11 Little-Known Succulent Facts To Amaze Your Friends With!

Think you know everything about your beloved 'succies'? They have so many botanical secrets to share about succulents.

There are probably a few things even the most avid succulent lovers still don't know about! In this article, you'll discover some truly amazing facts about these resilient and hardy plants.

Get ready to amaze your friends with interesting information and deepen your appreciation for these desert jewels with these fascinating tidbits.

Hydrenchyma Tissue

Succulents are equipped with specialized cells known as hydrenchyma, which are adept at storing water.

These cells, found in their leaves and stems, are their secret to surviving in dry conditions.

By regulating water usage during droughts, hydrenchyma cells enable succulents to endure when other plants might wilt.

The thick, fleshy leaves of Aloe Vera visibly demonstrate the water storage capabilities of hydrenchyma tissue.

The gel inside the leaves is essentially the stored water, which is crucial for the plant's survival in arid environments.

Don't just go cutting off these gel-filled leaves. Read more: Beginner’s Guide to Pruning Aloe Vera Like a Pro

Farina – The Natural Sunscreen

Layer of waxy farina on a succulent close-up — Shutterstock

Notice the powdery coating on some succulent leaves? That's farina, acting as a natural sunscreen.

This waxy, protective layer shields the succulents from intense sunlight and UV rays, preventing sunburn and moisture loss, a crucial adaptation for their sun-drenched habitats.

Additionally, farina helps to repel water, protecting the plants from excessive moisture, which could lead to rot. This feature also assists in keeping dust and pests at bay.

The layer is easily wiped off, but it's best left intact as it contributes to the plant's overall health and longevity in harsh environments.

Epiphytic Lifestyle

Among succulents, some species, like certain Orchid Cacti, live an epiphytic life. They grow on other plants, not as parasites, but as opportunistic residents.

They gather moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, or surrounding organic material. This adaptation allows them to thrive in nutrient-poor, often elevated habitats like rainforest canopies.

In addition to their moisture-gathering abilities, their roots often serve as anchoring mechanisms, helping them to cling to trees or rocks.

Epiphytes also contribute to the ecosystem by offering shelter to various small organisms, from insects to birds, in their dense growth forms.

Root Adaptations

Succulent roots are as diverse as the plants themselves. Some species, like the desert-dwelling Lithops, have deep taproots to access deep water reserves.

Others feature widespread shallow roots that quickly absorb surface water from light rains. This adaptability in root structure is key to their survival in varied environments.

Since they have shallow roots, succulents don't like a lot of water and are even more susceptible to root rot than your average plant.

Survival Through Leaf Propagation

Many succulents can magically start a new life from a fallen leaf. When a leaf drops, it can sprout roots and eventually grow into a new plant.

This form of asexual reproduction is a testament to the resilience and self-sufficiency of succulents, making them a favorite among plant propagators.

The plantlets on Kalanchoe daigremontiana's leaves - pictured above - are a perfect demonstration of this adaptation, showing how succulents can efficiently reproduce and colonize new areas without relying on seed-based reproduction.

Succulent Estivation

Like animals hibernating, some succulents go through a dormant period known as estivation during hot, dry seasons.

They significantly slow their metabolic processes, conserving energy and water until favorable conditions return.

This survival strategy is especially vital for succulents living in extreme temperature zones.

You won't be able to tell by their look, but Saguaro cacti often go through periods of estivation.

During this time, the cacti reduce their water intake and even halt growth.

This helps them avoid excessive water loss and ensures they can survive prolonged periods of drought.

Geophytic Adaptations

'Living stones' (Lithops) and similar succulents are geophytes, meaning they have underground storage organs.

These adaptations allow them to virtually disappear underground during extremely arid periods, utilizing stored water and nutrients to survive until the environment becomes more hospitable.

Their ability to camouflage with the surrounding rocks helps protect them from herbivores, making them nearly invisible in their natural habitat.

Lithops can also adjust their growth cycle to take advantage of seasonal rains, which is essential for their long-term survival in such harsh conditions.

Over time, their leaves split open to reveal new growth, a slow process that minimizes water loss.

Aerial Roots in Climbing Succulents

Some climbing succulents, like certain Rhipsalis species, develop aerial roots. These roots help the plant cling to its support structure and also absorb water and nutrients from the air.

This adaptation is particularly useful in environments where the soil might not provide sufficient sustenance.

In their native tropical habitats, these succulents often grow high in trees, where aerial roots allow them to thrive in the moist, humid air.

These roots not only anchor the plant but also play a crucial role in capturing nutrients that may be washed down from the forest canopy, ensuring their survival in challenging conditions.

Color Changes as Stress Response

Succulents can change color in response to environmental stressors like intense sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and water scarcity.

These color changes are due to increased concentrations of protective pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids. It's not just a beauty show; it's a survival strategy!

A great succulent to illustrate color changes is the Echeveria genus, particularly varieties like Echeveria 'Perle von Nürnberg' or Echeveria 'Afterglow'.

These are popular among succulent enthusiasts for their striking color transformations.

Halophytic Succulents

Some succulents are halophytes, which means they can tolerate or even prefer salty soils.

They have adapted to these challenging conditions in various ways, such as specialized salt excretion glands.

These succulents are masters at making the most out of tough soil conditions.

A good example is the genus "Sedum," specifically Sedum spathulifolium, also known as "Broadleaf Stonecrop." This species thrives in coastal areas where salt levels in the soil would inhibit the growth of most other plants.

The ability to store water in their fleshy leaves further enhances their survival, allowing them to endure not only salinity but also drought conditions common in such environments.

Specialized Photosynthetic Pathways

While most plants are busy with photosynthesis during the day, succulents use a special method called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM).

Instead of opening their stomata (tiny pores on leaves) during the day, succulents open them at night.

By taking in CO2 at night and storing it as malic acid, they minimize water loss in dry environments. Then, during the day, they close up to conserve water and use that stored CO2 for photosynthesis.

Aside from the CAM process, some succulents use another method known as C4 photosynthesis.

This adaptation also helps reduce water loss and capture carbon dioxide more efficiently in harsh conditions.

By separating the processes of capturing CO2 and its conversion into sugars, C4 succulents optimize their photosynthetic efficiency.

Portulacaria afra, commonly known as Elephant Bush or Dwarf Jade, is a succulent that utilizes C4 photosynthesis, making it particularly well-suited for indoor environments where humidity levels are often lower than in their natural habitat.