Incorporating Succulents into Rooftop Landscaping
In recent years, the weather of Bangladesh has been heavily affected by climate change. Summer now seems to stretch from March to November, with crazy heatwaves overtaking our days, and the nights often being cooler—just like it is in a desert. Since there is less rain now than there once used to be, we have to be tactful in our choice of plants used for rooftop landscaping. Due to the insufficiency of space in homes, modern rooftop landscaping ideas combine use of local flora with artful arrangements for the optimal use of your space, be it commercial or residential.
Landscape designers and architects usually try to make use of ferns and other plants that have naturally hanging foliage, alongside others that produce flowers. These are used in combination with astroturf or real grass, depending on which is more feasible and will last longer in the weather, which in our case is subtropical. Succulents of different types are a great alternative to typical plants used in rooftop landscaping as they require very little to no maintenance, and can survive long periods of heat waves–as they are usually adapted to survive in the desert climate.
Indian borage/ Cuban oregano, also known as the plant that produces the spice “ajwain” is a popular choice. It acts like a weed in that if bits of the plant are scattered in damp places, the plant starts growing there. Not only does the plant look pretty, but the leaves also have a great scent, and are edible too. However, even though it is called Cuban oregano, this plant has a much stronger flavour; so it is best to use the leaves in moderation. Another succulent that is gaining popularity is the “hen-and-chicks”, the leaves of which have an unusual rosette-like appearance. This plant also needs indirect sunlight, just like the Indian borage; and grows best in underwatered rather than in overwatered soil.
An underdog in the realm of succulents in the stonecrop, which has numerous sub-classes of plants, each varying moderately or distinctly. Each of these stonecrop or sedum plants could also be used in rooftop landscaping, especially in standing planters. A beautiful hanging plant is the string of pearls, which, as the name suggests, looks quite like a string of pearls-adding to the intrigue of a building. This adds to the beauty of hanging gardens often adopted into the design of modern rooftop landscapes. Coral aloe, regular aloe vera, agave and the common yucca plant are also great options, especially if you really wish to maintain and upkeep your space in a quick & effortless manner.
Most of these plants need soil that is watered once every few days, but some smaller ones can even survive in a pot of soil topped with pebbles. Talk with your landscape designer/ architect to see your dreams carried through. They can tell you whether your choice of plants can fit into the given spaces, and try to see if your ideas can be accommodated to keep the aesthetic view of your rooftop while still maintaining its full functionality.