Succulents - Orange County

In Orange County’s Mediterranean climate, where seasonal drought typically occurs from May through October, a broad selection of succulents may be seen in public parks, landscapes, and homes. Not only do succulents exhibit substantial drought tolerance, but they also thrive in diverse conditions and require minimal care. 

 

Benefits of Succulents | What are succulents?  | Growing Succulents | Dormancy | Pest and Disease Management | Propagation | Resources For Succulent Information

Their bold colors and unique shapes make them visually appealing. Certain varieties withstand brief dry freezes and intense sunlight, although most benefit from filtered shade during periods of summer heat in Orange County. The diversity of colors and forms further contributes to their widespread appeal.

The difference between succulents and cacti is often confused: all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots to survive dry conditions, while cacti are a special subset with unique areoles—small structures from which spines and flowers grow. Only cacti have these areoles, making them easy to distinguish from other succulents. Additionally, with very few exceptions, cacti are native to the Americas, especially North and Central America. Succulents grow primarily in South Africa and America, with Madagascar growing more than 10,000 -- 90% are found nowhere else in the world. There are well over 100 succulents that are native to California. cotyledon) This section of Calscape list succulents native to California. Visit the Calscape for more information on native plants. 

 History

Succulent plants originated millions of years ago, first appearing during the Late Cretaceous period. Adapted for water conservation, they thrive in arid regions and have been cultivated since ancient times by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Key families like Crassulaceae began in Africa and spread worldwide. Succulents now grow on nearly every continent (Antarctica is the exception) helped by human and animal dispersal.


Benefits of Succulents

Diversity: Succulents include a wide variety of plants with different shapes, colors, and sizes. This diversity extends to both entire plants and individual leaves, which may be thorny or smooth.

Resilience: These plants can thrive with minimal care and do not require frequent watering, making them suitable for individuals who travel or occasionally forget plant maintenance.

Adaptability: Succulents retain water in their leaves, stems, and roots, enabling them to survive in arid soils and climates. They use Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, an adaptation that allows them to conserve water by taking up carbon dioxide at night, storing it as organic acids, and using carbon dioxide for photosynthesis during the day while keeping their stomata closed.


What are succulents? 

Succulents are plants characterized by thick, fleshy stems and leaves that enable them to collect and store water efficiently. Succulents have developed traits to withstand infrequent or limited water availability The word succulent is derived from the Latin “succus” (juice) since the stored water often gives these plants a swollen and fleshy appearance known as succulence.   


Growing Succulents

Soil, water, fertilizer, light, pest control, and regular observation are crucial for healthy succulents. Like other plants, they benefit from pruning, dividing, transplanting, and deadheading, but succulents handle these processes with less stress due to their water storage ability. They tolerate crowding and rarely suffer shock from root disturbance. Repotting an overgrown container can boost growth, and changing soil every 2 to 4 years is recommended. The best time to divide or transplant is at the start of their growth period, typically in spring or fall. Routine maintenance—removing dead leaves, pruning overgrowth, and dividing crowded plants—will support their health. Most succulents require the following to thrive: 

  • Moderate temperatures:  During their growing season, 60° to 80° is satisfactory. Most will thrive in locations that receive morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Many outdoor succulents prefer mild temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees. Some can be kept outside, even below 40°F, if they are near the home or against a sunny wall. Cover them in breathable fabric or bring them indoors if a hard frost or freeze is in the forecast. It is also best to protect succulents from heavy rains as they will rot in soggy soil. A fabric shade can protect them from hot sunshine.

  • Sunlight: Succulents grown outdoors need a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sun per day. Succulents can be grown indoors or outdoors and require adequate light for growth. The amount of sunlight needed depends on the type of succulent. While some plants may not tolerate intense afternoon sun, morning sunlight is suitable for certain winter-growing varieties in warmer regions. Succulents can withstand heat but may experience damage from direct sunlight; full sun to partial shade is recommended for optimal growth. Providing afternoon shade during high summer temperatures helps reduce stress, and using shade cloth or lattice can lower excess heat. Excessive sunlight can lead to signs of dehydration and sunburn; relocating potted plants to shaded areas can prevent this. 

    Several species of succulents are suitable for indoor environments, although insufficient sunlight may cause etiolation (plants grow leggy) as they seek more light. Supplemental lighting, such as grow lights, can provide the required lighting.

    As winter approaches, increased sunlight supports healthy succulents.  Most succulents can withstand temperatures as low as 40°F but are susceptible to frost and should be protected during cold weather. Frost is uncommon in Orange County but may occur during winter, particularly inland. During extended freezing conditions, use frost cloths or move succulents indoors to prevent damage.

  • Soil with good drainage and aeration. 

    In Containers There are four fundamental components of soil: minerals, water, air, and organic matter. Soil can be ready-made cacti and succulent soil mix or a custom blend. Proper drainage and aeration are critical; the soil should be exceptionally light, granular, and fast draining to ensure roots receive sufficient oxygen and avoid waterlogging. A few recipes for soil: 

    • Combine traditional potting mix with coarse perlite, crushed lava, or pumice, using one part amendment to four parts potting mix. If more drainage or aeration is necessary, increase the proportion of the amendment.
    • An alternative basic mixture consists of equal parts porous material (such as horticultural pumice, perlite, or decomposed granite) and organic material (such as composted fir or redwood, coir, or a commercial planter mix).
    • Another recommended succulent mix comprises one-third potting mix, one-third clean coarse sand, and one-third pumice.

In Ground  Plant the succulent by digging a hole about twice the size of the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots, and position it so that the crown remains above ground level. Add compost or fertilizer, then refill the hole with soil, ensuring adequate spacing between each plant. Following planting, allow 3–7 days before the initial watering; then water thoroughly every 10–14 days, or weekly as necessary. 

Good drainage is essential. The soil should be allowed to dry between waterings; overwatering could promote root rot. If there continues to be standing water, pumice or perlite can be added to the soil to promote drainage. Add crushed lava and mound the soil. Experiment to find what works best. 

  • Infrequent watering

    In Containers 

    Use shallow pots with drainage holes, as succulents have shallow roots and do not need deep containers. Terracotta pots dry out faster than glazed ones and may require more frequent watering. Choose suitable containers and avoid gravel at the bottom, which can impede drainage.

    Allow soil to nearly dry between waterings. Water containers once or twice per week; landscape succulents only once or twice monthly. Water deeply but infrequently. Succulents are adapted to conserve water—overwatering can harm them. While most thrive in sun with minimal moisture, some need occasional watering or shade. Cold tolerance varies by species. Top container succulent plants with crushed granite or pea gravel to improve appearance and slow topsoil drying.

Water thoroughly until excess drains out, then remove surplus water. Avoid using saucers under pots to prevent root rot. Check dryness two-thirds into the mix with a water meter or stick before re-watering. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. On cloudy days, use less water. Succulents need good ventilation and do poorly in terrariums or stuffy spaces.

If temperatures are above 100°F, water twice weekly. If soil is very dry, soak the entire pot. Overwatering is the main cause of succulent death—when unsure, skip watering.

In ground: Because they store large quantities of water and food in their leaves, stems, or roots, succulents require infrequent, but deep, watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Do not keep the soil consistently moist. Their fleshy roots and stems will easily rot if they are overwatered. During the summer, the best time of day to water is early morning before the temperatures rise. Make sure there is good air circulation. Cold, saturated soil can be problematic; therefore, planting on slopes or raised mounds and amending the soil to improve drainage are often beneficial practices. Do not water succulents immediately after planting.  As the soil dries, the last of the moisture is retained in the root ball of the plant. Once this area is nearly dry, it is time to water. 

  • Feeding   Succulents need less fertilizer than other plants but still benefit from occasional feeding. Use any balanced, non-synthetic fertilizer—fish emulsion (½ strength) works well for containers. Feed at half the recommended rate once a month; avoid winter fertilizing when most succulents are dormant. For potted plants, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (i.e. 15-15-15) at ¼ strength with each watering. In-ground succulents rarely need extra fertilizer; compost suffices. Over-fertilizing leads to excessive growth, while too little stalls development. A light dose once or twice during the growing season is usually enough.


Dormancy  

Succulents are either summer or winter dormant (see table, page 3). This is the time when plant growth either stops or slows down. Summer dormant plants need watering during their dormant period but do not overwater. Winter dormant plants generally don’t need water during dormancy because their roots don’t absorb moisture. Dormancy can last weeks or months depending on the variety so research your plant variety. Plants may stop growing or lose leaves and look like they are dying but this is normal.  Some species grow and flower during hot months, then go dormant during colder months, while others grow during mild California winters and go dormant during summer (they all grow in spring and fall). 

Summer Growers (Winter Dormant)

These succulents enter a period of little to no growth for a few weeks during the peak of summer heat, followed by a final burst of growth in early fall. The plants are not tolerant of winter wet conditions, but do benefit from summer moisture. Summer growers include: cacti, agave, echeveria, euphorbia, oscularia deltoides, pedilanthus, sempervivum. Agaves and cacti, considered desert plants, can survive without summer waterings.

Winter Growers (Summer Dormant)

These succulents are essentially dormant from May through August—extending to September and October in coastal areas—with minimal growth throughout the summer. Their primary growth occurs during autumn and spring, while slowing considerably during winter. Give the plants some summer water will help maintain optimal plant appearance. Winter growers include: aeonium, aloe, bulbine, calandrinia spectibilis, cotyledon, crassula, dudleya, graptopetalum, graptoveria, kalanchoe, othonna, pachyphytum, pachyveria, portulacaria, sedum, senecio. 

Succulents grown in containers need occasional fertilizing during their growing season but none when they are dormant. A slow-release fertilizer will feed plants for 3 to 4 months. Succulents store ample water in their leaves, stems, and roots. Don’t overwater them, especially indoors. Periodically add water to outdoor containers, then let the soil dry out before watering again. Watering every week or two during summertime is sufficient for summer growers. During the dormant season, a spritz of water once a month is beneficial for succulent plants in pots that are placed outdoors or indoors in order to keep the soil alive and healthy.

To properly manage succulent dormancy, reduce watering during the dormant season to prevent root rot, and maintain cooler temperatures to replicate natural winter conditions. Ensure the plants receive sufficient indirect light while avoiding direct sun to minimize stress. Keep humidity levels low to deter fungal growth, and withhold fertilizer to prevent nutrient buildup. As dormancy ends, gradually transition the plants back to regular care. 


Pest and Disease Management 

Although most succulent plants are resistant to a lot of common garden pests, there are fewer than most other plants. Succulents can become the target of pests and diseases. 

Good soil, proper watering and fertilizing, and the sunlight are essential to healthy succulents. With the proper balance of these things you are less likely to have problems with pests and diseases. Make it a practice to observe your plants. Investigate anything that looks suspicious. The first step in managing the pest or disease is identification. 

Some pests and diseases that target succulents are aphids, leafrollers (larvae of certain tortricid moths), mealy bugs, powdery mildew, scale, snails/slugs, and spider mites.

Once you know what your target pest or disease is, visit the UC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Pest Notes Library that contains information on pest identification, biology and habitat, life cycle, damage and impact, and offer multiple nonchemical and chemical management options. Many diseases can be managed a spray of water, a water and soap solution or an appropriate insecticide or fungicide available from your local garden supply. Start with the least toxic method and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Visit UC IPM’s Home, garden, turf, and landscape to get practical information on pest management techniques and identification for a broad range of California pests.


PROPAGATION

Succulents are easy to propagate, especially in autumn and spring. Some varieties may take more than a year to mature. Common propagation methods include division, cuttings (including leaf cuttings), and offsets. Visit Propagating Succulents for more information. 

  • Division: Division refers to the propagation technique of sectioning plant parts. This method is most effective for plants with distinct crowns. Separate root clumps or stem sections with attached leaves, allow all cut surfaces to dry and form calluses before planting in cactus soil, and mist lightly until new growth emerges.
  • Cuttings: A cutting is a severed portion of a plant that is encouraged to regenerate into a new plant. Stem cuttings are the predominant propagation method, suitable for collection at various stages throughout the year. Leaf and root cuttings, while less common, are essential for certain species. Use clean, sterilized tools to take stem cuttings just below a joint, permit ends to callus, then insert into pre-moistened growing medium. Maintain consistent moisture during rooting and shoot development, and provide indirect sunlight until established.
  • Leaf Cuttings: Particularly suited for indoor plants, this method involves removing healthy leaves or using healthy, naturally dropped, plump leaves. Allow leaves to callus for several days before placing them atop moist soil and misting periodically—avoid excessive watering. Root and shoot formation typically occur within four to six weeks; transplant into well-draining soil once established.
  • Offsets: Certain rosette-forming plants propagate by producing shoots or "offsets" at their base or within leaf axils. Carefully separate these "pups" from the parent plant using sharp clippers, allow cut areas to callous, and then plant in a cactus mix. Do not soak the soil; roots should develop within several weeks.


Resources For Succulent Information

Places To Visit 

Local Organizations 

Online Resources

 References

Source URL: https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-orange-county/succulents-orange-county