Opuntia, also known as the prickly pear cactus, is a species-rich genus of the cactus family. Some varieties grow up to an impressive 5 m tall. Opuntias are not only suitable for use as houseplants, but also for the garden. The hardy Opuntias include, for example, Opuntia engelmanii, Opuntia ficus indica or Opuntia tortispina, which can also survive severe frost without damage. Tip: Glochidia - thorns that are equipped with barbs and are hardly visible make opuntias very defensive plants. Never touch it with your bare hand!
Popular succulent types: R to S
Rhipsalia,also known as rush cactus or coral cactus, looks distinctive thanks to the thin, elongated shoots. The rush cactus thrives in partial shade; this cactus requires high humidity. Phipsalia can be used as an ampel plant.
Sansevieria,otherwise called bow hemp or bayonet plant. The sword-shaped green-black leaves grow up to 1 m long. Sansevieria is one of the easy-care houseplants that likes warm temperatures all year round, no winter garden is necessary. Tip: Don't water too much and ensure drainage in the flower pot! Otherwise the bow hemp can die.
Schlumbergera,or the Christmas cactus, is one of the leaf cacti and deserves an extra entry because of its popularity. The Schlumbergera blooms from November to January, but can also form buds and flowers in summer. This cactus is undemanding, needs a lot of warmth, but not full sun. Numerous cultivars with pink, red, yellow or blue flowers are available. Tip: Schlumbergera feels particularly comfortable in the immediate vicinity of a radiator. Do not place the pot directly on the heater!
Stapelia grandiflora is called carrion plant because of the unpleasant smell of its flowers. The star-shaped flowers can be over 30 cm in diameter in some species. This succulent is a houseplant, air temperatures must not fall below 15°C. The Stapelia thrives best in a sunny location.
Frequently asked questions
Is clay granules suitable for caring for succulents?
Yes, cacti and other succulents usually feel comfortable in clay granules.
What fertilizers do succulents need?
There are several succulent fertilizers available on the market. Since plants store water, they should only be fertilized about every two weeks.
What you should know about succulents soon
Other popular types of succulents are hyacinths. These early bloomers can be found in many different colors in the garden. They are planted in the ground in autumn, before the first frost. They are frost germinators, so they only develop their shoots when the tuber was in the frozen ground in winter.
Aloe plants are also succulents. These plants are so popular because the fleshy leaves secrete a juice that can be used directly for body care. Aloe can be particularly effective against insect bites and burns. The aloe is placed in warm, moist and bright locations.
- By far the largest number of succulents are cacti. Cacti in particular are popular types of succulents.
- Starting with green cacti without flowers, there are numerous varieties that produce wonderful, colorful flowers.
- Particularly popular succulent species among cacti are opuntia, ball cactus, queen of the night and mother-in-law's seat.
But other plants that are classified as succulents are also popular houseplants. Both the agave and the thick leaf are mentioned here as examples. Less known as a representative of succulents, but no less popular as a houseplant, is the Flaming Cat, the Kalanchoe. Ice plants and wax flowers are also popular types of succulents that, in addition to being used in the room, can often be found in a rock garden.
