Korean succulents have been gaining popularity among plant enthusiasts, collectors, and gardeners. These unique and captivating plants, native to the diverse landscapes of Korea, offer a stunning array of colors, textures, and forms.
This article will delve into the fascinating world of Korean succulents, exploring their origins, distinctive characteristics, and the reasons behind their growing appeal.
Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the enchanting beauty and charm of this remarkable Asian flora.
What are Korean succulents?
Korean succulents are a diverse group of plants originating from the Korean Peninsula that have adapted to survive in various environments. These plants store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to thrive in arid and semi-arid conditions.
Their unique characteristics and striking appearances have made them popular with plant collectors and gardeners. This section will explore three captivating Korean succulent varieties: Graptosedum ‘Alpenglow,’ Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras,’ and Pachyveria Avant Grade.
Graptosedum ‘Alpenglow’
Graptosedum ‘Alpenglow,’ also known as ‘Vera Higgins,’ is a hybrid succulent cross between Graptopetalum paraguayense and Sedum adolphii.
This stunning plant is known for its vibrant, rosette-shaped foliage that transitions from green to a deep, reddish-pink hue when exposed to sunlight.
The leaves are fleshy and thick and have a powdery coating called flour, which helps protect the plant from sunburn.
‘Alpenglow’ is a low-growing, spreading succulent, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, rock gardens, or container arrangements. It is also an easy-to-grow plant requiring minimal care, making it a favorite among beginners and experienced gardeners.
Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’
Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’ is a stunning hybrid succulent with a beautiful array of colors in its rosette-shaped leaves.
The plant boasts a striking combination of deep burgundy, vibrant green, and bright yellow hues, giving it a festive, eye-catching appearance.
This succulent can grow up to 12 inches tall and prefers well-draining soil.
Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’ is a sun-loving plant that requires at least six hours of sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant colors. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in containers or garden beds. This unique Korean succulent is perfect for adding color to your garden or home.
Pachyveria Avant Grade
Pachyveria Avant Grade is a hybrid succulent cross between Pachyphytum and Echeveria. This plant is characterized by its large, plump leaves that form a compact, symmetrical rosette.
The leaves are a stunning blue-green shade, with a powdery coating that gives them a frosted appearance.
Pachyveria Avant Grade is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors.
This Korean succulent is an excellent choice for container gardening or as an accent plant in rock gardens.
Echeveria agavoides ‘Orange Ebony’
Echeveria agavoides ‘Orange Ebony’ is a unique and highly sought-after cultivar of Echeveria agavoides. This captivating succulent is characterized by its rosette-shaped foliage, which features pointed, triangular leaves resembling an agave plant.
The leaves boast a stunning combination of colors, with a vibrant green base and bright orange tips that become more pronounced when exposed to sunlight.
‘Orange Ebony’ is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter and prefers well-draining soil. It requires bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors and can be grown in containers or garden beds.
This Korean succulent is an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to your garden or home, and its unique appearance makes it a must-have for succulent collectors.
Echeveria Agavoides
Echeveria agavoides, also known as the ‘Lipstick Echeveria,’ is a popular Korean succulent known for its distinct foliage and striking appearance. This succulent forms a compact rosette of thick, triangular leaves with a pointed tip resembling the agave plant.
The leaves are bright green, with reddish-pink margins that become more pronounced in bright sunlight, giving the plant its ‘Lipstick’ nickname.
Echeveria agavoides can grow up to 12 inches in diameter and prefers well-draining soil. It requires bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors and can be grown in containers or garden beds.
This Korean succulent is an excellent choice for adding unique visual interest to your garden or home, and its low-maintenance requirements make it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
Echeveria Hanatsukiyo
Echeveria Hanatsukiyo is a rare and captivating Korean succulent that collectors highly prize. This beautiful plant features a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that are soft, powdery blue-green.
The leaves have a unique, crinkled texture, giving the plant a distinctive and charming appearance. When exposed to bright sunlight, the leaf tips develop a delicate pink hue, adding to its visual appeal.
Echeveria Hanatsukiyo prefers well-draining soil and requires bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors. It is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter and be grown in containers or garden beds.
This rare Korean succulent is an excellent choice for those looking to add a unique and visually stunning plant to their collection.
Echeveria Glam Pink
Echeveria Glam Pink is a striking Korean succulent known for its vibrant, rosette-shaped foliage. The leaves are a stunning shade of pink, with a powdery coating that gives them a frosted appearance.
The leaf edges are adorned with a delicate, wavy texture, adding elegance to this already glamorous plant.
Echeveria Glam Pink thrives in well-draining soil and requires bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors. It is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter and be grown in containers or garden beds.
This eye-catching Korean succulent is perfect for adding color and sophistication to your garden or home.
Honorable Mention
Agave victoriae-reginae, also known as Queen Victoria Century succulent, is native to Korea and Mexico.
This plant consists of rounded compact rosettes of spear-like green leaves with white outlines. It is a slow grower and reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet in diameter.
Hylotelephium ussuriense, formerly known as Sedum ussuriense, is a succulent plant with thick rootstock and ascending stems that can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height.
What is special about Korean succulents?
Korean succulents are special due to their unique looks and vibrant colors. They are a group of cross-bred species bred and cultivated in Korea, resulting in new and exciting appearances that are both beautiful and reasonably easy to care for.
These hybrids have gained popularity online and are in high demand, particularly in the US and Canada. The succulent Korean manufacturers continuously produce more of these beautiful plants to meet the increasing demand outside the country.
How do you grow Korean succulents?
To grow Korean succulents, you need to consider the following tips:
- Ensure your succulents get enough light, which is essential for their growth and color development.
- Be mindful of the season, as many Korean succulents are dormant in winter and more prone to over-watering. Water them only when the soil is dry, and during winter months, water them once a month or even less often.
- Choose the right soil for your succulents. Queen Victoria Century, for example, thrives in sandy, loamy, or gravelly humus-rich soils.
Remember to visit your garden daily and move the succulents to partial shade to protect them from heat burns. Korean succulents can survive temperatures between 10 to 12°F and are suitable for USDA hardy zones 9a to 11b.
Can you import succulents from Korea?
Yes, you can import succulents from Korea, but there are specific regulations and requirements that you need to follow. The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) regulates the importation of plants and plant products under the authority of the Plant Protection Act.
You must obtain the necessary permits for importing plants, such as the PPQ 525 permit for receiving soil. Any shipment imported through passenger baggage must be surrendered to CBP-AS for movement to a Plant Inspection Station (PIS). All movement costs incurred will be paid by the importer.
It’s essential to research and understands the regulations for importing plants from Korea and ensures compliance with all requirements to avoid any issues during the importation process.
Why are Korean succulents so expensive?
Korean succulents are expensive due to their high demand and unique, vibrant colors. These hybrid succulents are bred and cultivated in Korea, resulting in new and exciting appearances that are beautiful and relatively easy to care for.
The Korean succulent manufacturers continuously produce more of these captivating plants to meet the increasing demand outside the country, particularly in the US and Canada. The rarity and uniqueness of these plants contribute to their higher cost.
How to buy Korean succulents?
To buy Korean succulents, you can follow these steps:
- Research online stores specializing in Korean succulents, such as Ksucculent and Springer Garden.
- Browse their available inventory and select the succulents you want to purchase.
- Ensure you have the necessary import permits for importing succulents from Korea. Apply for an import permit, such as the PPQ 525 permit for receiving soil.
- Place your order and provide the necessary shipping information.
Remember that importing plants may require adherence to specific regulations and requirements, so it’s essential to research and understand the regulations for importing plants from Korea.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Korean succulents are a unique and diverse plant group that has captivated gardeners and collectors worldwide. Their vibrant colors, intriguing shapes, and relative ease of care make them highly sought-after additions to any succulent collection.
While they can be expensive due to their rarity and high demand, the beauty and charm of these plants make them well worth the investment.
By understanding the proper care and importation requirements, enthusiasts can grow and enjoy these stunning Korean succulents in their gardens or homes.
