High temperatures can take a heavy toll on your favorite plants, especially if they can’t withstand the heat very well. Succulents can be every gardener’s favorite especially if you live in a place with a hot climate like Texas. These plants have something to offer for every kind of gardener, from the homeowner who has never managed to keep any plant alive, to the avid gardener who is just looking to reduce a watering schedule. Here are 5 spectacular sun-loving succulents that succulents.net recommends growing in Texas.
1. Aeoniums
Also known as the Tree Houseleek, Aeoniums are often famous for their waxy leaves that grow straight out of their stems to form stunning rosettes. The stems are often either short and stumpy or elongated and branched-out. A distinct feature of this plant is how it grows and reproduces. Aeoniums multiply forming offshoots from one flower head.
New offshoots emerge from one flower head which then dies off after reproducing multiple offshoots. These succulents come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. Most of the species die after producing a flower.
2. Paddle Plant
This is one of the popular succulents for hot weather thanks to its whimsical form and intense color. However, caring for the paddle plant requires a few special things. The plant’s leaves are flattened like pancakes and grow in layers to form an odd rosette. When the time to bloom comes, the plant bolts with the central stem stretching into a lanky white stalk.
The bolting stem tends to ruin the plant’s looks, so it is important to cut the stem off and take good care of the remaining plant once it flowers. The plant will soon reproduce several offsets that may be plucked off and replanted elsewhere in your garden.
3. Senecio Mandraliscae
This sun-loving succulent is also known as Blue Chalk Sticks. You will probably identify the plant by its unique thin, fleshy, finger-like leaves. The small, evergreen plant grows by branching and spreading from the base, making it an ideal shrub or groundcover plant. Their beautiful blue-green, silvery tone makes them an appropriate choice either as container plants or for your garden. They are also attractive when planted as trailing plants in pots or containers. The plants like the full sun and need it to produce their true color.
4. Cereus
These are characteristically tree-like columnar plants with pronounced ribs and spines. They tend to grow very tall and large. Their flowers always bloom at night and are often large, white and produce a sweet fragrance. As a variety of cacti, Cereus requires low maintenance and is ideal for beginners.
5. Ethinocereus
Popularly known as the Hedgehog Cactus, they grow in a cylindrical fashion with well-defined ribs and covered in tightly packed spines. They can thrive as container plants as well as outdoors. To thrive, they require bright light and proper drainage. The larger variety of the plant does well in intense heat and the full sun.
Choosing the ideal sun-loving succulents that will thrive in Texas should not be a hassle. There are numerous plants that will do well in the climate. In fact, you don’t have to look far to find some beautiful choices.