Four succulents that easily fill a pot, and an old gardener says growing them is deeply satisfying

The cute, endearing character and ever-changing style of succulents are drawing more and more attention from fellow enthusiasts. Recently, the editor gathered some questions from gardening friends: faced with the huge family of succulent varieties, how should one choose?

Zhizhi is a girl who loves succulents, and when she talks about them she always has endless topics to share. Although she has only been growing succulents for a few years, under her careful care the succulent treasures displayed at Zhizhi's home are a feast for the eyes, so beautiful that one becomes immersed in them. Zhizhi says her favorites are the four below; as long as you care for them attentively, they will surely bring you the immense satisfaction of a pot bursting with growth.

1. Sempervivum arachnoideum (Spider Web Houseleek)

The upper ends of the leaves of Sempervivum arachnoideum have a ring of interwoven white natural fuzz, making it look unique and beautiful. When it blooms, the petals are pink with dark stripes. It likes shady spots and environments with ample sunlight, and it grows quickly; spring and autumn are its vigorous growing seasons. Under conditions of ample light and a large temperature difference, its color becomes richer and more vivid. Sempervivum arachnoideum has strong drought tolerance, so in summer it does not need much watering; increase ventilation, and when the temperature is above 35 degrees, watering must be stopped. In winter, when the temperature is below 3 degrees, gradually reduce watering and keep the soil dry. The suitable growing medium is peat, perlite and coal cinder mixed in a 1:1:1 ratio.

2. Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls)

The succulent String of Pearls looks like a pot of blooming spider plant, with leaves as round and emerald green as beads, which adds to its cute and unique character. It is also very easy to cultivate. It likes a cool, dry and ventilated environment, and dislikes waterlogging and stuffy, humid spaces. It grows very quickly and has a brief dormant period in summer; be careful to shade it, and place it in a ventilated spot without any other management. During the growing period, keep the potting soil moist, watering only when dry and not when wet, and do not water if it is not dry, but avoid excessive water accumulation.

3. Orostachys furusei (Chinese Dunce Cap)

Orostachys furusei is native to Japan and Russia. Its thick, fleshy, purplish-gray leaves are covered with a thin layer of white powder. Its flowering period is from September to November, and the petals are white and pale yellow, in a rounded form, like tiny roses. It is robust in constitution, loves light and tolerates cold, and grows especially fast. Spring, summer and autumn are its vigorous growing seasons, and in winter it can endure low temperatures of minus 28 degrees. During the growing period it needs full-day sunlight and ample water and fertilizer; in winter it enters dormancy and needs shading.

4. Graptopetalum mendozae (Sedum 'Xiaoqiu' / Graptopetalum 'Mendozae')

Graptopetalum mendozae is small and delicate in appearance, and especially after it fills the pot it is very beautiful and pleasing to look at. Its care is also very simple. Graptopetalum mendozae loves sunlight; keep it in full-day light for 6 hours each day to promote its sprouting. Choose a breathable, well-draining sandy soil, which suits its robust growth. Choose a suitable pot; one size larger can provide good growing space for its root system. In spring and autumn, increase the frequency of watering; in summer, control watering to avoid waterlogging and root rot.

Do you like the succulents above too? Get one soon!