Why are my succulents so happy right now?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (238306)
Walnut Creek, California
October 27, 2016 12:51pm CST
Succulents were designed (by God or nature) to live in hot, dry places. At least that's how I understand them. So how come my succulents, in particular my faithful jade plant, look so happy right now, as the weather cools and we've gotten some light rain recently?
Too much sun, and the edges of the leaves turn red. Too little water, and the look shriveled. "Don't over-water your succulents," the experts say. I'm confused. The only thing I know for sure is that you don't want to subject your succulents to a prolonged deep freeze.
This healthy jade plant almost died a few years ago when I forgot to bring it in when we had a week of 18 degree F nights. Any words of wisdom from my friends in places like Southern California, Arizona, and Mexico?
14 people like this
11 responses
@garymarsh6 (24004)
• United Kingdom
27 Oct 16
That is tantamount to Plant murder! How could you forget to bring them in you wicked wicked man!
4 people like this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
28 Oct 16
@TheHorse ..Aw...that poor thing...that poor thing...so sad..it learned how to survive some I suppose..did you see Eight Below..I cried so much in that movie...I decided I will never see a movie with animals after that..its so painful...you know they poke pointed things on elephants to make them behave for our festival...close up will show you how many injuries those animals have. How can we be so cruel.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (98005)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Oct 16
Well most likely they also enjoy a bit of cool air and the rain refreshes them. They sure look happy.
4 people like this
@TheHorse (238306)
• Walnut Creek, California
28 Oct 16
Thanks, Anna. We're having a slow steady rain right now, and cool but not cold temperatures. I'll just let nature take its course for now and see what happens. I read somewhere that succulent leaves like water from above, as only rain (or a sprinkler) can really provide. Maybe that's why they seem to be enjoying this (mostly) gentle rain.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
27 Oct 16
I once killed bamboo. Bamboo. heh
3 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
28 Oct 16
@TheHorse I would love to go things but I have a bad track record, going to try again next year
3 people like this
@TheHorse (238306)
• Walnut Creek, California
4 Nov 16
@Jessicalynnt What are you going to plant? I'm planting a lot of snow peas here and there right now.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
28 Oct 16
no sir, i've no grand enlightenment to share with ya'n regards to those. do wish i lived closed 'n could snag me a leave 'r 2 'f that jade plant to start me some :)
2 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
29 Oct 16
@TheHorse i'd a massive one some years back. when i fell ill 'n 'twas gone fer 3 weeks, the daughter tended schtuff out here. luckily the horses/cows 'n other critters survived - sadly most'f my plants perished 'nder her care...includin' my monster jade plant.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238306)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Oct 16
@crazyhorseladycx Sorry to hear you lost a jade.
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
28 Oct 16
Looking excellent! I nearly killed a Christmas Cactus, I don't know how. I thought succulents were supposed to be hardy
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238306)
• Walnut Creek, California
28 Oct 16
@FayeHazel I did my undergraduate work at a small college in Iowa and fell in love with corn. In Oakland CA, I discovered I could grow it as an educational project with very young children. I've never looked back.
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
28 Oct 16
@TheHorse - hmmm corn? Like the plant? That's cool it got your luck with plants turned around
2 people like this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
28 Oct 16
I've no idea how to grow these in any climate. I finally have some new blooms or buds on my Christmas Cactus. For the past few years it's not bloomed at all and they'll usually bloom twice a year. Mine hasn't because I've forgotten to water them. I do water them enough that they don't die but other than that I wasn't doing so well with them until we moved my mom this summer.
I'd water her plants when visiting her each thurs but then forget to water my own. Since we moved her to a new place, I remember to water mine now, hence the new buds.
2 people like this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
4 Nov 16
@TheHorse I don't put mine out in the summer, but you're correct, they wouldn't make it to Christmas, I'm sure, if left outside.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238306)
• Walnut Creek, California
4 Nov 16
@MarshaMusselman Oh, they'd be a mess in Michigan! I kind of like the way that sounds.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21845)
• Canada
27 Oct 16
Canada isn't known for the succulents we grow but I do love them. Here they can go out in summer but my house is now green on the inside, saving my outdoor plants from frost. Love your photo.
2 people like this
