Do Succulents Have Leaves?
Fun & Interesting Facts

Introduction

Succulents are plants that are known for their exceptional water-retaining properties. These plants have thick fleshy parts but can we call them leaves?

Most succulents have thick fleshy leaves that help them retain water. These leaves are often very few in number and small. 

Do Succulents Have Leaves?

Yes, most succulents have a few small leaves that are thick and fleshy. They help store water in dry conditions. 

1. They come in different colors

Most succulents come in different shades of green. However, it is interesting to know that red, yellow, blue, and purple succulents exist too. 

Some succulents develop red tips in response to prolonged hours of direct sunlight. If succulents did not change color this way in response to exposure to direct sunlight, they would get sunburnt. 

Similarly, other plants turn yellow when exposed to extremely dry conditions. This is another coping mechanism succulents undergo. 

2. Propagation through leaf cuttings

Did you know that you could grow another succulent by planting just a leaf? All you need is gently cut off a few leaves of your succulent and set them aside to dry first. 

You will need a set of tools such as shears, a trowel, gloves and a pot container. You can use a pair of small scissors for your cactus depending on the size. You will have to wait for at least 5 days for some root growth until you can get around to planting your leaves. 

Pro-Tip

WAIT FOR A DAY BEFORE WATERING YOUR NEWLY PLANTED SUCCULENT

You will need to pour your choice of potting medium into a pot container. After you have planted the leaf cuttings into well-drained soil, leave the pot in direct sunlight for a few hours. 

3. Most Succulents aren’t Cacti

Succulents are often confused with cacti. However, there is a clear distinction between succulents and cacti. Cacti often have thorns and not leaves. Succulents have thick fleshy leaves and don’t have thorns. 

You might have heard a lot of people mistake succulents for cacti. That is only because cacti can fall under the category of succulents. Cacti often have thick woody stems that are hard to touch. The same isn’t true for succulents. 

Most succulents have very soft and feathery leaves. You might be tempted to hold a succulent frequently. However, it is best not to do the same with a cactus. The shape and size of bristles on a cactus vary with the species.

4. Succulents can hide in nature

Most succulents develop certain features that help them adapt better to their immediate environment. Features like spines and changes in color are common adaptations. The succulent, living stones, actually blend in their natural environment very well. They closely resemble actual stones and rocks. 

This helps them stay hidden from the line of sight of potential predators in the wild. Similarly, other succulents make themselves look unappealing to predators. 

5. Succulents can survive extreme winter conditions

Some succulents are well adapted to resist frost and extreme cold conditions. Succulents from the families, Sedum and Sempervivum are most popular for their resistance to cold and frost. 

Frost damage can cause deadly diseases and can often prove fatal in most cases. 

6. Succulents hold symbolic meaning

You might find it interesting how in a lot of cultures, succulents represent love. Since most succulents are able to withstand harsh weather conditions, they are considered a symbol of strength and resilience. 

Succulents are also long lasting as compared to other plants. They are associated with sustainability. 

Succulents make great gifts for the same reason. If you want someone to know how you feel about them, giving them a succulent as a present might do the trick. 

7. They’ve been around for a long time

Did you know that succulents date back to the prehistoric era? It is believed that our planet’s environment was so hot that only succulents and cacti could survive. It comes as no surprise since succulents are extremely resilient.

Succulents can even be traced back to Ancient Egypt. 

8. Easy to Take care of

Succulents are low-maintenance plants. They don’t require a lot of care. They can survive without water for long periods of time. They also don’t require too much direct sunlight or hours on end in extreme heat. 

Warning

DO NOT WATER YOUR SUCCULENTS FREQUENTLY. THEY CAN GO HOURS WITHOUT BEING WATERED

They’re not just easy to take care of but easy to grow as well. They can easily be propagated through leaf cuttings. Roots sprout from leaves within a few days. 

9. Succulents are naturally resistant to pests

You might find it interesting that most succulents are not affected by pest infestation. Insects are only ever around succulents for pollination purposes. 

Pro-Tip

KEEP YOUR SUCCULENT OUTSIDE TO ATTRACT BENEFICIAL BUGS

Most succulents only attract bugs that help keep the harmful pests away such as ladybugs. If you leave your succulent outside for a little while, it can really help keep it pest-free.

10. They can be grown on Jewelry

Small succulents can make jewelry pieces as well. They can be used to make beautiful earrings and bracelets. They make great wedding decor.

Jewelry items are first made by hand and then succulents are grown on them over a certain period of time.

Conclusion

We have discussed whether or not succulents have leaves and some fun and interesting facts. The short answer is yes, most succulents have small numerous leaves.

If you liked reading about succulents, go ahead and check out our post about the most expensive succulents.

23 Most Expensive (and Rare) Succulents In the world

Have you been wondering about which succulents cost the most? We've prepared a list for you!

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