- Succulents come in many different shapes and sizes. All succulents have thick, fleshy leaves--or, in the case of cacti, parts--that they use to store water. They grow in open, sunny places in soil that is relatively low in nutrients and can be quite dry. These plants are not troubled much by pests and can be propagated by cuttings.
- Succulents make excellent houseplants for people who feel that they don't have the time to devote to a garden or who lack the bright indoor light that houseplants require. Even one sunny window is enough to grow many cacti, and mother-in-law's tongue is a good plant for places with little light at all. Areas that are often under drought and have poor soils are the perfect locations for cultivation of outdoor succulents.
- Another name for this group of perennial plants is stonecrop. Sedum has foliage that ranges in color from smoky blue to burgundy and small, star-shaped clusters of flowers. Sedum thrives in alkaline soils in full sun and the plants are hardy to most areas of the country. The seed heads of taller varieties hang on the plant through the winter and provide much-needed food for birds. The flowers of taller varieties can be used in dried flower bouquets.
- Sedums, Colorado State University explains, are the perfect plants for areas that are too hot or whose soil is too poor to grow much else. There are many varieties of sedum. Autumn Joy produces beautiful fall foliage and color-changing flowers, and Gold Moss sedum grows only a few inches tall at most, has small yellow flowers and makes an excellent ground cover. Sedums are salt-tolerant and rabbit-resistant. Plant sedums if you wish to attract bees and butterflies.
- Sedums only need water in periods of severe drought; otherwise they thrive on neglect. The dead stalks should be cut back in spring and the plants should be divided every three to four years. If left undivided, older plants will split down the center.
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