What the Succulent?
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Watery doing wrong?

Click the image that best represents your plant



When you water your plant, transpiration takes place and water is taken to where it is needed. Water is first pulled from the roots, but if the roots are dry, water is taken from the leaves, making it appear deflated.

Avoid overwatering by checking that the first two inches below the surface are dry before watering. If the soil is still wet, it will attract gnats and root rot. This problem can be largely avoided by using well-draining soil with soil supplements including perlite, vermiculite, pumice, leca, or other mediums.

Many soft-succulents and cacti are native to the desert and should be soaked completely and less frequently instead of frequently misted/watered. This emulates their natural environment and stimulates root growth. Let it dry completely before watering again (even if it takes months!).

On the other hand, tropical houseplants love humidity and should not be bone dry between waterings. Plants commonly known as pothos, philodendrons, ferns, calatheas, spider plants, are tolerant of more water. Keep in mind the season and temperature. Many plants go dormant in winter and need to be watered less regularly.

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Light

Absorption Spectra





View the graphs above and click the wavelengths of light that are most efficiently absorbed. (hint: 2 answers)



Chloroplasts are found mainly in the mesophyll cells, tissues in the leaf interior. In the stroma, carbon dioxide enters and oxygen leaves. Water absorbed by the roots is delivered to the leaves in veins before being used. Different pigments in chloroplasts: chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids (accessory pigments) make up the absorption spectra. Absorption and wavelength of light graphs show the wavelength of light best suited for growth and flowering.



How much light are your plants getting?

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In general, succulents need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day. Plants that do not receive enough light will etiolate, or elongate, towards the sun. The stem will grow and spacing between leaves will increase. Typically, leaves at the bottom of the plant will turn downwards to capture more light on greater surface area. Succulents that do not receive enough light will lose their vibrant pigmentation and will become pale and revert if they are variegated.

Too much intense sunlight can cause damage to the plants through sunburn. Sunburn damage is irreversible. Epicuticular wax (farina) is a coating of wax that forms a white or blueish silver film and functions as a natural sunscreen for plants. When rubbed off, it does not normally grow back.

South facing windows are best for plants that need a lot of sunlight. If you are putting your plants outside for summer, you should acclimate them for short periods of time before leaving them outside all day.