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Succulents Defined
 Succulents, from the Latin word “succos” meaning juice, are defined as plants that store water needed for survival. While most people think of succulents as native to desert regions, they actually have many other native habitats including mountain tops, jungles and ocean shorelines. Their unique water-storing ability allows them to survive for long periods of time in hostile environments. Cactus is the most commonly known type of succulent, but there are many other families of succulents including euphorbias, milkweeds, lilies and daisies. Interestingly, some of these families include plants that you might not traditionally think of as succulents. For example, Poinsettias are actually members of the euphorbias family of succulents.
Succulents as Houseplants
 With their sculpture-like formations, unique flowers and intricate foliage, succulents are sure to add beauty and interest to your home’s décor. They make excellent houseplants because they are exceptionally easy to care for and highly adaptable. Succulents come in many varieties, shapes and sizes and can be grown in pots, dish gardens and terrariums.
Succulents adapt naturally to dry, warm temperatures and typically do not require humidity beyond the natural humidity level of most Wisconsin homes, even when those homes are heated in the winter. They do need as much light as possible and should be placed in well-lit areas of your home such as windows or garden rooms. If you do not have a naturally well-lit area in your home, you may need to add overhead fluorescent lighting.
Succulents should be potted in well-drained potting mix like Schultz® Premium Cactus Potting Mix. They should be given generous, but infrequent amounts of water. Take special note that succulents planted in clay pots may need to be watered more frequently than those planted in plastic or glazed pots because clay pots tend to dry out faster because the surface of a clay pot allows for evaporation. When you do water, use tepid water instead of cold. Fertilize succulents with a liquid fertilizer when the plants are actively growing, usually in the spring and summer. In terms of container size, round cacti need a container two inches greater in diameter than the plant and vertical cacti or other succulents should be planted in containers which have a diameter approximately half the height of the plant. Sharp and pointy cactus spines can make potting and re-potting challenging. You can make this easier by wrapping a folded newspaper around the plant to protect your hands throughout the process.
 Stein Gardens & Gifts offers a wide selection of cacti and other succulents. Visit us today and save on our entire selection during our greenhouse sale going on now.
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