During 2008 you’ll find a number of new succulent varieties are available. These include ones that are typically grown as houseplants as well as ones for outdoor landscapes. Here are details on some of the new ones.


Desert Rose

Adenium Hot Pink is a new variety of desert rose. This vigorous hybrid produces many shoots, giving the plant a mounded shape. Very floriferous, it has large, funnel-shaped, neon pink blooms that open mostly towards the ends of the shoots. Typically, each individual blossom will last for about five to seven days.

Native to the Middle East and Africa, the desert rose arises from a large, swollen caudex. These plants prefer full sun. They need a slightly richer soil than cacti. When this species enters its rest period, it requires less water. In cold climates, these are grown indoors.


Snake plants

The upright snake plant (Sanseveria cylindrica) is a relatively new variety. This was originally native to Brazil. Depending on the pot size and growing conditions, these native plants can be one to four feet in height. As the name indicates, this has an upright, slender growth habit. The variegated foliage has bands of color in a pleasing mix of cream, white and medium green.

In addition to standard snake plants, you can now buy braided ones. These are very architectural. They’re a great choice for indoor landscapes. For the outdoors, the braided snake plant would make an ideal container plant for shady porches and covered decks where it would lend a whimsical touch.

Jiboia snake plant is an exciting new variety. Under good growing conditions, it can be anywhere from one to four feet in height. When compared with upright varieties, this is more clumping and spreading. The leaves have alternating bands of very deep green interspersed with a lighter green.

In tropical and sub-tropical climates, the snake plants can be grown as outdoor landscape plants. Elsewhere, they’ll need to be brought indoors for the winter.


The Stardust Ice Plant

This hardy variety is a mat-forming, spreading perennial. Stardust ice plant is best noted for its spectacular, purplish-blue blooms. Shaped like daisies, these have white centers. The plants are especially floriferous. The tiny foliage is grayish to green with an ice-like appearance, which explains the common name. The leaves are tightly packed together on the stems.

Give the ice plants full sun and a well-drained soil. Generally, it is very carefree, and requires little attention.