Succulents & Cacti
Succulents & cacti
Easy to care for, exotic, and surprisingly diverse — why they are so on trend
Succulents and cacti are the survival artists of the plant world. They need very little water, look spectacular, and forgive the occasional care mistake. No wonder they are booming in Vienna apartments and on Instagram alike.
What exactly are succulents?
The term “succulent” comes from the Latin succulentus — “juicy.” Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. This ability makes them extremely drought-tolerant and easy to care for.
Important: All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Cacti form their own family (Cactaceae) with characteristic spines and areoles. Succulents in the broader sense include more than 60 plant families — from Aloe Vera and Echeveria to the jade plant.
The most popular succulent varieties
Echeveria
The ultimate “Instagram succulent.” Rosette-shaped, in pastel shades from mint green to blush pink and lilac. There are hundreds of varieties. Compact, decorative, and perfect for arrangements. Needs lots of light.
Aloe Vera
Probably the best-known succulent of all — not just beautiful, but useful too. The gel inside its leaves has cooling, soothing properties for the skin. It needs a sunny spot and very little water. More on Aloe Vera care.
Haworthia
Small, compact rosettes with often translucent leaf tips — Haworthia cooperi in particular looks like tiny crystals. Perfect for desks and windowsills. It also tolerates partial shade.
Crassula (jade plant)
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is one of the toughest houseplants around. Thick, rounded leaves on tree-like stems. It can live for decades and even occasionally flowers in white or pink. It is considered a symbol of good luck.
Sedum (stonecrop)
Extremely easy to care for and versatile — as a houseplant, ground cover, or for green roofs. Sedum morganianum (“burro’s tail”) with its trailing stems is especially popular in hanging planters.
Sansevieria (snake plant)
The “indestructible” classic. Upright, sword-shaped green leaves with yellow or silver edges. Tolerates shade, neglect, and dry heated air. Studies even suggest it helps filter pollutants from the air.
Sempervivum (houseleek)
The hardy succulent for gardens and balconies. Forms dense rosettes and survives frost, heat, and drought. Perfect for rock gardens and green roofs. Native to the Alps as well.
Cacti — the spiky relatives
Cacti form their own family with more than 1,700 species. From the tiny Mammillaria to the towering saguaro. Here are the most popular indoor cacti:
- Mammillaria: Tiny round cacti with pretty rings of flowers. Ideal for beginners.
- Opuntia (prickly pear cactus): The classic “bunny ear” cactus. Can grow very large.
- Gymnocalycium: Round cacti with large, colourful flowers.
- Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera): Blooms in winter in pink, red, or white. Not a typical cactus — it needs more water than others.
- Euphorbia (spurge): Looks like a cactus, but botanically it isn’t one. Caution: the milky sap can irritate the skin.
Please note: Many cacti sold in shops have glued-on strawflowers attached to their spines — these are not real blooms! These artificial flowers do not harm the plant, but should be carefully removed at some point.
Caring for succulents & cacti — the golden rules
Light
Most succulents need plenty of bright light — ideally a south- or west-facing window. A lack of light shows when the plant becomes “leggy” — growing long and thin instead of staying compact.
Watering
The number one cause of death in succulents: too much water. The golden rule:
- Summer: Water every 1–2 weeks, once the soil is completely dry.
- Winter: Every 3–4 weeks — some cacti don’t need any water at all in winter.
- Method: Water thoroughly (until water runs out the bottom), then let it dry out completely. Never leave it standing in a saucer.
Finger test: Insert your finger 2–3 cm into the soil. Does it still feel damp? Then do not water. Only water once the soil is completely dry.
Soil
Regular potting soil is too nutrient-rich and retains too much water. Special cactus soil or a mix of potting soil + sand/perlite (50:50) is ideal. Good drainage is the most important thing.
Temperature
Room temperature (18–25°C) is perfect. In winter, many cacti enjoy a cool dormant period (10–15°C) — this encourages flowering in spring.
Fertilizing
Use sparingly. Apply cactus fertilizer (lightly diluted) every 4–6 weeks in summer. Do not fertilize in winter.
Symbolism & meaning
Succulents carry fascinating meanings in different cultures:
- Endurance & strength: They survive the harshest conditions — a symbol of resilience.
- Eternal love: In the language of flowers, succulents symbolize a love that endures even through difficult times.
- Money tree = prosperity: In many cultures (especially in Asia), Crassula is seen as a lucky charm for wealth.
- Feng Shui: In Feng Shui, spiky cacti are considered ambivalent — they protect against negative energy, but should not be placed in the bedroom.
- Gift symbolism: Giving a succulent means: “Our relationship is strong and lasting.”
Succulents as décor & gifts
Succulents are more than just plants — they are lifestyle objects:
- Succulent arrangements: Several varieties in one bowl — a living work of art. Perfect as table décor or a gift.
- Hanging gardens: Sedum and Senecio in hanging planters — space-saving and spectacular.
- Terrariums: Succulents in glass vessels — miniature desert landscapes.
- Wedding décor: Succulents as boutonnieres, place card holders, or an alternative to cut flowers — sustainable and long-lasting.
- Office plants: Sansevieria and Haworthia are the perfect desk companions — low maintenance, no drama.
Succulents and cactus varieties are the perfect choice for anyone looking for low-maintenance plants with distinctive character.
Succulents & cactus — hardy, water-storing plants with distinctive character.
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Frequently asked questions about succulents & cacti
In summer, every 1–2 weeks; in winter, every 3–4 weeks. Important: only water when the soil is completely dry. Less is better than too much — overwatering is the most common mistake.
Absolutely. Succulents and cacti are among the easiest houseplants to care for. Especially good for beginners: Sansevieria (snake plant), Crassula (jade plant), Echeveria, and Haworthia. They easily forgive missed watering.
Most succulents like bright light. Echeveria and cacti need as much direct sun as possible. Haworthia and Sansevieria also do well in partial shade. You can spot too little light by long, thin shoots.
Yes, very easy! Echeveria and Sedum can be propagated from leaf cuttings: carefully twist off a leaf, let it dry for a few days, then place it on moist soil. After a few weeks, roots and a new mini rosette will form. Offshoots (pups) from Aloe and Haworthia can simply be separated and planted.
Some are harmless (Echeveria, Haworthia, Sempervivum), while others can be problematic. Aloe Vera and Euphorbia (spurge) are toxic to cats. When buying, it’s best to ask first or keep the plant out of reach.
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Succulents and cacti have the ability to store water — in their fleshy leaves or stems. That allows them to handle even longer dry spells with ease.