There are over 25,000 known succulent species in the world; this guide aims to delve into caring for some of the more unusual ones. If you’re new to plant parenthood and looking to brighten your space with some eccentric greenery, stepping into the world of unusual succulents is an experience worth having.
Getting into the Green Scene with Unusual Succulents
Among the myriad of choices in the realm of succulents, species like the String of Dolphins, Alien Ant Plant, or Bunny Ears Cactus arguably stand out with their unique features, providing a captivating sight. Caring for these unusual succulents often engages enthusiasts on a deeper level since each species’s unique ecology challenges the care takers to adapt their cultivating methodology to suit the plants’ specific needs.
Caring for the String of Dolphins Succulent (Senecio peregrinus)
One of the most enchanting succulents, the String of Dolphins, owes its name to its uniquely-shaped leaves resembling a pod of jumping dolphins. This fast-growing plant prefers a well-draining container with a prudent watering schedule.
This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light, which ensures longer, healthier dolphin-shaped strings. A south or west-facing window is usually optimal. During summer, they enjoy outdoor settings but should be shielded from intense direct sunlight.
Water this plant from below, using a tray. This allows the plant to draw what it needs and helps avoid waterlogged soil. Frequency is dictated by the season; during the growing phase in summer, water regularly, weekly or bi-weekly, but always let the soil dry between waterings. As fall ensues, you can reduce the watering frequency. During dormancy in winter, water sparingly, once a month.
Feeding your String of Dolphins succulent a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength, once during spring and again in summer ensures the plant gets adequate nutrients.
Growing the Alien Ant Plant (Myrmecodia)
The Alien Ant Plant is a standout in the world of succulents due to its dramatically peculiar ant-boosted growth system. This plant benefits from the symbiotic relationship with ants living within its bulbous stem structure; Full sun exposure, a fast-draining substrate like orchid potting mix, and higher air humidity are vital for its growth.
For optimal results, place your Alien Ant Plant in east-facing windows or use fluorescent light. It enjoys the temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Feeding the plant after watering it reduces chances of root burn. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 15 days during spring and summer but refrain in fall and winter as the plant goes dormant. Best grown in a hanging basket, make sure to water regularly ensuring the top inch of the soil gets dry between waterings.
Cultivating the Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
The Bunny Ears Cactus is an unusual succulent native to Mexico. Named for its rabbit-ear-shaped pads, it is a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts.
This cacti favors bright light for most of the day, so placing it by your south-facing window works well.
The Bunny Ears Cactus is not frost-resistant and prefers temperatures between 70-100°F (21-38°C). But can tolerate down to 50°F (10°C) in winters.
Like most succulents, it prefers a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot, generally, use a 1:1 soil mix of cactus soil and perlite.
Water this plant sparingly during the winter and increase frequency during the summer, maintaining a gap between waterings to let the soil dry out.
This cacti doesn’t need regular fertilization. Feeding it with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer once a year, during spring, would suffice.
Caring for these unusual succulents adds an interesting element to your green spaces while testing your creativity in cultivating and nurturing. With the right measures adhering to each plant’s specific needs, even beginners can enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of growing these unique plants successfully. This guide shall serve as an adventurous steppingstone into the realm of relatively unusual succulents, stimulating one’s understanding and appreciation towards horticulture’s eccentric side.
