Tuttle - Idiots Guides: Succulents

Succulents

by Cassidy Tuttle

A member of Penguin Random House LLC

Publisher: Mike Sanders

Associate Publisher: Billy Fields

Executive Acquisitions Editor: Lori Cates Hand

Development Editor: Ann Barton

Cover and Book Designer: Laura Merriman

Photographer: Cassidy Tuttle

Production Editor: Jana M. Stefanciosa

Prepress Technician: Brian Massey

Proofreader: Amy Borelli

Indexer: Celia McCoy

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First American Edition, 2015
Published in the United States by DK Publishing
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Copyright 2015 Dorling Kindersley Limited
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Published in the United States by Dorling Kindersley Limited.

eISBN: 9781615648443
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2015942373

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Introduction

I became hooked on succulents several years ago. It seemed almost every magazine I looked at was featuring these amazing plants. Then, one of my cousins had succulents in her wedding bouquet and I knew I needed to get some. My collection started with just three plants, and soon grew to a couple hundred! I was amazed at how easy they were to take care of. I soon became interested in creating projects with these versatile plants. Since I live in a climate with cold winters, I quickly discovered that my plants would not survive outdoors after the fall. I kept as many as I could inside our small apartment. Sadly, the rest soon became victims of frost and freezing temperatures. I was determined to keep the others alive and well indoors.

Growing Succulents Indoors

Ive discovered that its simple and easy to grow succulents indoors. You just need to know which varieties tolerate low-light situations and the basics of caring for them, and youll be on your way to having a great collection of plants to brighten up your space.

This book is designed to introduce you to the world of succulents. The basic principles for growing succulents indoors and outdoors are about the same. This book focuses mostly on growing indoors and includes different tips and techniques to make your indoor succulents look their best. Youll learn how to care for them and create amazing projects, as well as more about specific varieties.

Succulent Projects

This book includes 12 different project tutorials. They are organized with the easiest projects first and increase in difficulty. Rest assured, all of the projects can be done by anyone, and have photos to guide you every step of the way. Some of the projects are designed to be temporary, while others can last for years if they are maintained well.

Choosing Succulents

Our list of 100 succulents will help you decide which plants will do best for the space you have. The list features plants in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. While not all of the plants will do extremely well indoors, they are easy to care for. Each plant page tells the mature size of the succulent, its cold tolerance and growing zone, and its water and sun requirements, as well as a plant that will pair nicely with that species.

Growing succulents should be simple, easy, and fun. This book will help ensure you have that experience. Youll learn what you need to know to start creating your very own succulent garden in whatever space you have available!

Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible without my parents, who let me turn two of their bedrooms and a bathroom into a succulent garden, potting shed, and photo studio. Also a huge thanks to my mom, husband, and sister for being babysitters, photo assistants, and driving companions. The cute dog featured in the Common Pests and Problems section is Lucy, who belongs to Shaylee Linebaugh. The arrangements on was photographed in the home of Sarah Champion. Also, thank you to Waterwise Botanicals and Oasis Nursery for letting me photograph in their nurseries. While most of the arrangements in the book are my own, several were created by professional succulent designers, including Jim and Desiree Castro, Katie Christensen, Cindy Davison, Mimi Hong, Adam Kopras, Erin Nielson, and Michael and Danielle Romero.

Arrangement Credits

Desiree Castro. Katie Christensen. Cindy Davison. Mimi Hong. Adam Kopras. Erin Nielson, Succulent Boutonnires, Bouquet. Michael and Danielle Romero. Waterwise Botanicals. Oasis Nursery.

Pottery by Susan Aach.

Getting to Know Succulents