Houseplant enthusiasts are always looking for unusual and exotic plants to add to their collections. Beginners and experts alike can find many interesting choices among the succulents. Succulents fall into a loose category of plants, including cacti, which have developed thick fleshy leaves or stems. These serve as water storage organs to ensure survival under dry conditions.

Succulents are found worldwide. Besides cacti, they include many familiar plants, including: jade plant (Crassula arborescens), snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), medicine plant (Aloe barbadensis), century plant (Agave americana), flowering Kalanchoes (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), sedums (Sedum sp.) and hens and chicks (Sempervivum sp.).

Succulents require only modest amounts of water and fertilizer, but do need lots of light.

In nature, succulents grow in well-drained sandy soil. Duplicate these conditions indoors.

During the low-light winter months, water cacti and succulents only enough to prevent shrinking and withering.

Succulents have relatively low nutrient requirements.

For more information about succulents, visit: extension.umn.edu/houseplants/cacti-and-succulents .

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Until next time, see you in the garden!

“A cactus is just a really aggressive cucumber.” – Unknown

Robin Trott is a horticulture educator with University of Minnesota Extension. Contact her at 320-762-3890, or at trot0053@umn.edu.