Succulents

Succulents, also known as fat plants, originate from all over the world—not just from deserts. What all succulents have in common is their ability to store water to survive dry periods. They do this in their thick leaves, stems, or roots. Succulents can be placed almost anywhere in your home (even outside): in the living room, bedroom, or bathroom. Some varieties are suitable for the garden too, especially during warm weather when night temperatures stay above 10°C. Don’t water them too much—usually once every two to four weeks is enough. It’s okay if the soil dries out. During winter, succulents go dormant. Then they need even less water and prefer a cool spot. In case you’re wondering: a succulent knows it’s winter (even indoors) because the days get shorter.

Some types need so little water and nutrients that they can even survive without roots. One of our growers, Winco Holland, has created two special lines of cut succulents: Wincx and Mecx. Wincx are boxed cut succulents, ideal for floral arrangements and table decorations. Mecx are succulents mounted on a stick, designed to be real eye-catchers in bouquets or flower arrangements. Each Mecx is hand-cut and attached to a special hooked stick, so the plant won’t fall off easily. The Wincx and Mecx succulents and cacti are incredibly hardy and can survive for months without roots. If you want them to last longer, you can mist them every few weeks. Some varieties even regrow roots. If you’d like, you can replant them in well-draining soil.

There are hundreds of succulent species. Vreugdenhil Bulbs & Plants, for example, grows beautifully flowering Echeveria, while Slijkerman grows blooming Kalanchoë, which is also a succulent. There are many succulent families, such as: Adromischus, Aloe, Anacampseros, Caudex, Crassula, Euphorbia, Gymnocalycium, Haworthia, Kalanchoe Tomentosa (an evergreen type), Living Stones, Opuntia, and Aeonium.

Care tips