Glossary of Succulent Terms

Macronutrients are the primary nutrients an organism uses in the largest amounts for primary biological needs. Plant macronutrients are Nitrogen (N) for chlorophyll and growth, Phosphorus (P) for fruiting and flowering, and Potassium (K) for rooting.

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied scale insects covered with a white, powdery wax that resembles meal. They leave white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of plants as they feed by sucking the sap from the plants. Mealybugs often produce honeydew.

Meristem tissue in plants contains undifferentiated cells that can become whatever the plant most needs. Meristem tissue can form roots, stems or leaves, depending upon circumstances. Meristem tissue is found at growth tips of roots, shoots and along the stems.

Succulent species of the Aizoaceae family that resemble stones are sometimes called mimicry plants or mesembs. Mesembs include Lithops, Fenestraria, Pleiospilos, Anacampseros and more.

Micronutrients are specific elements used in small quantities throughout every phase of a plant’s growth and development. Plant micronutrients are Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo) and Zinc (Zn).

Often refer to succulents that dies immediately after flowering once, such as most species of Agave, Kalanchoe or Aeonium genus.

The term monstrose describes a genetic defect or mutation that causes deformed. lumpy, knobby growth randomly over an entire plant. Monstrose cactus and succulents are highly sought after.

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. This change can occur internally, within the genes themselves, or from environmental factors like exposure to UV light. Cresting, monstrose and variegation are examples of plant mutations.