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Below are some general guidelines and cultivation tips, and below those are notes on care by family.
Water- Watering depends on a number of factors including temperature, humidity, season, the type and size of the pot, etc. Basically, when plants are actively growing, they should have consistent moisture. This may be low, moderate, or ample moisture depending on the needs of the plant, but they should not be allowed to dry out completely. When plants are dormant, they should receive infrequent, light watering and can be allowed to dry out in between (often for long periods). Overwatering plants during the dormant period is the number one reason for casualties. Underwatering during growth is number two.
Exposure- This depends entirely on the plant in question, but in general- the larger the mature size of the plant, the more sun it probably needs. This is due to the fact that as plants become larger, the availability of solar protection declines. So trees are more likely to need full sun than are small stem succulents. In cultivation, most succulents will do best in what we call broken shade. This is about what you would find under a native mesquite tree in the Southwest US. Sunlight does filter through the leaves, so it’s not a true shade. It’s equivalent to about 30-50% shadecloth, depending on your location. Part sun is also acceptable to most succulents, but an eastern to south eastern exposure is usually favored by smaller plants. Many trees and shrubs can also survive on part sun, but usually prefer a south to southwestern exposure. Please note that your location can dramatically effect the meaning of 'full sun'. Full sun in Arizona is VERY different than full sun in Washington.
Temperature- For most succulents, the most acceptable range is between 60-65F and 95-100F. Outside of these temps most plants tend to become stressed in one way or another, and often become more susceptible to disease. Anytime temps are out of this range on a consistent basis, watering should be lowered slightly.
Dormancy- Succulents display a wide range of dormancies, ranging from opportunistic growers, to cool weather growers, to warm weather growers, to spring/fall growers. Opportunistic growers will grow basically anytime of year as long as temps are within a given range and water is available. These plants pose little problems. Cool weather growers tend to grow fall through spring and usually observe a pseudo-dormancy in the dead of winter. Warm weather growers grow from spring to fall and may or may not observe a pseudo-dormancy in summer. Spring/fall growers tend to observe a fairly strict dormancy in both winter and summer. Usually these are plants being grown outside their normal temperature range in both summer and winter, and this is a rare phenomena in climate controlled greenhouses.
So, the main thing to understand about dormancies is that water requirements are lower during dormancy or pseudo-dormancies. As the plant is not actively growing, water is only required to keep roots healthy and to stave off desiccation. Generally, there are a few things to consider. First, the further outside the temperature range the plant is (hot for winter growers, cool for summer growers), the more strictly the dormancy will tend to be enforced. This means summer growers need very little water in an extremely cool winter, and vice versa. Second, the more woody a plant is, the more regularly it will need light water during dormancy. Third, the larger the water storage capacity, the longer a plant can go without water. This means the amount of succulent tissue relative to the size and type of plant. Many mature caudiciforms can go through their entire dormancy without any water. All of this makes for a seemingly complex issue, but generally two rules should be followed. First, make sure to separate your plants by dormancy period (it’s ok to simply call them winter or summer growers). Second, water all dormant plants lightly at least once every 30 days. Following these two simple rules is usually enough to avoid tragedy.
Fertilizer- Of course plants need food. If you have the means for ease of application, light fertilization with every watering during the growth period is best. About ¼ - ½ strength will do wonders. If you are fertilizing more infrequently, use about ½ strength. Any balanced food with micronutrients will do fine (10-10-10, 20-20-20, etc). Fertilizer should never be applied during dormancy.
Pests- The number one insecticide in my opinion is Imidacloprid, which is available in a number of preparations at most hardware stores. The liquid preparations are the easiest to deal with, but granular types can be added at transplant time as well. This is a systemic insecticide which is usually applied as a soil drench. It lasts 4-6 months, is relatively safe, and treats most common pests except mites. Make sure always to treat your ENTIRE collection. If you treat only a portion, the pests will simply move. For mites, the safest approach for the hobbyist is insecticidal soap. It requires repeated applications to bring populations under control, but is far far safer than commercial miticides. Avoid neem oil, as it can damage softer succulents.
Transplanting- Just a short note- When you receive your plants, it's usually best to pot them up in dry soil and wait a couple days before watering. This allows time for any wounds incurred during bare-rooting and transplant to heal, and dramatically reduces the chances of fungal attack.
Aloaceae: This includes Aloes, Haworthias, Gasterias etc. This family has representatives of both cool and warm weather growers, so it’s important to pay close attention to dormancies. Watering should take these dormancies into account. Lighting should follow this basic rule- If it’s a small species, it probably occurs in protected locations and therefore should receive part sun/shade or broken sun all day. Larger species tend to grow in less protected areas or in the open, and consequently will do best with full to part sun. Typical cactus/succulent soil is fine.
Anacardiaceae: Pachycormus and Operculicarya are the most notable genera in this family. Both are small to large pachycaul trees, requiring full sun, moderate water and a well drained soil.
Apocynaceae: This family contains Adenium, Pachypodium, Plumeria, and several marginally succulent genera. All tend to be highly succulent pachycaul or caudiciform plants. Size range is from smaller caudiciform subshrubs to large trees. Most should be treated as tropicals in the summer, with moderate to ample water, regular fertilizer and much warmth. Exposure requirements can vary a little, but generally full sun does best. These plants tend to be sensitive to overwatering in winter and need to be kept fairly dry.
Asclepiadaceae: The main attraction of this large family are all the dozens of Stapeliad genera, but also notable are the genera Brachystelma, Ceropegia, Cibirhiza, Cynanchum, Dischidia, Fockea, Hoya, Matelea, Petopentia, Raphionacme, Sarcostemma, Stathmostelma, and Stomatostemma. Odd as it may seem, care requirements are not all that different. All are winter dormant, though some are also summer dormant in hot areas, having the majority of their growth in spring and fall. Most prefer moderately warm temps around 80-90F, moderate water, and regular light fertilizer during growth. The main differences come when you start looking at exposure requirements. The vast majority will do well in part sun or broken shade, but the larger, more shrub-like species tend to do better with part to full sun.
Asteraceae: This family includes Senecio, Notonia, Kleinia, Othonna, and several other fringe succulents. Most require part to full sun, warmth, and moderate water, though several species (most notably the Othonnas) are cool weather growers. Some of the smaller, vining types (S. rowleyanus, radicans, etc.) will do best in broken shade or part morning sun.
Bombacaceae: Adansonia, Ceiba, and Pseudobombax are the main attractions of this family. All are large, pachycaul trees and thus need large pots to grow properly. Care is very simple- water and fertilizer when in active growth and full sun. They tolerate a wide range of soil, but I think a well drained garden soil gives the best growth.
Burseraceae: The most commonly seen members of this family are Bursera and Commiphora, though there are also some marginally succulent species in other genera. Both genera range in size from moderate sized pachycaul shrubs to fairly large pachycaul trees. A few species can handle a little frost, most notably Bursera microphylla, which can handle temps into the mid twenties without damage. All species simply need warmth, water, fertilizer, full sun, and a well drained soil.
Cactaceae: Obviously this family is just too big to discuss here. Basic care- Warmth in summer, along with moderate to low water and occasional fertilizer. Soil ranges greatly, but a standard CS mix will do fine with most species. Exposure is the largest consideration. Basically, and I’m greatly understating the complexity of the issue, but smaller cactus tend to need more shade. Large columnar types tend to need less shade. The more the spines shade the stem, the more sun the plants can take. Completely nude plants usually require broken shade. In winter, plants should be allowed to go through a cool and dry period of at least a month. This tends to give better flowering in spring and summer.
Convolvulaceae: This family includes several caudiciform morning glories in the genera Ipomoea, Turbina, Merremia and Stictocardia. Most prefer full to part sun, moderate water in the warm season, and drier conditions in winter. The caudex will grow best in a somewhat heavy soil, like a well-drained garden soil, and in large pots. Do not try to grow these in the open ground as roots travel very deep and are difficult to dig up for display. Flowering seems to be best in part sun exposures, and can be very prolific if plants are well kept. Care should be taken to avoid letting these loose in frost free areas, as they can become weedy under proper conditions. To this end, I suggest keeping the plants indoors while seeding, or removing seed pods before they ripen.
Crassulaceae: Another huge family to large to discuss here. The main factor to remember is that most species need bright sun and low, but regular water. Too little sun or too much water will result in unattractive stem elongation. The other thing to remember- consistent temps over 85F will cause many species to die as it interferes with their metabolism. If you live in a very hot area which has hot summer nights, try to cool the plants a bit at night at least twice a week.
Cucurbitaceae: Succulent members of this family primarily consist of vining caudiciforms, with a few stem succulents, a few leaf succulents, and one pachycaul tree. Common genera include Cephalopentandra, Coccinia, Corallocarpus, Dendrosicyos, Gerrardanthus, Ibervillea, Kedrostis, Marah, Momordica, Neoalsomitra, Odosicyos, Serygia, Trochomeria, Xerosicyos, and Zygosicyos. Too many variations exist to give detailed care instructions, but most will do fine with moderate water, part sun to broken shade, and a well drained soil. Many of the caudices in this family can be damaged by full sun, so avoid the hot afternoon exposures. Dormancy periods vary species to species, but most are summer growers.
Didieraceae: This family includes the genera Alluadia, Alluadiopsis, Decarya and Didiera. All require very typical succulent care, with nothing outstanding to note.
Euphorbiaceae: This family includes the succulent genera Euphorbia, Jatropha, Monadenium, Synadenium, Phyllanthus, Endadenium, and Pedilanthus. All require basically the same care- Lots of warmth, moderate water in warm season, drier in winter. Most appreciate full sun, though some of the smaller species will tolerate part sun. Caudiciform species tend to be susceptible to rot in cool, wet weather, so it’s important to dramatically reduce watering in winter. Soils vary considerably. The stem succulents tend to be fond of standard C/S mix, while the caudiciform species like a bit more inorganic matter in the soil (small gravel, coarse sand). Many species will also do well in a typical garden soil with drainage material added.
Fabaceae: Two major groups exist in this family- pachycaul trees and vining caudiciforms. Tree genera include Delonix and Erythrina, both of which make fantastic landscape plants in low or no frost areas. They can also be grown in large patio pots and should be treated essentially as tropicals. Both of these genera have members that can handle some frost. The vining, tuberous caudiciforms include Dolichos, Neorautanenia, and Tylosema. They can take moderate to ample water and part to full sun in the summer. An occasional fertilization will do them good. Most do best in a well drained garden soil.
Gerianiaceae: The most notable genera of this family are Pelargonium and Sarcocaulon/Monsonia. Both cool and warm weather growers are represented in these genera, and most species will remain somewhat active year round if kept between 60F -80F. Watering should be moderate, and lighting varies considerably from species to species. Larger, shrub-like plants will do best in full sun, and the smaller species vary in requirements from part to full sun.
Hyacinthaceae: These bulbous plants include the genera Bowiea, Albuca, Urginea, Drimia, Drimiopsis, Massonia and Schizobasis. These genera include both cool and warm weather growers, so care instructions really vary from species to species. Taken as a whole however, most will grow without problems if kept between 60F – 90F, with moderate water year round. If plants go completely dormant and lose their leaves, watering should be reduced. Lighting also varies species to species, but part sun or broken shade should be acceptable to most. The larger species generally appreciate a bit more sun. The species with very fleshy bulbs (like Bowieas and Schizobasis) will look best if kept from harsh sun. All appreciate an occasional dose of fertilizer. Soils should be a bit sandy and well drained.
Lamiaceae: The most commonly found succulent member of this family are the Plectranthus, though some other genera show poorly developed succulent traits. All of the species are fairly easy and require simply warmth, moderate water, an average C/S soil, and part to full sun. These are largely opportunistic and most species will grow year round if given the proper conditions.
Moraceae: These include Dorstenias and the caudiciform Ficus species. Most Ficus species can be treated as normal, warm weather tropicals, perhaps adding some extra drainage material to a standard potting soil. The more herbaceous Dorstenias do best in a standard potting soil, while the thick, rigid-stemmed or caudiciform species can be grown in a normal C/S soil. Some extremely specialized species, such as D. gigas, D. ‘mecca’, and D. gypsophila, will do best in a very well drained mix high in inorganic material. Lighting is generally part sun/shade with the herbaceous species, and part to full sun with the caudiciform/ rigid-stemmed species.
Passifloraceae: The succulent members of this family are restricted to the genus Adenia. Most have similar care requirements, appreciating lots of warmth, moderate water in the warm season, and occasional fertilizer. Most will maintain the best form if grown in full sun, and with ample root run. Heavier soils seem to work best, but need to maintain good drainage. This is especially true of species with very fleshy roots.
Pedialaceae: This family includes Pterodiscus, Sesamothamnus, and Uncarina. All are warm weather growers and tolerate a wide range of soils. The smaller Pterodiscus species prefer some light or broken shade. The other two genera prefer part to full sun.
Portulacaceae: This family includes, among many other genera I won’t mention, Avonia and Anacampseros. Both of these genera seem to prefer moderate to cooler temps, and tend to grow opportunistically if kept from extreme heat. I’m therefore not entirely sure about the nature of their dormancies. My best results occur from keeping them in part sun, with low to moderate water and a typical C/S soil with plenty of inorganic matter.
Rubiaceae: The most commonly seen genera in this family are Hydnophytum and Myrmecodia, though there are several other succulent members of this family. All are epiphytic, caudiciform subshrubs with varying degrees of succulence. These generally prefer humid, tropical environments although we have successfully grown them here in AZ. Being epiphytes, they prefer a bright shade, and should never be exposed to full afternoon sun. Soil should be very loose and airy, and water should be fairly regular. Temps should be kept warm, and an occasional application of fertilizer will keep them healthy.
Sterculiaceae: This family includes Brachychiton and Sterculia, both of which contain a few moderately sized pachycaul trees. These can be grown in large pots as a patio plant, or planted as landscape trees in light frost areas. Most species are hardy to at least the low 20’s. They require full sun, warm summers, and moderate to low water.
Vitaceae: This family includes Cissus and Cyphostemma. These two genera vary widely in growth form, ranging from vining stem succulents, to pachycaul trees, to tuberous caudiciforms. Most are not difficult and simply require part to full sun, moderate water, the occasional fertilizer and a well drained soil.
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