A succulent is a plant that has adapted to arid conditions by creating water storage units in leaves, stems, and roots. Cactus is a type of succulent, set apart from other of the fleshy-tissued plants by two features. One is that cactus has a structure called an areole at the plant’s growing point, sometimes visible as small pads. New leaves, stems, and flowers spring up from this opening. The more significant difference between cactus and other succulents is that most cactuses have spines, which makes them interesting to look at, and especially amusing to handle. Both cactuses and succulents have many virtues when grown in containers:

• Low maintenance: These plants don’t require much water or attention, so they’re a great choice if you’re busy (or forgetful).
• Offer surprising contrasts: Instead of flower color, these plants offer shapes that range from bulbous to stringy, and textures from smooth to spiny to hairy.
• Grow slowly: Slow growth means less time repotting plants that outgrow their containers.
• Portability: Containers offer the chance to move those precious plants indoors when the temperature starts to drop.

Light and temperature are the defining needs of many succulents. In general, most need a great deal of bright light, although some take part shade. Most can’t survive for more than a night with temperatures below 40°F, but some are hardy in all climates. The basic rules for growing succulents in containers are pretty simple:

• Provide as much light as possible during the summer. Occasionally, full sun in really warm places, including their desert homelands, can be too hot for many succulents in the confines of a container. Some types prefer part shade.
• Protect succulents from cold weather in the winter. Move them indoors to a sunny window where temperatures don’t drop below 40°F.

Succulents lend themselves to terra-cotta pots, but any porous pot, such as stone and concrete, works well. Make sure that the container has drainage holes! Feel free to use a shallow container (just 4 to 6 inches deep) if it looks best for your plants — succulent roots don’t go very deep. For a plant with a rounded shape, choose a container that’s 2 inches wider than the plant. For an upright plant, choose a pot that’s half the diameter of the plant’s height.

Quick drainage is the most important quality of a soil mix designed for succulents. The standard mix consists of one-half organic matter (peat moss, leaf mold, or something like that) and one-half grit (crushed rock or sand). You can find many cactus and succulent mixes already bagged.

Water regularly during the growing season — which is winter for some species. Thorough watering is better than a sprinkle every day or two. Water when the soil is completely dry. One effective way to water smaller pots is to sit them in a tub of water nearly up to their rims, leaving them there until the top layer of soil is moist. During their dormant season and in cool temperatures (50°F), most cactus and succulents can go without water for weeks at a time. Don’t become complacent and forget that the poor things are even alive.  ....read more