Succulent Plant Identification

The succulent plants as their name suggests, have a thick, fleshy body which helps them in storing moisture. Most of these succulent plants are found in arid climate zones like deserts. The succulent nature therefore, proves to be useful in preserving moisture. This very shape and structure proves to be useful not only in saving water for the plant, but also in its identification. The leaf, root and stem are parts which help in succulent plant identification. Roots of these plants are generally near the surface of soil. It helps in absorbing moisture from rain showers quite easily. Skin of the leaves is generally impervious. The mucilaginous substances present on the surface help in reducing the evaporation. The turgidity (plumpness) of these plants is maintained even at high temperatures. Let us have a look at the different types of succulent plants and the features which can help in identifying them. Identifying the succulent plants should become a bit easier with the help of facts presented below.

Identifying Succulent Plants

The succulent plants can be divided broadly into families like cactus, aloe and caudiciform. The distinguishing features of plants in these categories are presented below.

Cactus Plants
There are around 2,500 species of cactus. The size of different types of cactus plants range from half inch to several meters. Most of the cactus plants have spines. A succulent stem is one of the prominent features of cactus plant.

Aloe Plants
The aloe is a group of succulent plants with leaves as their prominent feature. Just like the cactus plants, different varieties of aloe vera have different forms. Size of these plants range from a few inches to few feet. Leaves of the aloe plant are waxy; it is one of the important features that can be used in the identification process. Spines can also be found on the edges of aloe leaves.

Caudiciform Family
The caudiciform plants fall in the category of root succulents. Water is stored in a part called caudex. This part of the caudiciform plants prove to be useful in their identification. Leaves and shoots of these plants stay on the plants temporarily; drying of these leaves takes place when the plant is in need of water. It means that one doesn't get to see the leaves in most instances.

Jades
The jade plants are characterized by fleshy leaves and thick branches. Leaves of jades grow in opposing pairs on a branch. These succulent house plants have white or pink colored flowers. Colors of leaves are bluish-green and in some instances they have a red tinge on the edges.

Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm is also known by the name, elephant's foot. Base of the ponytail palm is rounded in shape and large. The leaves of ponytail palm have smooth edges. Height of a ponytail palm ranges from 6-18 feet.

Yucca
The Yucca plant is a perennial shrub which belongs to agavaceae family. Leaves of the Yucca plants are sword-shaped and formed in rosettes. This plant is also characterized by terminal panicles that are large; white colored flowers are produced by Yucca plants.

Succulent Plant Identification: Houseplants

Since the time spent and care lavished on succulent plants is minimum, they are ideal for growing as houseplants. Since the succulent plants require less water, they can survive even if the owner is not able to look after them for a while. Glossy and green leaves are the characteristic of most succulent plants. The flowers of succulent plants have a variety of colors including pink, white, ruby, purple, etc.

There are many different varieties of succulents found in nature. The diversity in their forms is great and sometimes, it becomes a bit difficult to identify them. The basic morphological features of different succulents are presented through this article. Identifying the succulent houseplants should thus, become a bit easier.