semisucculent

Semisucculent is a term used in horticulture to describe plants that display some succulent traits—such as fleshy leaves or stems or a modest capacity for water storage—but do not meet the criteria used for true succulents. The usage is informal and non-taxonomic, varying among gardeners, catalog authors, and plant enthusiasts.

Characteristics of semisucculents often include mild to moderate leaf or stem enlargement, some drought tolerance, and a tendency to remain relatively compact. They may tolerate periods without rain better than typical ornamentals, but they generally do not possess the thick, highly specialized tissues seen in true succulents. The exact appearance and behavior can vary widely, with some species showing only slightly fleshy tissues or seasonal changes in turgor.

Cultivation and care for semisucculents usually involve well-draining soil and a light to moderate watering regime. They are commonly grown in full sun to partial shade, but extreme heat or prolonged frost tolerance can differ by species. Overwatering should be avoided, and a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer is often sufficient. Semisucculents are typically more forgiving than strict succulents and can be suitable for containers as well as mixed borders, provided their specific light and moisture needs are respected.

Taxonomy and usage: Semisucculent is not a formal plant group; it serves as a descriptive category in gardening and plant catalogs to indicate intermediate morphology between non-succulent ornamentals and true succulents. It can apply to a range of perennials, annuals, and some shrubs with fleshy or water-storing features, but not to any single, defined lineage. See also: Succulent, Drought tolerance, Plant morphology, Horticulture terminology.