Rosette is a word to characterize the shape of a succulent and how it grows. This type of succ will have leaves that radiate from a center stalk either at ground level or close to ground level.
The plant world uses the term “rosette” because the pattern formed by the leaves resembles how rose petals grow. Even outside of the succulent world many plants grow in rosette forms, like perennials, ferns, and even some garden vegetables (think lettuce and bok choy).
Rosette Succulents
Typically when a succulent grows in a rosette pattern, that bb will keep that shape for its whole life. It helps each little leaf get the maximum amount of sunshine while also capturing water and directing it to the plant’s roots.
Rosette succulents are typically found in drier regions and their thick leaves are key in helping the plant maintain moisture. Aloe and agave are great examples of rosette succulents! They both grow in warmer regions, with a USDA hardiness zone of 8 or above. If you live in an area with lower temperatures but love rosette succs, hens and chicks could be a great match!
Caring for Rosette Succulents
Typically a rosette bb likes extra exposure to sunlight, at least half a day to a full day of sunlight. Picking the right spot in your space will be important with this succ, or you can end up with a leggy succulent – AKA etiolated.
To keep rosette succulents happy, or any succ for that matter, make sure you are using cactus soil. You can easily buy some soil from your local gardening center or make your own (it is super easy)!
Don’t forget to make sure your pot has a drainage hole, but if you love a pot we totally get it. Check out this blog for some tips on watering succs in pots without drainage holes. In between watering your bb allow the soil to completely dry, succulents are drought-tolerant plants.
Most Popular Rosette Succulents
WIthin the rosette variety, there are so many types of succs, like haworthia. crassula, echeveria, and sedeveria. Each has different qualities that make them unique!
A few popular succulents from the haworthia family include the marasisii, an opaque dark green succ with tiny spines running along the leaves, and the lockwoodii, a bb that goes dormant in the summer and turns papery dry to protect itself from the summer sun and heat.
In the crassula family, many people love the barbata! It is a fuzzy bb with a big green rose-looking head and is covered in tiny hair.
In the sedeveria clan we have the starburst, a plant that grows tons of star-like foliage in blue, green, and yellow. Another fan favorite is the jet beads, a beautiful deep burgundy plant, almost black with a hint of green at the base and grows in a loose rosette.
Remember to always check your specific succulent’s care instructions for exact details on their needs! Happy Growing!
