Succulents With Red Flowers: A Feast for the EyesFrequently Asked Questions

Oleh Dr. Billy Rempel June 13, 2023 Post a Comment

Succulents have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their low maintenance and unique appearance. However, not all succulents are created equal - some have stunning red flowers that add a pop of color to any garden or indoor space. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most beautiful succulents with red flowers and how to care for them.

The Beauty of Succulents With Red Flowers

Aloe cameronii: This South African native has bright orange-red flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. Its leaves are a bluish-green hue, making it a striking addition to any succulent collection. To care for Aloe cameronii, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Kalanchoe luciae: Also known as "paddle plant," this succulent has flat, round leaves that turn a deep red color when exposed to sunlight. Its tiny flowers are a bright pinkish-red hue that contrast beautifully with the foliage. Kalanchoe luciae prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.
Echeveria 'Red Velvet': As its name suggests, this succulent has soft, velvety leaves that turn a deep red color in full sun. Its coral-pink flowers appear in late summer and create a stunning contrast against the foliage. Echeveria 'Red Velvet' requires well-draining soil and moderate watering.
Crassula ovata 'Gollum': This quirky succulent has elongated, tubular leaves that are tinted green with red tips. Its small clusters of white flowers bloom in late winter and early spring. Crassula ovata 'Gollum' prefers bright, indirect light and occasional watering.
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop': This succulent has rosettes of dark purple leaves that turn almost black in full sun. Its yellow flowers bloom in winter and early spring. Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' requires well-draining soil, bright light, and occasional watering.

These are just a few examples of the many succulents with red flowers that exist. Each one has its own unique beauty and care requirements. Let's dive deeper into some of these succulents.

Aloe cameronii

Aloe cameronii, also known as "red aloe," is a popular succulent for its stunning orange-red flowers. It is a low-growing plant that can spread up to 2 feet wide. Aloe cameronii prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant but can benefit from occasional watering during the summer months. In the winter, water sparingly to prevent root rot.

The plant produces offsets that can be removed and planted elsewhere to propagate new plants. Aloe cameronii can also be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight. However, it is important not to overwater it in indoor environments.

Kalanchoe luciae

Kalanchoe luciae, also known as "flapjack plant," is a unique succulent that has flat, round leaves that turn a deep red color when exposed to sunlight. Its tiny pinkish-red flowers bloom in late winter and early spring. Kalanchoe luciae prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry.

The plant can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. When propagating through stem cuttings, make sure the cutting is at least 4 inches long and remove any leaves from the bottom 2 inches. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil.

Echeveria 'Red Velvet'

Echeveria 'Red Velvet' is a beautiful succulent that has soft, velvety leaves that turn a deep red color in full sun. Its coral-pink flowers appear in late summer and create a stunning contrast against the foliage. Echeveria 'Red Velvet' requires well-draining soil and moderate watering. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sunlight.

The plant can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. When propagating through leaf cuttings, make sure the leaf is fully intact and remove any excess flesh at the base of the leaf. Allow the leaf to dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil.

Crassula ovata 'Gollum'

Crassula ovata 'Gollum,' also known as "finger jade," is a quirky succulent that has elongated, tubular leaves that are tinted green with red tips. Its small clusters of white flowers bloom in late winter and early spring. Crassula ovata 'Gollum' prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry.

Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'

Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' is a striking succulent that has rosettes of dark purple leaves that turn almost black in full sun. Its yellow flowers bloom in winter and early spring. Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' requires well-draining soil, bright light, and occasional watering.

Succulents with red flowers are a feast for the eyes and a unique addition to any indoor or outdoor space. Their vibrant colors and low-maintenance nature make them an ideal choice for novice gardeners or those looking to add some color to their collection. Remember to provide them with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil, and only water them sparingly to prevent root rot.

1. What is the best soil for succulents with red flowers?

Succulents with red flowers require well-draining soil that allows excess water to flow out easily. A mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss can create a suitable growing medium for these plants.

2. How often should I water succulents with red flowers?

Succulents with red flowers are drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. This can range from once a week to once every two weeks depending on the environment and climate.

3. Can succulents with red flowers be grown indoors?

Yes, succulents with red flowers can be grown indoors as long as they receive plenty of sunlight. However, it is important not to overwater them in indoor environments.

4. How do I propagate succulents with red flowers?

Most succulents with red flowers can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. Make sure the cutting is dry and calloused before planting it in well-draining soil.

5. What pests should I look out for with succulents with red flowers?

Common pests that can affect succulents include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of infestation and treat them promptly to prevent damage.

6. How much sunlight do succulents with red flowers need?

Succulents with red flowers prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sunlight. Make sure they are not exposed to intense sunlight for extended periods of time, as this can damage their leaves and flowers.

7. How big do succulents with red flowers grow?

The size of succulents with red flowers can vary depending on the species. Some, like Aloe cameronii, can spread up to 2 feet wide, while others, like Echeveria 'Red Velvet,' remain relatively small.

8. Do succulents with red flowers require fertilizer?

Succulents with red flowers do not require frequent fertilization. However, a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied once every few months during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

9. Can succulents with red flowers survive the winter?

Most succulents with red flowers are hardy and can survive mild winters. However, it is important to protect them from frost and freezing temperatures, as this can damage their leaves and flowers.

10. Are succulents with red flowers poisonous to pets?

Some succulents with red flowers, like Aloe vera, can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. It is important to keep these plants out of reach of pets and monitor them closely if they are exposed to them.