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Crown of Thorns

Photo From: https://www.ranchotissue.com/product/euphorbia-milii-supergrandiflora-8-colors/

The Crown of Thorns (euphorbia milii) is a sprawling evergreen shrub with succulent branches lines with long, sharp, blackthorns and sparsely leafed. The Crown of Thorns plant which originates from Madagascar and belongs to the euphorbias. It grows as a succulent, leafy and thorny shrub, reaching a height between 10 – 50 cm, depending on the age. The name Crown of Thorns plant is due to the resemblance between its branches and Christ’s crown of thorns. In Thailand, there is a legend that the number of flowers that bloom on a crown of thorns predicts the future of the plant-keeper. 

The Crown of Thorns succulent is a very popular house plant. This is due to its frugality on the one hand and its pretty little pseudo-blossoms on the other hand, which are no real flowers in the proper meaning of the word, but spathaceous bracts are located on the shoot tips. They tirelessly appear almost all year. In the case of indoor cultivation, it can grow into lush small bushes.

Like all euphorbias, the Crown of Thorns plant is poisonous. It contains poisonous latex which can cause irritation of the human skin and mucous membranes. Particularly endangered are toddlers and pets such as dogs, cats, bunnies, hamsters and guinea pigs which should not come into contact with this plant.

Sources:

https://www.gardenia.net/plant/euphorbia-milii-crown-of-thorns

https://www.plantopedia.com/euphorbia-milii/

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Botany Class Overview

Photo from: http://examstudy.maanavan.com/tnpsc-group-1-2-2a-4-vao-pgtrb-tnusrb-exam-botany-study-materials/

While taking this botany class I learned about a lot of things, such as how to identify a tree by its characteristics, and how to create a permaculture. I also learned about many types of plants that can be beneficial someday in the future, such as the miracle fruit, and elderberries. One of my favorite labs that we have done so far was the permaculture lab. In this lab, we had to design a permaculture in a 13-15 acre space. This lab was my favorite because we got to be creative and think things through in order to have a functional permaculture. At first, when we had to identify the trees by there characteristics it was somewhat challenging, but then after a while it became easier and now every time I walk past a tree I try to identify it by looking at its leaves. Some of the things we talked about were stuff I learned in my high school biology class, so it was a nice refresher to those specific topics. Overall, this class was fun, informative and interesting.

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Zwartkop

The Zwartkop (Aeonium arboreum) is also called the “black rose” because of its color and rosette shaped leaves. ‘Zwartkop’ comes from the Dutch name meaning “black head,” in reference to the plant’s dark rosette. It can also refer to the German name ‘Schwartzkopf’ or ‘Schwarzkopf,’ both of which mean “black head.” It can grow up to 5-6 feet tall. This succulent is also deer resistant like many other succulents.

Photo from: https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/aeonium-arboreum-var-atropurpureum-zwartkop-schwarzkopf-black-tree-aeonium

In winter, this plant produces yellow flowers that create a beautiful and unexpected contrast to its dark foliage. This succulent prefers to be in full sun exposure. The Zwartkop need well drained soil in order to survive and flourish. While the Zwartkop can tolerate mild frost and freezing temperatures, it can only do so for short periods of time. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures is not advisable and may damage the plant permanently.

Zwartkops are monocarpic plants so they die after they flower. Aeonium arboreum produces elaborate flowers that protrude out from the center of the rosette. These flowers are showy and are not hard to miss. They are usually yellow in color and contrast well with the dark foliage of the plant. I think that this succulent is very unique because of its color, it is also very fun to pronounce its name.

Sources from:

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

https://succulentplantcare.com/aeonium-arboreum-zwartkop-black-rose-care-and-propagation/

https://www.gardenia.net/plant/aeonium-zwartkop

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Flaming Katy

The Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a wonderful flowering succulent plant that provides beautiful flowers. It is native to Madagascar, southern and eastern Africa. Many people only keep Flaming Katy as an annual, but it’s not too difficult to care for them during the year and have them rebloom year after year. This plant requires bright, indirect light to thrive. The Flaming Katy can get too hot because of the direct sunlight and the leaves will get scorched.

Photo from: https://myplantfinder.blogspot.com/2011/12/kalanchoe-blossfeldiana.html

Kalanchoes tend to be quite drought resistant. One of the biggest problems people have with Flaming Katy plants is overwatering. It’s a common issue with many houseplants. Flaming Katy can be prone to powdery mildew and root rot, so managing the watering well is a top priority. Avoid watering over the leaves. Flaming Katy has quite dense foliage and it’s easy for water to pool between the foliage which will increase the risk of fungal disease. This plant prefers fast draining soil to reduce the risk of overwatering. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana do best in temperatures between 65 to 80 °F, which makes them a great houseplant. They are fairly tolerant of warmer temperatures but don’t do well in the cold.

Flaming Katy plants will often flower for months at a time, and there are a few things you can do to prolong blooming time. They are available in a wide range of bloom colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink and white. The flowers are usually numerous and tightly packed, producing a really nice display of color. Personally, I think this plant is very pretty when it blooms.

Sources from: 

https://smartgardenguide.com/flaming-katy-care-kalanchoe-blossfeldiana/

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

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Burro’s Tail

Photo from: https://mountaincrestgardens.com/sedum-morganianum-burrito/

The burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) succulent is one of the easiest plants to propagate and care for, which makes it a popular houseplant. The burro’s tail was given its name because of its ability to grow up to four inches long with a shape that resembles a tail. This species happens to be a cactus and although all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Burro's tails are pretty forgiving plants, if you forget to water them once or twice, they'll be just fine. Often, these plants are left to fend for themselves, simply because they can. But with a little effort, the plant can grow into a remarkable specimen.

Burro’s tail prefers full sun and soil that has good draining. The burro's tail succulent is not particularly susceptible to a wide range of insects and pests. Sedum morganianum are not frost tolerant plants and would need protection from freezing temperatures. When the tiny leaves fall off of the plant you can place them either back into the pot or next to where the plant is originally growing, and they will sprout a new plant. Burro’s tail produces attractive, pink or reddish flowers. These flowers contrast nicely with the blue-green foliage of the plant.

Sources from:

https://www.thespruce.com/grow-sedum-morganianum-1902975

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

https://www.thespruce.com/grow-sedum-morganianum-1902975

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Pig’s Ear

The pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) succulent was given its name because of its thick, oval leaves that have red on the edges. During late summer or early autumn, yellow and red flowers grow at the top of two-foot stems and droop down. When fully mature, the pig’s ear can grow up to four feet high. Cotyledon orbiculata is widespread throughout South Africa, but is usually confined to rocky outcrops in grassland, fynbos and karoo regions. Black frost will damage the flowers if planted in an unprotected spot, but the plant itself will tolerate moderate frosts.

Photo from: http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/view/?id=1334

In summer, flowers are produced on the ends of stout, fleshy stems held above the foliage. The five petals of each flower are fused to form a tube and the tips curl backwards. They hang down like clusters of little bells and are rich in nectar. This attracts sunbirds, which perform the all-important task of pollination. The bright color of the flowers contrasts strikingly against the white or grey of the forms with paler foliage.

This is a well-known medicinal plant. The fleshy part of the leaf is applied by many South Africans to soften and remove hard corns and warts. The Southern Sotho uses a dried leaf of this succulent as a protective charm for an orphan child and as a plaything. In the Willowmore District, the heated leaf is used as a poultice for boils and other accessible inflammations, earaches in particular.

Sources from:

http://pza.sanbi.org/cotyledon-orbiculata

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

https://www.thegardener.co.za/cotyledon-orbiculata-2/

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Sunburst

The sunburst (Aeonium davidbramwellii) is considered to be a “tri-colored” plant because of its variegated green, white and yellow leaves. It is a hybrid succulent and a member of the aeonium genus that is popular among outdoor succulents. The sunburst succulent is native to the Canary Islands and can flourish seaside, growing to up to two feet high. It branches out with rosettes that bloom white flowers in the summer. Personally, I think this is one of the prettiest succulents that I have written about.

 These succulents are best planted in full sun or keep in an area that they are getting plenty of direct light. Be careful though because the hot sun (over 90 degrees) will burn the leaves and turn the edges brown, so be sure to watch out for that. One of the things that makes these plants so desirable is the fact that they withstand a variety of different soil conditions and are not a lot of work. These succulents are known for taking temps well below freezing and withstanding even the warmest summers that Southern California to Arizona can through at it. The hot sun will burn the leaves and turn the edges brown, so be sure to watch out for that.

Photo from: https://dengarden.com/gardening/aeonium-arboreum-succulent-garden

Fun Fact: Aeonium Sunburst won a Garden Merit Award in 2012 from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Sources from:

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

https://www.moonvalleynurseries.com/plants/succulents/aeonium-sunburst

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Ball Cactus

The ball cactus (Parodia magnifica) is one of the most uniquely-shaped succulents because it can grow between one and two feet tall with a shape that resembles a hot air balloon. The stems bear 11 to 15 acute ribs which produce rusty-golden bristle-like spines along their edges. The ball cactus produces small, yellow-colored flowers that like to grow in clusters. This plant typically doesn't like direct afternoon sunlight and should be in the partial shade through the hottest hours. They can take direct sunlight in the morning and afternoons. Rich, well-drained soil is ideal to grow the ball cactus. The ball cactus is native to Brazil, but it is very common worldwide. The plant has sharp spines and edges so be careful handling. When the ball cactus blooms, it produces a yellow flower at the top of itself.

Photo from: https://www.bazaargadgets.com/10pcs-mixed-kinds-ball-cactus-seeds-garden-flower-plants.html

Water Parodia cactus regularly throughout the growing season. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but cactus plants, either indoors or outdoors, should never sit in soggy soil. Cut back watering during the winter, providing only enough to keep the soil from becoming bone dry. It's important that the cactus is not exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let the ball cactus sit in a dish of water.

Sources from:

https://www.thespruce.com/grow-parodia-cacti-indoors-1902591

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

https://cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=Parodia&species=magnifica

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/parodia-cactus/parodia-ball-cactus-plants.htm

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Roseum

Photo from: https://www.simplemost.com/you-can-grow-succulents-that-look-just-like-roses/

The roseum (Sedum spurium) is a low growing succulent that only gets to be about 4 to 6 inches tall. It is one of my favorite succulents because of the color, shape, and durability of the plant.They have bright green scalloped leaves and pale pink flowers shaped like stars. They grow quickly compared to other succulents, so they’re often used as ground cover. The roseum can survive in poor soil conditions and below-freezing temperatures. They may seem like they'll be delicate and easy to break, but that's not the case at all. They can even tolerate droughts that last several months. They will survive in either the sun or shade.

Sedum Spurium plants are native to the Caucasus, a mountainous region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, as well as Iran and Turkey. Sedum Spurium plants are part of the genus Sedum. Sedum is derived from the Latin word “sedeo” which means to sit. The roseum plant can attract butterflies, bees, and humming birds when planted outdoors. When ingested by humans the roseum will cause low toxicity. It is only toxic to humans, it is pet-friendly but I wouldn't recommend feeding it to your pets. The lifecycle of the sedum spurium is perennial. 

Sources from:

https://succulentcity.com/sedum-spurium-roseum-plant/

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sedum-spurium/

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Panda Plant

The Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) is one of the most interesting types of indoor succulent. This type of succulent can live for many years indoors and is a perfect plant for a beginner. The velvety appearance of its leaves and brownish-red markings on its edges are what earned it the name of the panda plant. The kalanchoe tomentosa grows up to approximately 1.5 ft with a thick stem that produces branches and many groups of leaves, once it matures.

The origin of the panda plant is Madagascar. It is toxic to most animals so be aware of where you put your plant. The entire plant is poisonous if ingested. Keep the plant in well-drained soil and in a mixture of direct and indirect sunlight. In its native habitat, Panda Plant produces fuzzy, bell-shaped flowers in spring and summer. However, it rarely flowers indoors. Avoid getting water on the leaves because then it easily rots. Water from the bottom or water the potting mix. If the leaves need to be cleaned, brush them gently with a soft, dry brush, such as a small paintbrush. The plant can easily survive in a room with normal humidity and a room that is dry.

Sources from:

Photo: http://www.plantsrescue.com/tag/kalanchoe-panda-plant/

https://www.houseplantsexpert.com/panda-plant.html

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/panda-plant.html

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Whale’s Tounge Agave

Whale’s Tounge Agave (Agave ovatifolia) is one of the larger types of succulent. This succulent was originally grown in Mexico on mountains with elevations of 3,700 to 7,000 feet. Now, they are found mostly in California and Arizona. The leaves of the succulent are extraordinarily wide, growing up to 11 inches wide. The Whale’s Tounge Agave normally grows up to 3-4 feet in width and length. The plant must be in full sun and well-drained soil. Although it can grow in a drought, it will grow considerably larger with regular irrigation. 

Photo from: https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrEzNR5ZLtd8U0A0LKWnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTBtdXBkbHJyBHNlYwNmcC1hdHRyaWIEc2xrA3J1cmw-/RV=2/RE=1572590841/RO=11/RU=http%3a%2f%2fmisssmartyplants.com%2fagaves-and-aloes%2f/RK=2/RS=.880caqeL8_8NJ74MUJqkffiBMY-

The foliage of the Whale’s Tounge Agave is normally a powdery-blue silver color. The leaves have sharp points on the edges, so keep away from places with high foot traffic. The succulent attracts hummingbirds and birds, but is deer resistant, like most succulents.

(2017, December 13). 20 Popular Types of Succulents. Retrieved from https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

(2018, January 28). Agave ovatifolia (Whale's Tongue Agave) - Plant of the Month. Retrieved from https://starr-nursery.com/agave-ovatifolia-whales-tongue-agave/

Agave ovatifolia, Whale's Tongue Agave, Succulent. Retrieved from https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2886

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Hens-and-Chicks

Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hen_and_chicks

Hens-and-Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) is one of my favorite types of succulent. The scientific name Sempervivum means “live forever”, which helps individuals who lack the proper knowledge to take care of the plant. Hens-and-Chicks are found in mountainous and stony areas of Southern and Central Europe and North America.They tend to grow better in sandy soil, since it drains well. This type of succulent makes a great houseplant, you just have to make sure you don’t over water it in the cooler months. Since they will thrive in poor soil, they do not need to be fertilized.

The mother succulent, Hens, will spread via underground to produce al least four chicks. Hens-and-Chicks are typically red, green, blue, gold, and cooper. Their bloom time is during the summer, and the flowers are typically light pink to reddish purple. The succulent will bloom after one year of several years. Normally if the mother plant blooms it dies shortly after. Flowering can be a sign of poor conditions within the drainage or lighting.

In Europe Hens-and-Chicks were grown on roofs to help prevent lightning fires and provide a winter vegetable in case of emergencies. Although they are edible to humans, they are deer resistant. These succulents can actually grow in stone walls and between stepping stones.

Info Sources

Beaulieu, D. (2019, August 09). Sempervivum: The "Always Live" Plant. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-care-for-hens-and-chicks-plants-2132609

20 Popular Types of Succulents. (2017, December 13). Retrieved from https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-succulents

How to Grow Hens and Chicks. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://youngsgardenshop.com/planting-hens-and-chicks/