Types of succulents with photos and names

6 Maintenance in winter

From spring to autumn, succulents grow at room temperature. In winter they are kept in cooler conditions for two reasons:

• so that they do not stretch out in the absence of sufficient lighting;
• for tying flower buds, which occurs during dormancy.

Echeveria, pachyphytums, graptopetalums, agaves, pedilanthuses and many sedums require dry wintering at a temperature of + 10 ... + 12 degrees. Aloe, Gasteria, Kalanchoe, Haworthia, Bryophyllum, Crassula, Aizaceae, Milkweed, Grimaceae during the rest period should be at a higher temperature of +15 degrees. Tropical succulents - sansevieria, hoya, cissus - prefer partial shade, moisture and nutritious soil, as well as warm wintering at +15 degrees. Home care should be consistent with the growing conditions of the plants in their natural environment. In some species, natural leaf wilting occurs in the fall.

Plants can be kept at a lower temperature on a cool windowsill. If the glass is frozen with frost, then the pots must be removed away from the window, as the plants can die at temperatures below +10 degrees. In winter, watering is reduced - for tropical species - up to 1 time in 2-3 weeks, for drought-resistant species - up to once a month. Lithops and Konophytums are not watered in winter. In plants such as tavaresia, euphorbia, trichocaulo, the soil must be thoroughly dried between waterings. Fats (sedum, Kalanchoe and others) are watered more often, without bringing the earth to complete drying. If it is possible to provide plants with bright lighting using artificial lighting, the growing season can be extended. Some species grow in winter as well - these are ceropegia, aichrizones. In this case, the plants are watered more frequently and kept at normal temperatures.

What it is?

A florarium is a container with moisture-loving plants, made of glass or transparent plastic. It has a narrowed throat or roof to create a special microclimate. Another interesting name for such a composition is the bottle garden.

A terrarium for plants is a real boon for small apartments, as it allows you to place several plants in it at once. A beautiful flowerpot with an unusual shape will make it a worthy interior decoration.

The convenience of this kindergarten also lies in the fact that pets and children cannot get to its insides. After all, ordinary plants are often gnawed by cats, and a curious kid can cut off the leaves of an indoor succulent or run into the thorns of a cactus.

The florarium eventually forms its own mini-ecosystem. This is useful for tropical plants that like excess moisture and no drafts.

Types and varieties of foxglove with photos and names

Below will be described those types and varieties of foxglove that are cultivated by gardeners most often.

Purple digitalis (Digitalis purpurea)

The homeland of this species is Southern, Central and Western Europe. This perennial plant is often cultivated as a biennial. Its height is about one and a half meters. On the surface of low-branched erect shoots there is dense pubescence, there is a rosette consisting of basal leaf plates. The upper leaf plates are of a rounded-elongated shape, crenate along the edge are sessile, their front surface is velvety, and on the back there is a tomentose pubescence. Alternate stem leaf plates have long winged petioles. The racemose one-sided inflorescence reaches 0.8 m in length, it consists of flowers five centimeters long, which can be painted in carmine, cream, white, pink or purple, there is a dark smear inside the corolla, and there are short hairs on its surface. Flowering is observed throughout the summer. It has been cultivated since ancient times.

There are several varieties, namely spotted, large-flowered and gloxiniform.Of the greatest interest of all digitalis gloxiniform hybrids is the Shirley variety: the height of the bush is about 150 cm, the flowering is long, one-sided inflorescences consist of drooping, open spotted flowers, which are painted purple, pink or cream inside. The Excelsior hybrid mix is ​​also quite popular: the peduncles reach a height of about 1.8 m, very large flowers are placed on them in a spiral. The Peloric mix is ​​also quite popular: the height of the peduncles is about 1.8 m, it is covered with large flowers. The one-color selective variety of this type, called Rosy Champagne, reaches a height of about 1.2 m and has a rather spectacular appearance.

Large-flowered digitalis (Digitalis grandiflora = Digitalis ambigua)

Under natural conditions, this species can be found in Western Europe, the European part of Russia, Ukraine, the Mediterranean and South-Western Siberia. The height of such a digitalis is no more than 1.2 m. The oblong-lanceolate leaf plates have pubescence, located along the edge and along the veins. Drooping racemose inflorescences consist of flowers of six centimeters in length, colored yellow, inside the corolla there are brown veins. The outer surface of the flowers is covered with light pubescence. Cultivated since 1561.

Rusty foxglove (Digitalis ferruginea)

This species is one of the most beautiful. The height of the bush can vary from 0.7 to 1.2 m, however, there are specimens of two meters in height. Slightly pubescent or bare leaf plates have an oblong-lanceolate shape. Four centimeters long, the flowers have a shape similar to an orchid, while the lower lip is very pronounced. Flowers can be painted in a variety of color shades: from yellow-gray, turning into cinnamon-golden or rusty, to yellowish with a pink bloom. The inner surface of the corolla is covered with veins of brown-red or lilac color. Flowers are part of large racemose inflorescences. Flowering is observed from mid-June to August. Cultivated since 1597.

Woolly foxglove (Digitalis lanata)

This type is the most inconspicuous. In the wild, it is found in Moldova. This plant is medicinal and has undoubted advantages. On a single peduncle, small flowers of a yellow-brown color with purple veins bloom. Dense pubescence covers the axis of the inflorescence, the name of this species is associated precisely with this feature. The plant blooms in July. Duration of flowering is approximately 6 weeks.

Yellow foxglove (Digitalis lutea)

In nature, this species is found in the southwestern part of Europe. The height of the bush is 0.8–1 m. There is no pubescence on the shoots and oblong-oval leaf plates. The length of the yellow flowers is about 25 mm. Flowering begins in July. It has been cultivated since 1597. The most popular variety is Gelb Janus: the color of the flowers is yellowish.

Another cultivated foxglove is dark, or indistinct, Tapsi, Merton, Nevada, ciliate and some other hybrid forms and species.

Care

Watering

Watering Bocarnea is necessary when the soil substrate is completely dry (it will be discussed later). The roots must absorb all the moisture that will remain in the trunk. Watering more often will prevent the roots from doing their job and will start to rot. On hot days, you can spray from a spray bottle, since the leaves have jagged edges, it is very difficult to simply wipe them off from the accumulated dust. In indoor conditions, the temperature does not change as sharply as in natural conditions, therefore, plants do not require winter rest.

Lighting

Bokarnia or Nolina are very fond of good lighting, but not direct sunlight. In summer, plants will rather prefer a balcony, loggia, terrace, but here, too, shading from the bright sun is needed. In apartments where there is insufficient lighting, and during periods of winter low illumination due to the natural conditions of our country, it is required to add artificial lighting.

Temperature

The temperature of our city apartments is great for Nolina. But since in the autumn-winter period our houses are heated quite well, Nolina does not enter the phase of rest, which is typical in natural conditions, but continues to grow. Don't let this scare you - it grows slowly in adulthood.

Humidity

Nolina does not require additional moisture. It is not necessary to spray it with water unnecessarily, place containers with water next to it. The air humidity that is comfortable for a person is quite enough. If you took the plant out into the fresh air, and it is rainy and damp outside, then it is better if it spends this period indoors.

The soil

We prepare the soil in the same way as for other succulents:

• 1 piece of leafy land;
• 1 part peat;
• 1 part of coarse washed river sand;
• fine gravel and a little zeolite are well added. Zeolite absorbs excess moisture and fertilizers and gradually releases them to the roots.

All ingredients must be disinfected by steaming so that all spores of mold and various fungi are killed. Then mix well to get a loose homogeneous mass. Such a substrate is water permeable and contains enough nutrients, so that in the first years the plant does not need fertilizing until the trunk has acquired the characteristic bottle shape.

Transfer

First, pick up a pot - it should not be much larger than the previous one, flat. And most importantly, there should be holes in the bottom so that excess water after watering flows freely into the pan.

At the bottom, a drainage layer should be laid with a height of about ¼ of the entire height of the pot. Then we fill in the soil substrate, slightly crushing it. Clean the roots of old soil and check for rotten or dead roots. Such damaged roots must be removed. Then we plant Nolina in new soil without deepening the trunk. If the substrate was wet, then the first days do not water it.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer can be used in store for cacti and succulents, but dilute it in half as much as recommended. Fertilized in the spring and summer after evening watering. If the plant is doing well, do not overfeed it. Feed once every one to two months.

What are succulents

Almost all representatives of this group are endowed with juicy, literally liquid-filled stems and leaves. Such reserves are conceived by nature for the purpose of survival, since the living conditions for plants are not at all easy. Almost all of them grow in desert areas where it is very difficult to get water.

To adapt to the conditions of lack of water, succulents are endowed with the following qualities aimed at reducing the evaporation of liquid and its reservation:

• The stem and leaves are covered with a waxy coating or densely pubescent.
• The leaves are replaced by thorns, through which evaporation does not occur.
• Many succulents have a ribbed stem that expands when water enters it, thus increasing the volume of the stock.

Succulents - crops native to the desert

• The leaves are often rounded, which reduces the evaporation area.
• During the day, the plant “does not breathe”. Gas exchange occurs at night when the air temperature drops and the humidity rises.
• The leaves are shaped like a gutter, allowing moisture to sink to the roots.
• In order to protect from the burning sun, all parts of the crop are light in color and are capable of producing protective red and brown pigments.
• Most of the plant is hidden in the ground.

Succulents also have devices for protection from natural enemies: insects, birds and animals. For example, thorns, poisonous or just very bitter juice. Some of them “hide”, imitating the surrounding stones (lithops), while the leaves of others “frighten” with the likeness of an open mouth of an animal (fuacaria).

According to the botanical classification, all succulents are divided into 2 subgroups:

1. Stem - able to retain moisture in thick stems. These include cacti, milkweed.
2. Leafy - retain water in fleshy leaves. Representatives of hot countries include aloe, lithops, echeveria, haworthia. In temperate climates, sedum and rejuvenation can be found in nature.

All of these succulents are perfectly adaptable to indoor conditions, so lovers are happy to grow them on their windowsills.

2 Varieties

The most famous are 7 families of plants that are succulents:

1. 1. Swallowtail (Asclepiadaceae).
2. 2. Asphodel (Asphodeliceae).
3. 3. Aizovye (Aizoaceae).
4. 4. Cactus (Cactaceae).
5. 5. Crassulaceae.
6. 6. Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbiaceae).
7. 7. Mesembryanthemaceae.

Depending on which part of the plant water accumulates, they are divided into stem, leaf and root. In many stem succulents, leaves appear only during the rainy season, and fall off during drought. The stem type includes asphodel, cacti, and many euphorbia plants. In most cacti, the leaves have evolved into thorns or thorns. In leafless cacti, the process of photosynthesis occurs in the stems. Typical representatives of leafy succulents are fatty ones with a dense rosette of thick fleshy leaves. Lithops ("living stones") and conophytums consist of only one pair of leaves. Pronounced leafy succulents do not have a stem, and filamentous roots extend directly from the leaves.

Root succulents (gorse and euphorbia) form a thickened part of the root (tubers) or stem (caudex). Caudex during the rainy season in some species reaches up to several meters in diameter. The leaves of these plants are not succulent and often fall off in the absence of moisture, and the branches are dry and thin. This group of plants includes jatropha, dioscorea ("elephant leg"), adenia and others.

How to care?

It is not known what exactly prompted modern people to massively grow succulents - their unusual appearance or still the minimum required care at home. With the constantly deteriorating ecology, humanity is experiencing an increasing need for fresh greenery, and in cool regions it is felt even more strongly - in cold winter, often only an evergreen cactus on the windowsill reminds of summer. Fortunately, growing a succulent plant is a snap, even if you're a busy person. Above we described the rooting process, which turned out to be very simple, and further maintenance of the plant will not be more difficult.

When growing succulents, the main thing is to remember that this plant is unpretentious in the sense that it does not need many amazing amenities that it did not have in its homeland. Thus, a supposedly unpretentious plant that can survive in any conditions is quite easy to destroy, taking care of it excessively. Therefore, certain recommendations for care still exist - a person caring for a succulent must know how not to overdo it.

Watering

Succulents are famous as plants that, even with a prolonged absence of watering, are able to survive - that is why they are appreciated in the modern world, since they do not tie their owner to the house on a permanent basis, allowing him to leave as needed. Botanical species of this group not only store an abundance of moisture in their own tissues, but also know how to save it if necessary, most species have also learned to get it directly from the air - if, of course, there is something to get from it.

In practice, this means that frequent watering is simply not necessary for the plant. It all depends on the specific species and what conditions it is used to in the wild, however, in general, succulents are advised to water in small portions 1-3 times a week - this is in the summer, when the plant is actively developing and blooming. In winter, faced with a somewhat unusual coolness, the southern guest usually hibernates.

At the same time, you can always, even in summer, you can safely leave for several days or even several weeks.For a plant of this type to die, you need to forget about it for many weeks or even several months - if you still need a succulent, you will definitely return to this moment. At the same time, the water saving mode, into which the greens have switched, affects its appearance - it may seem dry, as if it will not bloom and grow new pulp, the peel may become woody. Perhaps such transformations will somewhat disappoint the gardener, but in most cases it is possible to bring the bush back to life by resuming the normal watering regime. Even if not immediately, but the copy should bounce back.

It is much worse if there is an excess of water. The accumulating excessive moisture often provokes rotting of the root system of plants, especially those that are not used to heavy rainfall. Here the situation is already more critical - it is not a fact that a decrease in the level of watering will help the rot to stop. Succulents usually do not rely heavily on roots, but they cannot do without them, so the plant will begin to wilt. If you are sure that the problem lies precisely in the decay of the root system, be sure to try propagating the plant in case it still does not survive.

Fertilizer

Most succulents grow in the desert regions of the planet, where there are really no other plants besides them, and therefore the soil is very poor in terms of any organic matter. For this reason, plants of this group not only do not need organic fertilizers - they are even contraindicated for them, because the use of humus and peat, traditional in home gardening, is completely excluded.

Another thing is mineral fertilizers, especially those that contain phosphorus and potassium. However, even with them, one should not be zealous, and the exact dosage for succulents in general cannot be announced - this indicator strongly depends on both the type of plant and its size. What is true for all species of this group is that fertilizers are applied only during the period of active growth, that is, in the warm season, in winter it is better not to touch the plant at all.

A great convenience for gardening in the modern world is that for many popular types of garden and indoor plants, special mineral mixtures are produced, in which all the necessary ingredients have already been selected in optimal proportions. Such products are produced with the participation of specialists, therefore the packaging often lists not only the plants for which the mixture is intended, but also the recommended frequency of use, as well as dosages.

Care

Watering and lighting

Watering should be regular about 1-2 times a week in the summer (you can less often, by determining the softness of the leaf), and once every three weeks in the winter. Always make sure the topsoil is dry before the next watering. Use settled or filtered water at room temperature. If your pot does not have a hole at the bottom, you should set a limit on the applied liquid, about 5 ml at a time, if you see that the leaves of the plant have become less fleshy and soft, increase the amount of liquid applied.

The lighting should be good, you can choose a south window to accommodate your friend, but despite the fact that succulents tolerate open sunlight well in the wild, it is better to shade the plant in summer, and gradually accustom it to the bright sun after buying in the store, and also after the cold season.

In some types of succulents, the color of the leaves is directly dependent on the presence of sunlight. For example, such species as Echeveria agave, Red-colored sedum, Echeveria pulidonis, Nussbaumer's sedum, acquire red color in the sun.

Aloe vera

Humidity and temperature

Succulents love wet rooms, but don't spray their leaves. Better to use a humidifier in the apartment, or place the plant next to the aquarium.If it is not possible to maintain humidity in the room, provide the plant with fresh air by opening a window, or taking it out onto the balcony in the summer. Avoid drafts.

Succulents tolerate temperature changes well, especially during the day and night. The optimal temperature in summer is +25 -30 degrees during the day and 15-18 degrees at night (in summer you can move the plant to the balcony). In winter, the optimum temperature is 15-20 degrees during the day, 13-15 at night.

Fertilizer

It must be remembered that succulents should not be fed in winter, when they are dormant, and immediately after transplanting. Top dressing can be done in spring - summer during the growth period, in moderation. It is better to purchase special fertilizers for cacti and succulents in flower shops. If you choose from universal fertilizers, you should avoid excess Nitrogen (N) in the composition, because it promotes root decay. It is better to use fertilizers, which in the composition will be the first to contain Potassium (K), the second to Phosphorus (P).

According to reviews, a good fertilizer for cacti and succulents "Pocon" is an approximate cost of 250 rubles. for 250ml.

How to reanimate a dying succulent

Growing succulents at home is very simple - these plants are unpretentious. But they also get into trouble. The plan for saving a diseased plant is reduced to the following actions:

1. Remove any dried leaves and peduncles with tweezers.
2. Purchase suitable systemic medications for treating succulent plants against fungi and diseases.
3. Thoroughly clean the root of the old soil. Dilute the purchased preparations with water and dip the peeled root into it. Thus, we will rid the root of possible pests.
4. After 10-15 minutes, remove the plant from the solution and leave it to dry for 5-6 days. An indicator of readiness for the next stage is the appearance of young roots at the base of the neck.
5. Now you can start rooting. Good soil is the main condition for recovery. Pick up a specialized composition at a flower shop. Experienced flower growers recommend Lechuza PON soil mixture, which contains absolutely everything you need and in ideal proportions.

Suitable capacity

There are a lot of items on sale that can be adapted for the future garden for succulents. In addition to the banal glass containers purchased in flower shops, you can even find a transparent case for plants at home.

1. The aquarium is round and square. If you previously had fish, and their house was left idle, then it may well accommodate new inhabitants. Buying aquariums is also not difficult, the main thing is to choose the optimal size. Glass balls, originally intended for fish, look beautiful.
2. Vases. An inexpensive option, which is also easy to find, is an ordinary flower vase. It can be purchased at any supermarket or hardware store. A minimalist transparent flower container can become a succulent terrarium in a matter of hours.
3. Vessels and flasks for experiments. In such containers, florariums will look ultramodern. Of course, the flasks must be of a suitable size, especially their neck.
4. Big light bulbs. Mini-plants will decorate something as vintage as an old spoiled light bulb. Such a terrarium looks like succulents sprouted in it by accident, when the light bulb was thrown out in the forest.
5. Kitchenware. Decanters, glasses, flowerpots, teapots, jars - all this can serve as a receptacle for succulents, if made of ordinary glass without relief.

Popular types of indoor cacti for home growing with photos and names

Now look at the photo and find out the names of what cacti are for home growing.

Aporocactus, usually A flagelliformis (flagelliformis), is a graceful epiphytic bush with numerous thin, long, hanging branches. The name of this type of indoor cactus is known to many cactusists.The ribs on its branches are barely visible and densely covered with short dark golden bristles. During flowering, it is beautiful - large (up to 8 cm long and up to 7 cm in diameter) crimson-red flowers are downright crowded on the bush.

As shown in the photo, this type of home cacti blooms earlier than most others - already at the end of winter, with their lush flowering, they stand out sharply against the background of still "sleeping" cacti, and other indoor plants:

Aporocactus are undemanding and live well in indoor conditions, easily propagated by cuttings. However, without sufficient sunlight, the bristle spines will not turn golden, but will be whitish, although the plant will still bloom. Aporocactus has a weak root system, it does not need a deep pot, and it is dangerous to water it abundantly in cool weather.

This type of domestic cactus is at risk, especially for the flat red mite. An intensively growing aporocactus bush sometimes needs to be cut off - to remove old and ugly branches at their very base. This promotes more abundant branching and the formation of a dense, ornamental plant.

Aporocactus flagelliformis is beautiful, but breeders always lack natural beauty. Recently, there are more and more varieties obtained as a result of hybridization of this type of cacti for home cultivation with other cacti, primarily with epiphyllums. These varietal plants are called aporophyllums and combine the advantages of aporocactus with a variety (in color, size, shape) of flowers created by the imagination of breeders.

Here are photos of what types of cacti are for growing at home:

Epiphyllums - "Epiphyllum". The most common type - E. oxypetalum (oxypetalum) with long, thin, rounded and very strong skeletal branches and soft, light green, wide and leaf-like flattened end shoots. The stems of this epiphyllum reach 3 meters in length, and the width of the terminal branches sometimes exceeds 12 cm. This giant can close the entire window in the room. Its flowers are also huge, fragrant, similar to the flowers of the "queen of the night", with which it is often confused, but unlike the Selenicereus flower, the epiphyllum flower has a long flower tube, almost devoid of hairs and thorns. Natural epiphyllums are very good, but too large and are more suitable for greenhouses than for indoor crops.

For your attention - a selection of photos of different types of cacti, popular in cactus:

Melocactus - "Melocactus". Large, mostly spherical cacti with pronounced ribs and powerful, often curved spine-like spines. The main feature of melocactus is that, upon reaching the flowering age, they begin to grow in a completely different way, and form at the top of the stem, at first a flat, and then elongating densely pubescent organ with abundant bristle-like spines, from which flowers appear. It is called cephalic. Cephalicus is also found in some other cacti, but only in melocactus is it so expressive, characteristic and widely known.

Look at the photo - the name of this type of domestic cacti comes from the Latin word Melo (melon), and indeed, melocactuses resemble melons:

Fifty species of melocactus grow in nature in such a variety of conditions - from humid sea coasts to cold highlands, that there are no uniform recipes for their cultivation. However, all melocactuses are considered difficult to cultivate, and they are not kept on grafts due to their large size. Without cephalia, these plants are not very expressive, while growing adult specimens takes many years and requires experience. Recently, melocactuses have been on sale; adult melocactus with cephalic and cephalic. They are expensive and are only intended for temporary decorative use.For phytodesigners, cacti of this popular species are really useful due to their large size, effective appearance that lasts for many months, and ease of maintenance (thorns do not break off, dust is easily washed off or washed off).

Here are photos of the types of domestic cacti, the names of which are listed above: