Care of some Other Succulents

Peperomia graveolens

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.

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.

Didieraceae: This family includes the genera Alluaudia, Alluaudiopsis, 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.

Geraniaceae: 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 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 needs to maintain good drainage. This is especially true of species with very fleshy roots.

Portulacaceae: This family includes, among many other species I won’t mention, Avonias 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 to full sun, with low to moderate water and a typical C/S soil with plenty of inorganic matter.