It is easy to see why succulents and cacti are now at the top of every time-starved gardener’s shopping list. They are some of the lowest-care plants around and provide instant gratification. There is minimal-to-no wait time for flowers to bloom. Also, these plants do not change much throughout their lifecycle so what you buy is what you are going to have—at least until they bloom.
These popular plants have one thing in common, their leaves. They are thick and fleshy, since it is where they store water. Their leaves make them drought-tolerant. To keep them looking their best, give them occasional, deep soakings. If you go on vacation for a couple of weeks, there is no need to worry and they will be just fine.
The essential thing for succulents and cacti is excellent drainage. You must plant them in a special mix, such as E.B. Stone Cactus and Succulent mix which is very porous. Their pots and containers must have drainage holes. They are tolerant of a wide range of light, but make sure to give them shade from hot afternoon sun unless you are near the coast.
The appeal of these plants lies in their architectural shapes, rather than color. However, there is quite a range of leaf tones to enjoy. Green leaves can be infused with shades of red, purple, blue and pink. Cacti, in particular, have lovely and often showy flowers, quite a contrast to their prickly plant structure. The flowers of succulents are not near as showy, but are a nice treat whenever they do appear.
Another aspect of succulents and cacti that makes them great for beginning gardeners is their low price. There is no big investment needed to get started. Small plants can be purchased for around $5 and medium-sized plants are not usually more than $20. Large specimen plants can be a different story, price-wise.
Both types of plants come in families, making them easy to group. You will be amazed how many different varieties there are within those families. Shopping for them can be fun as there is almost always a unique little treasure you have not seen before.
Here are the top succulents and cacti to shop for:
Sedum – A very varied group, with names ranging from pork and beans and donkey’s tail, to staid Vera Jameson, grown for the stunning, hot-pink flowers. All are easy to grow and provide wonderful texture to gardens and hanging baskets.
Sempervivum (Houseleek) – Precious, little, star-shaped rosettes increase in clusters that slowly expand. Cobweb houseleeks are covered by tiny hairs that create a web over each rosette.
Dudleya – These California natives are the exotic, crimped and wavy succulents that look like they have been scooped from the bottom of the sea.
Aeonium – Large rosettes of green, flat petals on bare stems are characteristic of aeoniums. There is a stunning black one called zwartkop. The chrome-yellow flowers are sensational against the foliage.
Opuntia – Most have broad, flat pads that create their structure. Beavertail, teddy bear, bunny ears and prickly pear describe the various kinds. There is a lovely purple one named Tubac.
Mammillaria – These are tiny versions of barrel cacti, the dramatic, large-scale rounded desert boules. You will get circles of pink, red, purple or white flowers in a circle around the top.
Jones is the chief horticulturist at Armstrong Garden Centers. Email him your gardening questions to growingdialogue@armstronggarden.com. Or contact your local Armstrong Garden Centers expert for more information.
