The Secret Lives of Succulents
By J. Blue Spicer
Succulents are more than cacti. From agave to aloe, succulents have a wide range of appearances and uses. The main trait of these plants is their ability to store water. It causes the plants to have parts, such as leaves or stems, which are more fleshy and thick. These allow succulents to survive in arid and hot areas, where rainfall is low and temperatures drastically rise and fall.
Many people enjoy the look and low maintenance required to take care of succulents. They're quickly becoming a favorite among people afraid of caring for more fickle plants. However, just because they do well with little water does not mean that they can thrive without regular care. Succulents require special soil and should be properly watered at least once a week. They also need plenty of sunlight, but prefer indirect sunlight and milder temperatures. This will allow them to grow properly and provide your home with color.
Passage 2
Tasty Succulents
By J. Blue Spicer
With its prickly foliage and menacing appearance, cactus seems less than appetizing. However, cactus and other succulents make for tasty dishes with little to no preparation necessary.
Cactus leaves, also known as nopales, are used in many traditional Mexican and Southwestern dishes. It may take some time to clean the leaves of thorns. Use cold water and wear plastic gloves, and carefully shave the leaves until all the thorns are gone. Cooking is as simple as boiling or frying the leaves. Other succulents require no cooking and can be great chopped up in salads or as a side dish to your favorite protein. Varieties such as purslane and agretti are commonly viewed as weeds in some parts of the world, but in others they are considered delicacies and served raw. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids and natural saltiness.
Though some succulents require more care and preparation than others, they can become an important part of your meals.
3
Select ALL the correct answers.
Which two sentences express central ideas shared by both passages?
Succulents are finicky and rare plants.
Handling succulent plants isn't very difficult to do.
Succulents are weeds that should be pulled immediately.
Succulents are common and can be used in various ways.
The best parts of of succulents are the fleshy leaves and stems.
1 answer
The two sentences that express central ideas shared by both passages are:
