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Succulents and cacti are the hoarders of the plant world. They engorge their leaves and/or stems with water and other nutrients which they slowly ration until rain returns. Many may have a "fuzzy" feel, this is yet another water saving adaptation. Plants have to release water during transpiration and morning dew may form as well. The plant uses its fuzziness to trap the water for future use. A cactus has taken its water-saving methods to the point of moving its chlorophyll to the stem and reducing its leaves to defensive weapons (weapons against animals that may eat it). Other plants have made other alterations with equally peculiar results.

Some of the strangest and most beautiful plants are succulents. Their stubborn refusal to die of thirst, usual love of full or partial sunlight, and ability to make use of poor quality soil makes for an easy plant for the novice or forgetful plant owner. The only drawback is such plants die quickly when cared for too much.