Succulents are adored for their beautiful shapes, vibrant colours, and low-maintenance requirements, and have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide for both indoor and outdoor gardening. These hardy plants, characterized by their ability to store water in their leaves and stems, have garnered attention not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their perceived longevity. But beyond their aesthetic appeal lies a hidden intrigue: how long do succulents live? It’s a fascinating mystery, influenced by different factors.
Figure1. Different varieties of succulent plants
Understanding Succulents:
Before delving into their lifespan, it's essential to grasp the unique characteristics that define succulents. Succulents belong to various botanical families and encompass a diverse array of species, including cacti, agave, aloe, and echeveria, among others. What unites them is their capacity to retain water in specialized tissues, allowing them to survive in arid environments with minimal rainfall. This adaptation enables succulents to endure prolonged periods of drought, making them resilient plants ideal for various climates.
Lifespan of Common Succulent Species:
While the lifespan of succulents varies widely, some common species are known for their longevity:
a. Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea): Native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico, the saguaro cactus is famous for its tall height and long life. These grand cacti can live for 150-200 years, growing over 40 feet tall.
Figure 2. a. Saguaro Cactus, b. Jade Plant, c. Hens and chicks and d. Aloe Vera
b. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Known for its thick, fleshy leaves and low maintenance, is a top pick for indoor gardeners. With proper maintenance, jade plants can live for several decades.
c. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.): Hens and chicks, also called houseleeks, are cherished for their rosette-shaped clusters of leaves and easy multiplication. While individual rosettes may only live for a few years, these plants continuously produce offsets, keeping the group alive and thriving.
d. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Aloe vera, popular for its medicinal properties and attractive look, is a must-have in homes. With sun and good soil, it can thrive for over a decade, offering plentiful gel-filled leaves.
Unveiling the Diverse Lifespans:
Succulents hold a fascinating secret: their lifespans vary widely, from just a few years to centuries. This diversity depends on factors like:
- Species variations: Succulents come in a variety of lifespans determined by their genes. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) last 3-5 years, Saguaro Cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) can live over 150 years, Jade Plants (Crassula ovata) up to 100 years, and Aloe Vera 5-25 years.
- Propagation methods: The method of reproduction in succulents affects how long they live. Some, like the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), can last for years by growing new shoots. However, others, such as the Agave (Agave spp.) or "century plant," may die after blooming, though they usually produce new plants to continue their line.
- Environmental conditions: Succulents, like all living things, thrive with the right care. Give them adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and don't overwater. They can live for months or even a lifetime if you treat them well. But too much water or poor conditions can shorten their life.
- Care and Maintenance: Proper care is essential for maximizing the lifespan of succulents. Overwatering, poor drainage, inadequate sunlight, and pest infestations can all contribute to stress and ultimately shorten the plant's lifespan.
- Growth Habits: Succulents exhibit various growth habits, including monocarpic and polycarpic tendencies. Monocarpic succulents, such as certain species of agave, produce flowers once in their lifetime before dying, while polycarpic succulents can flower multiple times throughout their lives.
Growing Succulents Longer: Simple Tips for Prolonging Their Lifespan:
Knowing that you can play a role in extending the life of your beloved succulents adds another layer of fulfilment to their care. Here are some key strategies to promote a long and healthy life for your succulent companions:
- Embrace the sunshine: Most succulents thrive under bright, indirect sunlight. However, research the specific needs of your variety, as some may require full sun exposure while others prefer partial shade.
- Master the art of watering: Succulents are known for their water-storing abilities, and overwatering is a common pitfall. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, and err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
- Provide appropriate drainage: Ensure your succulents are planted in pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and ultimately, shorten their lifespan.
- Choose the right soil: Opt for a well-draining succulent or cactus mix to ensure proper aeration and prevent water retention.
- Repotting for growth: As your succulents mature, they might outgrow their pots. Repot them into containers slightly larger than the root ball to provide space for continued growth.
- Fertilize sparingly: While not strictly necessary, a balanced fertilizer formulated for succulents, applied sparingly during the growing season, can provide a gentle boost to their health and potentially contribute to their longevity.
Pests Infestation:
A pest infestation can significantly diminish the lifespan of succulent plants. Some common pests that can affect succulents include:
Figure 3. a. Mealy Bugs, b. Scale Insects, c. Spider Mites, d. Aphids, e. Whiteflies and f. Snail infestation on different succulent plants
a. Mealybugs: These are tiny white insects that can be found on the stems of succulents. They can spread quickly and cause damage to the plant if left untreated.
b. Scale Insects: Scale insects attach to succulents and feed on their sap, which can weaken the plant and lead to damage or death if not controlled.
c. Spider Mites: These arachnids are very small and can go undetected for a long time. They can cause damage by feeding on the plant's juices, leading to brown spots and an overall decline in health.
d. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap and can reproduce rapidly. They are commonly found in the flowers, buds, and new growth of succulents.
e. Whiteflies: These pests produce honeydew on plants, which can lead to the growth of sooty mould, affecting photosynthesis. They are particularly fond of leafy succulents.
f. Snails: Snails can eat flower buds, tender new growth, or scrape off chunks of tissue from succulents, causing significant damage if present in large numbers.
Natural remedies to get rid of pest infestation in succulents:
Following natural remedies can effectively manage and eliminate pest infestations in succulents without harmful chemicals, ensuring plant and environmental:
a. Introduce Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs are popular beneficial insects that feed on pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. They can help control and eliminate pest infestations in your garden.
b. Cinnamon Powder: Sprinkle cinnamon powder on top of the potting mix as a natural anti-fungal remedy.
c. Citrus Water: Use citrus water made from lemons to repel ants that may be attracted to other pests in your succulents.
d. Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Create a trap using apple cider vinegar, water, and liquid dish soap to catch gnats or fruit flies that may be infesting your succulents.
e. Neem Oil: Neem oil can be an effective natural treatment for pests like scale insects. Mix neem oil with water and spray the affected areas to help control the infestation.
f. Soapy Water: Diluted rubbing alcohol or soapy water can be sprayed on affected areas to combat pests like mealybugs and aphids.
g. Sticky Traps: Place sticky card traps directly on top of the soil to trap fungus gnats and prevent them from infesting your succulents further.
Understanding the Risks: Factors Leading to Succulent Decline:
Even resilient succulents in gardens can die from mismanagement of watering. Signs of a dying succulent include:"
a. Overwatering Signs:
- Black and brown colour development
- Succulent leaves turning yellow.
- Wrinkly succulent leaves.
- Wilting succulent.
- Dry succulent leaves.
- Succulent leaves closing up.
- Succulent losing all leaves.
- Soggy succulent leaves.
- Succulent with soft fuzzy leaves.
- Translucent succulent.
b. Underwatering Signs:
- Leaves that are shrivelled, brown, and dry.
If you notice these signs in your succulents, act quickly to fix the problem and save your plant. Adjust watering, drainage, and light to care for them better. Remedies include:
i. For Overwatering:
- Remove the succulent from the soil and trim off any brown or black roots.
- Let the roots air dry for a few days.
- Re-pot the succulent in a well-draining soil mix with good drainage.
- Adjust your watering schedule to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
ii. For Underwatering:
- Water the succulent thoroughly when the soil is completely dry.
- Soak the soil well during watering to ensure proper hydration for the plant.
At last, Embrace the enduring allure of succulents, where every leaf whispers tales of resilience and timeless beauty.
