THORNLESS SUCCULENTS - THE BEST VARIETIES TO CHOOSE FROM - LIFESTYLE

Thornless succulents - the best varieties to choose from

Plants are becoming more and more furnishing accessories both inside and outside an apartment. Seeing your living room or balcony adorned with the green of the leaves or the bright colors of the flowers conveys serenity and helps to relax the mind. world there are really many floral species, with the most disparate characteristics. Among the most controversial plants are the fat ones: many people do not like these varieties above all for their typical thorns, since they are associated with the classic cacti of warmer countries. what if we told you that you can find succulents without thorns?

We have selected the best ones to be placed inside or outside the home, easy to care for and, therefore, perfect for less experienced gardeners!

Echeveria

Echeveria is one of the most chosen indoor succulents and is completely free of thorns. Native to Central America, in particular Mexico, it belongs to the Crassulaceae family and has depopulated in city apartments for its elegance and its characteristic conformation. Its leaves are ovoid in shape, have a very particular color tone, or shades between green, gray, silver and blue, and are able to give a refined touch to any environment. They have a light layer of bloom which makes them soft to the touch. So let's completely forget the imagery of cacti covered with thorns! In spring the Echeveria produces flowers on a stem that grows from the center of the plant. Their color may vary depending on the case: as a rule, it ranges from light yellow to more intense orange.

This species is a very hardy plant, also excellent for those who are not gardening experts. It only needs abundant light and to be watered often and regularly, so as to keep the soil always moist. In summer, it also lends itself to life on the balcony: the important thing is that the pot is put back in the house as soon as the first cold weather arrives.

Delosperma

Belonging to the Aizoaceae family, Delosperma is native to Africa and, at first sight, it would seem anything but part of the succulent succulent plants. Instead, it is an outdoor or garden dwarf succulent that stands out for its flowering that lasts for months.The first flowers begin to appear during the first weeks of spring and then bloom completely in summer and continue until winter. The Delosperma flower, in addition to the traditional white, can take on bright colors ranging from purple to yellow and looks like a small daisy. Precisely due to the shades of the inflorescences and the abundance with which this plant produces them, Delosperma is often found in the preparation of rock gardens and flower beds.

Here too the cultivation is really simple, because it is an undemanding species and resistant to different climatic conditions. Not only does it not fear cold and ice, but it also tolerates the absence of water and periods of drought well. In these conditions, it is enough to wet it twice a month. As with any other succulent plant, the only attention remains the well-drained soil for do not rot the roots.

Aloe vera

Now an evergreen among succulent apartment plants, Aloe vera is part of the Aloaceae family and is a medicinal plant native to South America, although today it is grown all over the world, especially in Italy in the areas of Sicily. , Sardinia and along the coasts. It is easily recognized by its characteristic fleshy leaves, without thorns and with a tuft, which can reach 40-60 cm in length. Towards spring, it produces a single large red flower right in the middle of the It is from the latter that the famous "gel" with multiple healing properties is obtained: in particular, it is used for its anti-inflammatory action.

The cultivation of aloe takes place in pots and can be done both inside the house and in the garden or terrace: the important thing is that it is never exposed to temperatures below 5 ° C. For the rest, it is a plant very resistant, which only needs some attention.First of all, it needs a lot of light, does not tolerate important changes in temperature well and requires little watering, to be done only when the soil is completely dry.

Calancola

Its "technical" name is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana and it is one of the succulent succulent plants belonging to the Crassulaceae family. It comes from Africa, precisely from Madagascar, and for years it has been widely used as an ornamental plant thanks to its colorful flowers. In fact, the flowering of the Calancola can range from pink to red, from yellow to orange to white. Its large, rounded leaves are dark green and offer a nice contrast to the inflorescences.

The calancola lends itself to life both at home and on the balcony, as long as it is placed inside during the winter because it fears the cold. It needs light, but in summer it is better not to place it in direct contact with the sun's rays because its leaves are at risk of burning. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana tolerates drought well and does not need much water even in the hottest season. In summer it should be bathed once every two days, while in winter even once every two weeks.

Sedum Palmeri

Belonging to the Crassulaceae family, Sedum palmeri is a succulent plant that adapts to virtually any environment, needs very little care and is completely thornless. Thanks to its easy management, therefore, it is perfect for those who are not expert in gardening and really like it as an external decoration of a balcony or terrace given its rich flowering that begins between February and March. The flowers are distinguished by their yellow color and their characteristic star shape. In addition, the leaves of this species change hue during the fall from green to a hue close to red.

As already mentioned, Sedum palmeri is grown in pots or in the garden and has very few pretensions. In fact, it is sufficient to place it in a bright spot and keep the soil well drained so that the roots do not rot. In winter it does not require watering, rainwater is enough to quench its thirst, while in summer it will be wet every 10-15 days.

Christmas cactus

Returning to succulents for apartments, we find the Schlumbergera, known above all as the Christmas Cactus. It belongs to the Schlumbergera family and comes from Brazil. It owes its best known name to the fact that it blooms during the Christmas holidays. Despite being the same species, Schlumbergera is very different from traditional cacti. In fact, there are no needles or thorns and its flowers bloom on the tops of the various stems: their colors range from red to lilac and pink. It is very particular for its falling leaves, which make it perfect to be placed in a tall or "suspended" vase.

Like other succulents, the Christmas Cactus also does not need great care. It should not be exposed directly to the sun's rays and needs mild temperatures all year round. It should not be wet in winter, while it requires more water in warm seasons, where it can also be moved outside, onto a balcony or terrace. Finally, a curiosity: it has been noted how the Schlumbergera purifies the air, reducing pollution in the environments that surround it.

Euphorbia Milli

With the name of Euphorbia s "they mean several varieties of outdoor succulents, some very different from each other. One of the most popular is the Euphorbia Mili, originally from southern Africa. It does not resemble" traditional "succulents or even its own. "sisters" that grow mainly in height. It is a very decorative shrub, without thorns and with pretty yellow, pink or red flowers. It normally blooms during the summer, but, if cared for properly, can stay all over the place. "year.

Even the Euphorbia Mili does not require much care. It only takes a few waterings, always considering to give it water only when the soil is completely dry. Clay pots to be placed in bright corners of the house are preferable. It is a perfect floral variety for decorating any environment with class and a touch of color.