Question
I have a plant given to me as a housewarming 4 years ago.  It had no label and it seems to have survived more through luck than judgement so far.  It has long thin leaves, around 6" long, which are a dark green and shiny on top, and purplish underneath.  They also feel quite soft and furry underneath.  Can you identify this and give me some idea how best I should look after it.
I also have some leaves from a succulent plant - they had fallen off the parent plant in a garden centre.  I have brought them home, stood them in water and they're starting to root, but I don't know what they are.  The leaves are very full and fat, about 1 - 2" long and have a "crimped" appearance along the top edge, like the edge of a ravioli!  Again, do you know what this is and how best should I look after it - when should I pot them up if they continue to root and how big are they likely to grow?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Alyson,

I can think of a couple of plants that are green on top and purple underneath - one is a Philodendron and the other is a Rhoeo spathacea. However, neither is furry underneath. A photo sent to me at wcreed@horticulturalHelp would help here.

There are several succulent species that fit the description you have provided, including Echeveria, Cotyledon, and Euphorbia. Again, a photo would help me make a more definitive identification.

Regards,
Will Creed