The succulent species from these genera are popular houseplants in Singapore, for being attractive, hardy and easy to maintain. However, not all these succulent species are suited to our tropical climate: they originate from varied habitats, and differ greatly in terms of their growth requirements. The more temperate species are unable to tolerate heat, and any attempt to grow them here will fail.

The handful of species featured here can grow in Singapore, although they will rarely flower. This is because our climate lacks temperature changes on a seasonal or daily basis. They can be planted in dish gardens as indoor decoration, and in outdoor gardens of cacti and succulents or even a rooftop garden!

Depending on the species, these succulents should be grown in areas that are exposed to at least six hours of full sun to partial shade. They grow best in free-draining media: an ideal medium would be 50% sifted burnt earth mixed with 50% commercial cactus mix. Most species are easily propagated from stem cuttings.

The plants should be watered only when the top inch layer of the soil has dried up slightly, and fed weekly using half-strength liquid fertiliser or coated, slow-release fertiliser pellets.