wear gloves when removing a thorn because the sap is toxic to the skin.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit succulent image by Jan Ebling from Fotolia.com
