Light Requirements:
Indoors
Give cacti and succulents the brightest light or sunniest window that you can provide. Most cacti and succulents are not happy in shady corners or north-facing windows as they need at least four to six hours of strong light daily if they are grown indoors. Plants with inadequate light may stretch (skinny growth).
Outdoors
Some cacti and succulents can tolerate full sun. However, it is important to realize that during the hottest days of summer, when the solar radiation exceeds 11,000 foot candles, all plants would welcome some respite from the harsh afternoon sun. Many cacti and succulents prefer to be positioned in an area that receives morning sun, and is protected from the stronger afternoon rays. Some cacti can even sunburn, as in the case of the spineless or naked cacti, unless given some shade in the hottest part of the day. Reddish discoloration, either in part or on the entire plant, is usually the result of overly strong solar radiation. Remember that most cacti and succulents receive shading from grasses, shrubs or trees in their natural habitat, especially when they are young.
Your cacti and succulents will do nicely on a sunny windowsill or very bright spot indoors. However, for those of us not fortunate enough to have sunny windows and rooms, or mild winter climates where plants can be kept outdoors, there is another alternative. Plants can be grown under artificial light using fluorescent tubes. Don't attempt to use regular bulbs as incandescent light is not the proper light spectrum to maintain plants. For a few plants, use two 40-watt fluorescent tubes, either 24 inches long or 48 inches long, depending on the number of plants. Best is one cool white tube or daylight tube and one warm white tube. This will cover the necessary light spectrum needed for plants.
For handling and transplanting smaller plants, thin rubber gloves can be used to protect the fingers. Tongs that have been wrapped with tape or other material to prevent damage to the plant also work well. Larger plants can be handled with a short section of hose wrapped around the plant, or a sling made from a rolled newspaper can be used.
Temperature Requirements:
In the winter time, keep your cacti and succulents in temperatures above freezing. They will go dormant and manage just fine in night time temperatures of 35° to 40°F.
Your more tropical succulents like Adeniums, Euphorbias, Epiphyllums, Rhipsalis, Stapeliads, and Zygocactus prefer warmer night time temperatures of between 50° and 60°F. However, if you harden them off by watering less in the fall, they will tolerate temperatures in the mid-thirties.
Other less tropical succulents, like many cacti, Sempervivums, Sedums and Agaves can tolerate lower night time temperatures into the mid-twenties (or less) when they have been gradually acclimated to cold weather.
In the summer, protect your cacti and succulents from extreme heat. If temperatures reach over 100°F, be sure to shade your plants and provide air circulation. When it is both humid and hot, it is particularly important to have good air circulation and careful watering to avoid fungus and rot problems.
Water Requirements:
The general "Rule of Thumb" is: "When you water, water well." However, with succulent plants you must be careful to make sure the plant needs water. Feel the weight of the pot when just watered and when it is dry. A totally dry pot weighs considerably less and is one sign of a thirsty plant. Feel the soil at least one inch down and if the soil is dry it is time to water the plant. Let the water thoroughly drain through the roots and out the bottom, making sure the entire pot of soil is saturated. Drain thoroughly; never let plants sit in water. Use a soil mix that drains well and allows some drying out between waterings. Top dressings, such as small pebbles or coarse gravel, offer quicker water penetration, slower water evaporation, elimination of a crust on the top of the soil, and a neat, attractive appearance. When plants are vigorously growing and blooming, they will need more water. During their non-growing or resting stage, usually in cold winter weather, they will need very little water.
Soil
For practically all intents and purposes, any good cactus and succulent mix, prepared and bagged, and available in many nurseries and garden shops can be used for your cacti and succulents. Or, you can use a high quality planter mix or humus. For this, add two parts perlite or pumice and one part washed building sand. Adjust the ratios according to your growing conditions, climate and the plant in question.
Fertilizer
Most succulents and cacti are benefited by the addition of diluted liquid fertilizer added to the water every second or third watering during their growing season. Any standard houseplant fertilizer with balanced amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash (20-20-20) can be used. It is also convenient to use one of the slow release granular fertilizers. To induce bloom and improve flower size, a fertilizer with low nitrogen and high phosphorous content can be used. Always dilute more than the stated instructions advise, as recommended dosage is too strong for these plants. One caution! If your plants are growing too lushly and/or are losing their characteristic shape, this may be the result of over-fertilizing. As a rule, it is safer to under-fertilize than over-fertilize. We do not recommend fertilizing Mesembs or Stapeliads.
Proper proportions of good drainage, generous but infrequent waterings, regular, diluted feedings, good light and fresh air are the basic needs of your succulent plant.
Transplanting Requirements:
Your newly acquired plants are established in their present pots, but their roots systems have not used all of the space in their pots. They should live and grow in these same pots for at least another few months to a year before re-potting will be necessary. When transplanting, choose one pot size larger. Excess soil in too large a pot may cause soil to sour before roots can grow into and utilize it. Gently tap the plant out of its present pot. Gently brush or scrape away some of the old soil around the root ball, taking care not to disturb the center of the root ball or to break roots. Put some soil mix in the new pot and place the plant on top. Gently fill in around the sides; keep the plant at the same level as it was in the old pot. Let the plant stay dry a few days. This precaution will allow any roots that are damaged or broken during the transplanting process to heal and callous over before watering, avoiding rot of broken roots. When watering, let drain thoroughly.
For handling and transplanting smaller plants, thin rubber gloves can be used to protect the fingers. Tongs also work well. Larger plants can be handled with a short section of hose wrapped around the plant, or even a rolled newspaper can be used.
Anacampseros telephiastrum - Variegated
Does not tolerate intense heat or strong, direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Prefers bright, filtered light and temperate climates with ample airflow. Native to South Africa, occurring in much the same areas as the mimicry plants or Mesembranthemaceae. Requires a porous soil that drains quickly. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.
Baby Toes
Prefers a soil with less organic material; extra pumice or perlite provides excellent drainage essential to these type of plants. Requires bright light to prevent "stretching" of the leaves. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Will not tolerate water-logged soils. Somewhat frost tolerant, but protection is advisable to prevent scarring.
Flippin' Flapjacks
To encourage the formation of new young plants at the base, cut the emerging flower stalk before flowering begins. Porous soil with ample airflow. Prefers bright light or filtered sun. Drench completely when soil is dry.Can tolerate heat, and bright light. Protect from frost.
Golden Barrel Cactus
Prefers extra drainage in soil mix, as can be attained with the addition of extra perlite or pumice. Bright light to full sun. Can be grown in a container on a warm, bright patio or in full sun in a garden landscape. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Can tolerate temperatures below freezing for brief periods, but is best to protect from frost to prevent scarring.
Hen & Chicks - Perle Von Nurnberg
very porous soil, which will allow quick drainage. Bright light is required to prevent "stretching" of Echeverias ("stretching" occurs when a moderately fast growing plant such as an Echeveria, is grown in dim light or over-fertilized, which causes overly lush growth that contributes to weak, pallid plants). Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.
Hen & Chicks - Semperviven
Porous soil with adequate drainage. Bright, filtered light for best color. Prefers ample airflow. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.
Indian Corn Cob
Porous soil with adequate drainage. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch during active growing season. Requires bright light for best appearance, and should be given a winter resting period at which time less water should be given. Protect from frost. All Euphorbias contain a white sap that can be irritating to eyes and mucous membranes. If contact is made with this white sap, take care to not touch face or eyes before washing hands with soap and water.
Jade - Mini
An excellent plant for brightly lit areas in the house, patio and in more temperate climes can be planted in the garden or landscape. Porous soil with adequate drainage. Bright light to full sun. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.
Madagascar Palm
Pachypodiums grow in the warm, sunny months and need to be watered thoroughly when dry during the active growing season. In the winter, Pachypodiums naturally lose leaves as this is their dormant (or resting) season. Water should be greatly reduced or withheld at this time. It is essential that the Pachypodium be planted in a very porous with adequate drainage. Can be used as a house plant in a brightly lit area. Pachypodiums can be planted outdoors in frost-free climes, or in areas with light frost provided they are given some protection.
Medicine Plant - Aloe Vera
Excellent for patio plant or in landscapes. Porous soil with adequate drainage. Bright light to full sun. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.
Medicine Plant - Mosaic Aloe
Porous soil with adequate drainage. Bright, filtered light for best color. Prefers ample airflow. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.
Moon Cactus
Excellent subject for windowsill culture. Requires porous cactus soil with adequate drainage. Prefers filtered light or shade with ample airflow. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.
Peanut Cactus - Rose Quartz
Prefers bright light and more temperate climates with good airflow. Becomes dormant in stifling summer heat as the original Chamaecereus is native to mountainous regions of South America. Water thoroughly when soil is dry during active growing season. Protect from frost.
String of Bananas
Trhives in a bright room or with morning sun on a patio in temperate areas. Porous soil with adequate drainage. Bright light with ample airflow. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Less water during winter months. Protect from frost.
String of Pearls
The plant is a superb subject for a hanging basket, and can be in the house in a bright airy room, or outside in a protected patio. Porous soil with adequate drainage. Bright light with ample airflow. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Less water during winter months. Protect from frost.
Spring Planting
