You may have heard the buzz: That new artificial intelligence "ChatGPT" can supposedly ace the bar exam, is answering questions from the Prime Minister in parliament, and hit 100 million active users in just two months—faster than any service in history. Some claim it can solve even the trickiest questions and problems in no time, or even warn of the dawning of a dangerous AI that could one day wipe out humanity. But let’s take a breath—this is the Succulent Plant Encyclopedia.

So let's hear what the brilliant ChatGPT has to say about succulent plants!

(All illustrations in this article were created by the image-generating AI "midjourney")




# What is ChatGPT?

!ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence developed by OpenAI, designed to understand human language. By processing vast amounts of text, it can understand the meaning of sentences much the way humans do.
The greatest strength of ChatGPT is its incredibly high accuracy in language understanding and its expressive capabilities that are almost human-like. Plus, because it learns from a huge amount of data, it’s flexible enough to handle new words and expressions. Compared to earlier similar services, it produces even more natural responses.
Best of all, you don’t need any technical know-how to use ChatGPT. With ChatGPT, you can have the AI write natural-sounding text and even carry on conversations! Why not give its amazing expression skills a try?

!

By the way, this very description was written by ChatGPT itself. Pretty impressive, right?

# How to Use ChatGPT

If you want to try chatting with ChatGPT, there are three main ways. I’ll explain briefly, but for more details, just Google it—or better yet, ask ChatGPT itself (lol).

## Open the OpenAI Website (GPT3.5)

All you need to do is visit the ChatGPT test site provided by OpenAI. You’ll need to register, but with a Google account it should be quick. Sometimes it gets crowded and hard to access due to the huge number of users.

## Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (GPT4)

!GPT4

On the same OpenAI site, choose "Upgrade to PLUS" and subscribe to the 2,000 yen/month paid plan to chat with the latest model, GPT4. Its conversational accuracy is higher, and it almost never "lies as easily as it breathes" anymore.

The downside: sometimes the site is so overloaded that you can barely join the paid plan.

## bing Chat (GPT4 + Bing Search)

!bing Chat

Recently, Microsoft’s Bing search site added a chat feature, which made news since it’s based on ChatGPT4. The key difference from OpenAI’s version is that before generating an answer, it actually searches the web to check for the latest information, then responds. This gives it an edge with up-to-date topics, but more than anything, all the sources are linked for you—so it’s easy to check what’s true, making it a highly reliable and practical service.

It’s the easiest to use: Just visit the Bing site, click "Chat," and follow the guidance. On Windows, use the Edge browser; for smartphones, install the Bing app.

So, from here on, let’s ask these various ChatGPT AIs about succulents!

# Succulent Varieties Perfect for Beginners

!1[succulents for begginers(illustrated by midjourney)](10706876)

Let’s start with the classic question!

What are some easy-to-grow succulent varieties you’d recommend for beginners?

Succulent plants are popular for their beauty and are easy for beginners to grow. All you need to care for them is sunlight, water, and proper soil. Make sure to choose a spot with plenty of sunlight. Recommended easy-to-grow succulents include Sedum, Echeveria, Haworthia, caudiciforms ("caudex" plants), Crassula, and Aloe. These succulents are known for being easy to care for and for having striking colors and unique shapes. If you’re just starting out, try these varieties and learn as you go!

For beginners, the best and easiest succulents to care for are Echeveria, Kalanchoe, Sedum, and Graptopetalum. Echeveria features a lovely rosette of rounded leaves and comes in lots of colorful, easy-care varieties. Kalanchoe is famous for its tiny flowers, with Kalanchoe blossfeldiana especially well known for beginners. Sedum comes in a wide variety, from ground-covering to upright types, and is super hardy and low-maintenance. Graptopetalum is sturdy, simple to grow, and has quirky, attractive foliage. All these succulents love sunlight and don’t need much water, making them perfect for newbies!

I really have no idea what "Kalanchoe blossfeldiana" is supposed to be (more on that later), but in terms of content and structure, GPT4 is way ahead! (GPT3, on the other hand, gave basic info that was only about 30% answering the question…) The comment "many with unusual leaves" might refer to Crassula, not Graptopetalum.

Some easy-care succulents for beginners include Echeveria, Sempervivum, and Sedum. These are the types you’re least likely to fail with. Echeveria was the driving force behind the succulent boom and is one of the most representative types. Its floral rosette shape and adaptability to indoor growing make it highly recommended for beginners.

Oops! Actually, Echeveria is NOT so easy to grow indoors. Still, Bing appeals by clearly linking its sources—and sure enough, if you click the link, the original site says exactly that. Well, if even a specialist site has it written there, what can you do? (Not saying which one, though!)

Now, let’s get even more specific.

Among the Echeveria, can you recommend three to five especially good varieties for beginners?

Some recommended Echeveria varieties are Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg, Echeveria agavoides, Echeveria derenbergii, and Echeveria laui. Perle von Nurnberg features brilliantly pink-edged leaves and is easy for beginners. Agavoides has large, impressive rosettes and turns even prettier when it "blushes" with color in the cold. Derenbergii stands out for its wavy leaf edges, which make it visually appealing. Laui is famous for its powdery, ghostly white appearance, and it’s extremely popular. These varieties all let beginners experience the full charm of Echeveria!

@エケベリア アガボイデス
@エケベリア ラウイ

Those katakana names are a bit off because it seems the model thinks in English first, then gets tripped up on the Japanese name localization. If you ask it to answer in English, it gets the varietal names right: Perle von Nurnberg for "ペロニ" and derenbergii for "デルビガータ".

A few details might be off, but as a set of four beginner-friendly recommendations, not bad. Although, agavoides is somewhat prone to rot for beginners, and laui is on the expensive side.

=(29)

For reference, here’s my own shortlist! Too eccentric? No, these are time-tested favorites.

# Surely It Knows How to Grow Them?

!1[investigating Echeveria(illustrated by midjourney)](10707310)

How do you grow Echeveria?

Echeveria is a tough, low-maintenance succulent, perfect for beginners. Here’s how to grow it: First, place it somewhere bright—ideally in sunlight, but watch for harsh direct sun. Water thoroughly only when the soil is dry, and wait until the soil dries out again before the next watering. Avoid waterlogging, and make sure no water pools at the bottom of the pot. Aim for temperatures above 15°C, and watch out for frost in winter. During spring and summer, give special succulent fertilizer every 2-3 months. Echeveria is generally pest- and disease-resistant but watch for rot if overwatered, as well as occasional pests. By following these steps, you’ll have beautiful Echeveria to enjoy!

I actually think you don’t need to avoid direct sunlight that much.

Echeveria likes plenty of sun but should be shielded from intense summer sunlight. Grow it in a sunny spot throughout the year. Good airflow is also important. You can keep it indoors or outside, but if you live where winters are harsh, bring it indoors. In milder climates, Echeveria is cold-hardy down to 0–3°C, so it can stay outside even in winter. However, if outdoor temps stay below 5°C, best to move it in. Watering differs between growth periods (spring and fall) and the rest of the year. In April–June and September–October, water when the soil is dry. Don’t get water on the leaves—pour gently at the base. Otherwise, growth slows and roots can’t absorb much, so keep things dry.

Exactly—avoid harsh sun in summer. Bing is almost perfect here. The bit about leaves wilting if watered seems off, but again, that’s straight from their referenced website…

# Will It Solve My Succulent Troubles?

!1[succulents trouble shooting(illustrated by midjourney)](10706893)

Honestly, the most helpful info is what to do when things go wrong. Help me, ChatGPT!

My Echeveria is looking unwell. What should I do?

If your Echeveria seems weak, first review your watering habits. These succulents prefer dry conditions, so let the soil dry out fully before watering thoroughly. Next, check for lack of sunlight. Echeveria likes a bright, partially sunny to slightly shaded spot. Use breathable, well-drained soil. Echeveria is sensitive to cold, so protect it from winter chills. And finally, check for pests or diseases. If needed, take action. With this care, your Echeveria should perk up again!

If your Echeveria looks poorly, the issue is likely pests or root rot. The most common pests suck nutrients from stems and leaves, like scale insects. You can use dedicated sprays for the larvae, but adult scale insects are tough due to their shells. Too much water weakens roots and leaves can droop. If you water a poorly-lit Echeveria heavily, it can get leggy fast! With root rot, prune the roots and repot in fresh soil.

Sorry for the trick question. Even pros struggle to answer "my plant isn’t healthy"—the smart thing would be to ask for more specifics. (The AI still can’t really do that on its own… yet!)

My Echeveria’s leaves look jelly-like and transparent. It’s in a crowded arrangement and got rained on all June. What’s the fix?

When Echeveria leaves turn jellylike and transparent, the cause is usually root rot or excessive moisture. Start by removing the damaged parts and repotting with well-draining, breathable soil. Avoid crowded plantings—give each its own pot for easier management. Make sure to let the soil dry completely before the next watering, and move the plants indoors during rainy seasons. Keep them in bright light too. With these steps, things should improve—but if not, keep a close eye out, as recovery isn’t always possible.

This is a very solid, specific answer for a concrete situation. If anything’s missing, it’s the word "air flow," which is truly essential.

=(63)

It’s basically a neat summary of what I wrote in my own column about jelly leaf prevention. Wait—does this mean… my own column isn’t needed anymore?

# So... What Does "Jisshō" (Seed-grown) Mean?

This is just what I wrote about last week, so I asked AI about it straight!

=(100)

When I bought a succulent, the tag said "実生" (seed-grown). What does that mean? Does it mean it’s better or more expensive?

The word "jisshō" describes a propagation method—plants grown from seed. For succulents, this means the plant was raised from seed, and doesn’t have identical genes to the parent. Each seed-grown succulent can show differences in shape, color, or pattern.

Other succulents are propagated by division, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings, so they’re clones, genetically identical to the parent, and they tend to look quite similar.

Seed-grown succulents aren’t necessarily "better," but their individuality and uniqueness can be appealing to some. Pricing depends on species, popularity, rarity, etc—so either type may cost more, but unique seed-grown specimens can be especially valued.

Wow! Perfect explanation. This is exactly what I wanted to convey in my article… Is my column even necessary anymore?

Summarize in 140 characters or less.

"Seed-grown" succulents are grown from seed, so shapes and colors may differ. There’s no absolute advantage; pricing depends on the species and popularity.

I’m copying this straight to Twitter!

# PUKUBOOK COLUMN—Endangered Species?

Yikes. AI is terrifying. Not long ago, I was watching illustrators worry about image-generation AIs, but web writers like me are getting outpaced even faster, and maybe we’re already an endangered species waiting for extinction.

Maybe we don’t even need succulent columns—or the PUKUBOOK Succulent Encyclopedia website—at all anymore… Right, ChatGPT?

What do you think of PUKUBOOK, the succulent encyclopedia website?

PUKUBOOK is one of Japan’s leading succulent encyclopedia websites. It offers a wealth of information on succulent varieties, care, and cultivation. You’ll also find plenty of succulent photos for visual reference.

Generally, PUKUBOOK is highly rated among succulent enthusiasts. It’s packed with information and has an easy-to-navigate design, making it valuable for both beginners and experts alike. What’s more, its search features and active community with user-submitted photos and comments make it a lively hub for sharing succulent info and experiences.

Oh—thank you! (tears) If the site is really held in such high regard, I’ll keep it running rather than shutting it down! (For the record, there’s currently no user submission or community feature—maybe ChatGPT is hinting I should build one!)

# In Summary

=(73)

Not long ago, I wrote about "Midjourney" for images, but in just six short months, the sample illustrations in that article look totally outdated compared to what Midjourney can do now (but I’m leaving that article up on purpose).

!Here’s what the old cover illustration would look like rewritten with the newest version

That’s how incredibly fast AI is evolving. You can nitpick ChatGPT’s answers, but in the end, it’s pretty much a "futile resistance". It’s inevitable that illustrators, writers, and programmers alike will lose some jobs to AIs. But on the flip side, that frees up time to do new things, and now even hobbyists like me can create incredible art and articles. Who knows what kind of exciting future awaits next? I honestly can’t wait to find out.