Discover 10 Never-before-Known Facts About Succulents Succulents are currently having a moment. But since they're so easy to care for, available in so many colors, and are so very cute, we think their popularity is long overdue. Take note of these factors before you pick up your next stonecrop or agave plant:


The succulents grow in dry, desert environments.
Originally, succulent plants developed in dry regions of the world (like Africa), since their leaves store water.

Their leaves are thick and sap-filled, giving them their name.
Sap or juice is the meaning of the Latin word sucus. Also, it's a nod to the nourishing leaves that help these plants survive in hot, dry climates (aka you only need to water them once a week since they thrive in sunshine and dry conditions).

A succulent can be found in 60 different plant families.
Families like Cactaceae (cacti) and Xanthorrhoeaceae (also home to aloe vera).

You'll find 'em pretty much in every color under the sun.
Green succulents are the norm, but you can also find succulents that are blue, purple, pink, orange, and red!

Generally, succulent plant representative species are pest resistent.
Another reason why these plants are easy to maintain. The problems with your succulent may be caused by aphids or scale if it's outside. (If it's inside, it could be fungus gnats, mealy bugs, woolly aphids, or spider mites).

New succulent plants can be grown from succulent cuttings.
It's called propagating. Snip off some succulent leaves, let them dry in the sun, and then plant them in dirt and water.

It is common to mistake succulents for cacti.
Although cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. A cactus would not be considered a cactus without its thorns, which serve as its leaves.

Donkey's tail is the name of a succulent.
I think it is quite sophisticated, don't you?

white fuzzy spots on succulents are basically succulents.
Christmas cactus bloom just in time for the holiday season, hence their festive name.

Succubus jewelry grows on you while you wear it.
These plants require little maintenance, so you can show off your green thumb for weeks at a time.