Succulent Blossoms

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If you live in water-conscience California, you probably love succulents because of their ability to retain water. Plus they come in all shapes, sizes, textures and colors. Most people buy succulents based upon their current appearance, i.e. taking into consideration the shape, size, and color they prefer for the space in which they are to be planted. But few people consider the succulent blossoms when purchasing.

I know I propagate and grow several more of the succulents whose blossoms I enjoy. I like propagating and growing lots of an heirloom Hens and Chicks (Sempervivvum) succulent I have because the blossoms attract hummingbirds. I also like growing Rock Purslane (Calandrinia spectabilis), because of their delicate eye catching pinkish magenta flowers.

Succulents generally blossom in the spring and/or summer. It's true that not all succulents will blossom, although all have the ability to do so. The two most common reasons that succulents may not blossom are the age of the plant (some will blossom only after they are a certain number of years old), and their current environmental conditions in they are growing are a main reason why many do not blossom.

Also, you should be aware that there are monocarpic succulents, also known as Death Bloom succulents. These are succulents that naturally die after blossoming.

If your succulents aren't blossoming, there are some ways to encourage blossoming. This includes making sure you're not withholding water and therefore stressing out the plant, making sure the succulent gets enough sun, and feeding the succulent a high phosphorous food monthly. Basically a healthy succulent is more likely to blossom that one that's stressed out.

Sempervivvum blossoms