Glossary of Succulent Terms

Peat moss is dried, dead fibers formed when organic matter decomposes in peat bogs. It is widely used as a soil amendment in gardening. Peatlands store 33% of the earth’s soil carbon. Coco coir is a better choice for gardeners, succulents and the environment.

Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that is incredibly lightweight. Perlite is often used as a soil amendment to improve drainage. A common issue with perlite is that it “floats” up through the soil with watering. Pumice is a better choice.

Phototropism describes the ability of plants to grow in response to light. Succulents and other plants grow toward sunlight, while their roots grow away from light.

Photosynthesis is the process where green plants use sunlight to change water and carbon dioxide into sugars and oxygen. Plants need sunlight, chlorophyll, carbon dioxide and water for photosynthesis. All life on earth is dependent upon photosynthesis.

Plantlets are young plants produced by the mother plant. Typically connected to the mother plant by a stolon, a horizontal, modified root. Some succulents like Sempervivum form plantlets through asexual reproduction.

A plug is a well-rooted cutting that’s been grown in a tray, but is sold without a pot. The soil is encased in roots. This is a safe way to grow healthy succulents. Shipping plugs is generally less expensive than shipping potted plants.

Most succulents are polycarpic, meaning they flower many times in the life cycle of the plant. Monocarpic plants are those that bloom just once in a plant’s life.

The act of producing a new plant by using leaves, cutting or seed from the parent stock.

Pumice is a very lightweight, volcanic rock that is mined for use in farms and gardens. Pumice is naturally rich in micronutrients that are exceptional for healthy succulents. This is my preferred soil amendment for improving drainage.

Succulent pups are the baby succulents that form at the base of the mother plant. The pup may be divided from the mother, or it will eventually separate on its own, to grow into a separate plant. Synonym – offsets