Finding “plants that look like succulents but aren’t” is searching on Google without the right answer. To answer this, let’s review some facts about succulents:
➡ Hence, Succulents don’t belong to a monophyletic group but due to living in similar environments (drought conditions) have a similar appearance, they have fresh thick leaves, stems or roots to store water.
So, in botanic science, the plants with fresh thick leaves, stems or roots are succulents and these similar appearances are because they have evolved to store water. Hence, it isn’t logical for plants that look like succulents but aren’t. Why the mother of nature must be paid energy to produce thick leaves or stems without requirements for water storage? Everything in nature must have a Logical reason to survive.
However, in horticulture, gardeners separate cacti from succulents. Although in Phytology cacti belong to the monophyletic genus Cactus and consider a type of succulents, gardeners put them in different groups.
💡 Hence (in horticulture, not Botany) Cacti can be plants that look like succulents but aren’t.
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.