Succulents are the gateway for beginners entering the world of gardening. These low-maintenance plants, with their diverse genera, can often be perplexing to newcomers. How can you easily and quickly identify succulents? Let me share my methods and tips to help us rediscover succulents:
Rosette-Shaped Succulents
Rosette-shaped succulents do not refer to a specific botanical family but describe plants that resemble lotus flowers, also known as water lilies, with an appearance similar to roses. These plants typically grow close to the ground. Common rosette plants include: Echeveria, Sempervivum, and Aeonium.
Echeveria
Echeveria is one of the most varied genera of succulents. Its fleshy leaves are typically spoon-shaped or triangular, and they come in a wide range of colors, often achieving vivid hues when stressed, although they usually maintain a blue-green color in normal conditions. Echeveria leaves are usually smooth, waxy, or with a powdery texture (farina).
While Echeveria was once easy to identify, recent hybridizations have made distinguishing between different varieties more challenging. We'll discuss how to differentiate these similar succulents later.
Sempervivum
Sempervivum, also known as "hens and chicks," has leaves similar to Echeveria but noticeably thinner and smaller, with most Sempervivum leaves featuring tiny hair-like serrations along the edges.
True to its name, Sempervivum forms large rosettes with many smaller "chicks" around a central plant, a trait less common in Echeveria. Colors of Sempervivum range from red, brown, purple, to green, making them suitable for outdoor gardens.
Aeonium
Aeonium, also called "tree houseleeks," has the thinnest leaves among rosette succulents. Initially ground-hugging, Aeoniums develop woody stems as they grow taller, often branching out to resemble small flowering trees. Most Aeoniums have waxy leaves with rich colors, some featuring variegation, like Aeonium 'Pink Witch,' Aeonium Kiwi, and Aeonium 'Phoenix Flame' Variegated.
Unusual Succulents
If you've only explored rosette-shaped succulents, don't miss out on the unusual ones. These succulents also have fleshy leaves but often raise eyebrows as to whether they're truly succulents. Let's start with Crassula, Sedum, and Senecio.
Crassula
With over 200 varieties, Crassula includes the popular jade plant (Crassula ovata), often used as an indoor plant. One distinguishing feature of Crassula is its paired, layered leaves, seen in varieties like Crassula 'Baby Necklace.' Crassula grows upright with star-shaped clusters of flowers at the top. Most Crassula species are drought-tolerant and thrive in both direct and indirect sunlight, indoors or outdoors.
Sedum
Sedum's varieties can be overwhelming, broadly categorized into creeping, tall, and trailing types:
Creeping Sedum: Low-growing and often used as ground cover, with tiny, round or pointed leaves, such as Sedum Dasyphyllum 'Minor' and Sedum Golden Moss.
Tall Sedum: Upright with thick leaves, some resembling rosettes but distinguished by their upright, woody stems and clumping growth. Common varieties include Sedum Adolphi, Sedum Treleasei, and Sedum Clavatum.
Trailing Sedum: Perfect for hanging planters, popular indoor varieties include Sedum Morganianum Burrito. Despite their diversity, all Sedums produce dense clusters of tiny flowers in various colors, appealing to flower-loving gardeners.
Senecio
Senecio is relatively easy to identify, categorized broadly into trailing forms (like String of Pearls) and upright varieties. The most common trailing Senecio, String of Pearls, features bead-like leaves arranged along slender stems, perfect for hanging baskets. Upright Senecio varieties have more erect growth habits with elongated or leaf-shaped leaves, such as Senecio Blue Chalk Sticks and Senecio stapeliiformis, presenting a compact, bushy appearance suitable for containers or rock gardens.
Chubby-Leaved Succulents
If you find yourself with a plump-leaved succulent, you might be dealing with one of these typical genera: Pachyphytum, Cotyledon, or Graptopetalum.
Pachyphytum
Pachyphytum's leaves are usually chubby and elongated, resembling fingers. Common varieties include Pachyphytum 'Machucae' (Baby finger) and Pachyphytum Compactum. Their unique flower spikes gracefully droop when in bloom.
Cotyledon
Cotyledon succulents also feature chubby leaves, often green with a thick layer of farina on the surface. Initially upright, they gradually adopt a trailing growth habit. Look for their striking red bell-shaped flowers, a spectacular sight in bloom.
Graptopetalum
Certain Graptopetalum varieties exhibit chubby leaves, like Graptopetalum Amethystinum. Most Graptopetalums have thick, triangular leaves with pointed tips and distinctive spotted petals on their flowers. Graptopetalums are among the easiest succulents to propagate from leaves.
Fuzzy Succulents
Soft and inviting, fuzzy succulents have a delightful texture and are mainly represented by Kalanchoe and certain cactus varieties.
Kalanchoe
Not all Kalanchoe are fuzzy, but some are known as Panda Plants due to their white, velvety coating. These succulents are prized for their large leaves, often with serrated edges. Popular varieties include Kalanchoe tomentosa and Kalanchoe Eriophylla.
Spiky Succulents
Moving on to spiky succulents, these plants exude a sharp, striking appearance and are mainly represented by cacti, Euphorbia, Stapelia, and Agave.
Cacti
Cacti are the most recognizable spiky succulents, with their iconic appearance. Differentiating cacti from other spiky succulents is key.
Euphorbia
Euphorbia species have spines mainly along raised ridges rather than covering the entire plant surface. Common varieties include Euphorbia milii and Euphorbia tirucalli, known for their toxic sap—handle with care.
Stapelia
Stapelia, resembling cacti with sparse spines on raised stems, lacks leaves and boasts unique starfish-like flowers. These "carrion flowers" emit an odor to attract pollinating insects.
Agave
Agave is a large succulent with spiny leaf margins, often featuring thick, sword-shaped or linear leaves. Known for their resilience, Agaves are popular in desert gardens and outdoor landscapes.
Exploring the diverse world of succulents reveals a treasure trove of forms and textures, each with its own allure and characteristics. Whether chubby, fuzzy, or spiky, these plants bring joy and interest to any garden or indoor space.
Now that you've started to identify succulent genera, here are some additional tips to help you refine your skills and recognize succulents more accurately:
1. Use Google Image Search
Google Image Search is a quick and effective method to find similar succulent varieties by comparing pictures. Here's how to do it:
Upload a clear photo of your succulent to Google Image Search.
Review the search results and identify images that closely resemble your succulent.
Verify the species name associated with the matched images through additional Google searches to confirm accuracy.
2. Evaluate Leaf Characteristics
If Google search yields multiple possibilities, differentiate succulents by comparing leaf features:
Observe leaf size, shape, color, and the characteristics of leaf tips.
Note any unique textures or patterns on the leaf surface.
Compare leaf features of different varieties to identify the closest match to your succulent.
3. Wait for Dormancy/Flowering
Certain succulents exhibit unique traits during specific seasons or growth stages. Waiting for dormancy or flowering can provide valuable identification clues:
Watch for changes in plant color, the appearance of farina (powdery coating), patterns, or additional markings on leaves.
If the succulent flowers, note the color, shape, and size of the blooms, which are important identifying features.
4. Seek Help from Social Media/Professional Gardeners
When all else fails, reach out to social media or professional gardening communities for assistance:
Share clear photos of your succulent in succulent-related social media groups or forums and describe its features.
Consult gardening experts or plant enthusiasts for advice and identification.
5. Additional Tips
To better document and identify succulent varieties, consider these measures:
Use ID tags to label succulent species information on pots or containers.
Experiment with planting succulents in different pots and regularly photograph their growth process.
Pay attention to growth habits, leaf features, and flowering periods when observing succulents, as these details aid in accurate identification.
By employing these methods and techniques, you'll enhance your ability to identify and recognize succulent varieties, deepen your understanding of succulents, and share experiences with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Keep learning and observing—the wonderful world of succulents awaits your discovery!
