Sloat Plant Pick for July: Succulents!

A succulent is essentially a flowering perennial that stores water in its juicy leaves, stems or roots in order to withstand periodic drought. (Cacti, although members of the succulent family, are often thought of separately.) Those definitions aside, succulents are truly fascinating plants. Their symmetry is unusual in that they radiate from their centers like a living spirograph (math buffs might recognize the patterns of the Fibonacci sequence, or the golden ratio, in the radiating leaves of succulents).

The fleshy colors of succulents are very soothing and cooling to the eye...whether a reddish brown or seaweed green or lime tone. And succulents have a wonderful tactile quality – they invite touch.

Most succulents come from desert or semi-desert areas of the world. Suprisingly, not all succulents are appropriate for full sun. Many grow in the shadow of rocks, trees or larger plants.

SUCCULENT CARE: The amount of water that succulents need depends on heat, humidity, atmosphere and rainfall level. Give plants just enough water to keep them plump–leafed and attractive. It’s also a good idea to mimic the watering they receive in nature. One light feeding at the start of the growing season should be enough for plants in open ground.

Many gardeners choose to plant succulents in container gardens, or arrange them in rock gardens, along retaining walls, and in places where their ability to grow in small spaces is appreciated.

Sloat has a wide selection of succulents in stock, starting with basic favorites like echeveria, sedum, agave, aloe and aeonium. Stop by your local Sloat for additional individual selections.

Make your own succulent/cactus mix
Combine the following ratios:
1/2 Sloat potting soil
1/4 horticultural sand
1/4 lavarock
Add calcium (agricultural lime) according to package directions