Better_HomesandGardensAustralia-February_2017

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1. Cotyledon
   Native to Southern Africa through
   to the Arabian Peninsula, cotyledon
   varieties vary in appearance but all
   have tubular flowers with curled tips.
   Cultivation tip: Cotyledons
   will grow in cool conditions and
   frost-prone areas if kept dry during
   the winter. They require plenty of
   sunlight and are summer-flowering.


2. Aeonium
   Native to the Canary Islands
   and Morocco, the genus comprises
   about 35 species. The fleshy leaves
   often have attractive variations
   and certain species form small
   shrubs of multiple rosettes.
   Cultivation tip: Aeoniums
   grow in winter, so to bring out the
   best colours, ensure they enjoy
   full winter sun and are watered
   throughout the warmer months.
   They can also tolerate shade.


3. Echeveria
   Thought to be the most varied
   of succulents, echeveria rosettes
   come in a range of colours and can
   be beautifully ruffled. Echeverias
   are native to the Americas.
   Cultivation tip: Mostly summer-
   growing, the leaf colours are more
   vibrant during the cooler months.
   Once established, echeverias can

tolerate extended drought but will

grow more profusely if watered

during the warm seasons.

4. Agave
   With over 200 species, Agaves
   are native to the US, Mexico, the
   Caribbean and South America.
   The leaves are strong, sturdy
   and plump in appearance.
   Cultivation tip: Agaves are
   generally slow-growing and will
   tolerate full sun to light shade.
   They’re extremely hardy and will
   survive drought conditions as well as
   frost. You’ll only need to water once
   every 1–2 months during winter.


5. Senecio
   Senecio is a large genus from
   all over the world, only some of
   which are succulents. There are
   species that grow into large bushy
   plants, though the most popular are
   the ground-covering succulents,
   particularly those with grey or
   blue leaves. These are useful for
   contrast in container plantings.
   Cultivation tip: Senecio
   prefers a sunny position and
   well-draining, sandy soil. Once
   established, they require little in
   the way of maintenance. Keep
   well-watered during the warmer
   months and drier in winter.

5 sensational succulents

Cotyledon orbiculata

Aeonium arboreum

Echeveria elegans

Agave attenuata Senecio serpens

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