Mehikasveja

Mehikasveja is the Finnish term for succulent plants, a broad group of species that store water in fleshy tissues. The term reflects their juicy, water-rich tissues. These plants are not a single taxonomic group but span many families, including Crassulaceae, Aizoaceae, Cactaceae, and Asparagaceae, as well as genera such as Aloe, Echeveria, Sedum, Haworthia, and Lithops. The common feature is adaptation to arid or seasonally dry environments, often involving reduced leaf area, protective cuticles, or CAM photosynthesis.

Mehikasveja occur worldwide, especially in deserts and semi-arid areas, and many have become popular ornamental plants due to their varied shapes, colors, and low water needs. They typically require bright light and well-draining soil. In cultivation, they are watered sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings; overwatering is a common cause of root rot. They generally prefer warm temperatures, though some tolerate cool winters, and many dormancy periods correspond to dry seasons.

Propagation is commonly achieved by leaf or stem cuttings, offsets, or seeds, depending on the species. Mehikasveja are widely sold in nurseries and used in indoor displays, rock gardens, and drought-tolerant landscaping. Conservation status varies by species, with some threatened by habitat loss or overcollection.