Succulents do not represent a specific family of plants. Rather, succulent species are represented in numerous families and genera. Do you want to know without a doubt which succulent it is? Then use our tips for practical identification.
How can I correctly identify succulents?
To identify succulents, you can browse image collections on the Internet, use specialist books with identification keys or seek the help of professionals. Visit exhibitions or contact specialist providers for additional assistance.
Determine by pictures – easy but time-consuming
Since succulent species can be found in a variety of plant families or they consist exclusively of this easy-care type, precise identification without background botanical knowledge is a difficult undertaking. For non-scientists, the Internet offers a selection of image collections so that identification can be made optical features is possible. This method is very easy, but takes a lot of time. In the worst case, several thousand photos have to be looked through before a hit is achieved.
Identifying succulents with books – a literature list
If you consult specialist literature, the time required to identify succulents will be significantly reduced. Most books contain simple identification keys to make your search easier. The following literature list introduces you to well-known specialist books:
- Succulents, with 600 color photos. Author: Urs Eggli, ISBN 978-3800153961
- The great nature guide: cacti and other popular succulents: ISBN 978-3704313027
- Cacti and succulents. A practical manual. The most important types and their care. Author Michael Januschkowetz ISBN 978-3494016009
- World of cacti and other succulents, authors Jan Riha and Rudolf Sublik, ISBN/EAN: 3816600085
- 500 hardy succulents, authors Martin Haberer and Hans Graf, ISBN 978-3800154876
An indispensable standard work for identifying succulents was written by Urs Eggli and was published by Ulmer Verlag. The Great Succulent Lexicon deals with succulent plants in detail in several volumes. The following 4 volumes have been published so far: Monocotyledonous Plants (Volume 1), Dicotyledonous Plants (Volume 2), Crassulaceae (Thickleaf Plants) (Volume 4). Volume 3, en titled Asclepiadaceae (milkweed family), comes from the authors Focke Albers and Ulli Meve.
Consult a specialist – this is how it works cost-effectively
Identifying by pictures takes time and purchasing specialist literature can put a strain on your wallet. If both options do not suit you, consult a professional. Various specialist cactus and succulent suppliers offer identification as an affordable service. For example, you can send a photo to the specialist retailer Kakteen-Haage by email. For a small fee of 1.50 euros, the expert will tell you the name.
Furthermore, exhibitions and lectures on the subject of succulents take place throughout the year. These are often combined with a consultation hour. If you bring photos or the plant with you, the experts will be available to give you advice and assistance for little money or even free of charge.
Tip
Do you want to experience one of the world's largest succulent collections live? Then combine your next vacation in Switzerland with a visit to Zurich. Here at Mythenquai 88 you will encounter a fascinating collection of more than 6,500 species from almost 100 families. The exhibition is open every day. Admission is free.
