Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a
succulent?
A succulent is a type of plant with a thick, fleshy stem and leaves
that store moisture. "Succulent" comes from the Latin word sucus, meaning
juice or sap.
Where do
succulents come from? Succulents
tend to come from dry, arid climates where rainfall is sporadic and very
scarce.
Why are
succulents popular?Succulents are
popular because they require very little water, little maintenance or
pruning, have unique and unusual structures and do not attract pests.
They are also slow-growing and come in almost every color of the rainbow.
What is
the difference between a succulent and a cactus?
All cacti are
succulents. However, not all succulents are cacti. Succulents and cacti
retain moisture the same way: in large juicy stems and/or leaves. Because
they originate from harsh, dry environments, cacti and succulents have
adapted these fleshy bits to reduce water loss during droughts or long
dry periods. Unlike succulents, cacti generally, but not always, tend to
have spines or prickly hairs protruding from enlarged bulbous structures
to prevent predators from drinking their stored water.
How do succulents store
water?All plants have stomates, or tiny pores for gasses to pass
through for photosynthesis. Succulents close their stomates to reduce the
amount of water that will evaporate during hot days. They open them
during the cool night to store carbon dioxide for the following day.
Are
succulents safe?
Many succulents have medicinal properties to them, such as
Aloe, which is known for soothing burns and is used commercially in
facial creams. Other succulents you can ingest, such as the Prickly Pear.
While most succulents are not poisonous, allergic reactions can
occur. Some succulents produce a sap with a similar composition to
latex, such as the Euphorbia genus, which can
cause skin irritation. Other succulents can have sharply pointed leaves
that could injure children and pets.
Always err on the side of caution. It is highly recommended to
properly identify succulents before using their sap in any way, and
always call poison control if you have ingested an unknown, potentially
harmful plant. |