Succulents are those plants that use their thick fleshy stalks and leaves as water storage for drought conditions. Cacti and similar plants fall into this category with cacti having 2000 species. Most all succulents typically require full sun and a well drained soil. Succulents have an interesting look and can bring visual interest into an outdoor garden or make for an interesting piece for containers or indoor pots. Some have even more uses, such as aloe which can help in sunburns and skin irritations. Some choices for succulent plant ideas include Purple Heart, Century Plant, Soap Aloe, and Prickly Pear.
Purple Heart
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is from the Commelinaceae (Spiderwort) family. This perennial cactus is great for a beginner gardener. It is a groundcover plant with 1 inch wide leaves that are 3 to 5 inches long. A deep purple color for its stems and underneath leaves; it has pale pink flowers that are around half an inch wide. It requires full sun and moist soil; it can do fine in dry soils and in times of drought. Propagate via cuttings in sandy soil. USDA Hardiness Zone of 8 to 11.
Century Plant
Century Plant (Agave Americana) is from the Agavaceae (Agave) family. It is a perennial evergreen. It has a rosette and 6 feet long and 10 inch wide “spine” leaves. The 3 to 4 inch yellowish green flower is on a 20 to 40 feet tall stalk. It requires well drained slightly acidic soil with full sun. It is drought resistant and can be propagated via seed or by offsets. USDA Hardiness Zone of 8b to 11.
Soap Aloe
Soap Aloe (Aloe saponaria) is from the Liliaceae (Lily) family. It is a perennial evergreen that attracts hummingbirds and does well in a garden pot or container. It has a stemless rosette with offsets. It will get 1.5 feet tall and the same in width with pale green lance like leaves 10 to 12 inches long. Flowers are tubular and red, orange, or yellow. Soap aloe prefers good drainage and full sun or partial shade. While leaf tips may wither the plant will be tolerant of drought conditions. Propagate via separating the offsets.USDA Hardiness Zone of 8b to 11.
Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) is from the Cactaceae (Cactus) family. It is a perennial evergreen. There are flat pads 2 to 6 inches long that spread wide on the plant, with 3 to 4 inch yellow flowers that appear in spring. There are egg shaped fruits that are edible, tasting like watermelon. It prefers dry sandy soils, full sun, and can be propagated via seeds or pad rooting. USDA Hardiness Zone of 5 to 10.
Source: Floridata
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