Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’ is an enchanting miniature succulent plant that’s often used as a filler for succulent gardens or as an accent to living wreaths. Fully-matured Tom Thumb will only reach a height of 15cm (6”).

This type of succulent is a hybrid of the Crassula rupestris marnieriana and the Crassula rupestris rupestris both of which are native to South Africa. Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’ is a member of the Crassulaceae family.

Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’ is also called Crassula ‘Klein Duimpje” has cylindrical-shaped stems that grow pairs of fleshy, triangular-shaped leaves on the opposite sides.

The foliage is light green in color that when exposed regularly to sunlight develops reddish-violet spots that add dynamic contrast to the green leaves.

In the springtime, Tom Thumb blossoms with clusters of small, white flowers that grow on its apex and are identified by 5 triangular petals which appear to open up backward.

General Information

Also known as: Tom Thumb or Klein Duimpje.
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: A hybrid of the Crassula rupestris marnieriana and the Crassula rupestris rupestris both of which are native to South Africa.
Height: 15cm (6”)
Exposure: Full to partial sunlight for up to 6 hours whether it’s grown outdoors or indoors.
Water Needs: Soak and dry method is recommended; only water the soil when it’s dry.
Soil Type: Organic, standard potting mix with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand added for improved drainage.
Soil pH: 6.0

How to Grow and Care for Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’

Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’ is an excellent first choice for beginning horticulturists and succulent hobbyists because it’s very easy to grow and care for.

This is a type of succulent that you don’t have to dote over. As long as Tom Thumb is located in an area that gets enough sunlight and it receives water whenever the soil has dried out, it will thrive.

It’s important to note that Crassula is not resilient to temperatures that drop below -1.1° C (30° F). If your region gets colder than this, it would be best to grow Tom Thumb in a pot that can be relocated inside your home.

Sunlight

Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’ does well in full or partial sunlight. It’s important to only expose your succulent to the rays of the morning or late afternoon sun. Look for a location in the garden where Crassula can get full to partial exposure up to 6 hours.

If you decide to move your plant indoors, place the pot near a window that gets up to 6 hours of partial sunlight every day.

You might want to consider buying a Grow Light if your area doesn’t consistently get a good amount of sunlight.

Watering

With Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’, you don’t have to worry about missing a watering schedule by a day or even by a week. Succulents do better with less water. Some varieties can go without water for a month.

To know for sure that it’s time to water Tom Thumb, all you have to do is check the soil’s level of moisture. You can use a Hygrometer to be sure but you can also get a good reading by inserting a stick an inch or two inside the topsoil.

If the stick comes up dry, water the soil until it’s completely soaked through. You’ll know if the soil has received enough water when the drain holes start to leak.

Remove the excess water from the drain tray. Keeping the roots of Crassula immersed in water can be fatal.

Pot and Soil

Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’ is popularly grown in a pot because it enhances the adorableness of the succulent. Yes, you need a good-looking pot but more importantly, you need a pot that helps release moisture from the soil.

• Choose an unglazed pot that’s made of ceramic or terracotta. Unglazed pots allow excess moisture to escape along their sides.

• Make sure the pot has drain holes at the bottom. A better choice is one that has drain holes and a mesh net cover to keep excess soil from coming out.

The ideal soil for Tom Thumb is one that’s well-draining such as organic standard potting mix with added ingredients like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.

How to Propagate Crassula ‘Tom Thumb’

One reason why succulent growers love Tom Thumb is that it’s easy to propagate and the plant grows fast.

Method 1 – Offsets

Step 1: Pull out the offsets that are growing near the base of the plant. You can also cut them off with a sterilized pair of gardening scissors.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to dry out and develop calluses. This process might take 2 to 3 days.

Step 3: Plant the offsets in well-draining soil and keep it lightly moist until the roots have formed.

Step 4: Once the roots have firmed up, water the soil only when it’s completely dry.

Method 2 – Leaves

Step 1: Perform a “twist and pull” on a healthy leaf from a stem closest to the main plant. Make sure that no part of the leaf is left on the stem to ensure a successful propagation. You can also use a sterilized pair of scissors or a knife.

Step 2: Leave the cuttings in a dry area for up to 3 days so they can develop calluses.

Step 3: Place the cuttings on a pot of organic soil mix and keep it moist until the roots have taken hold.

Step 4: When the roots have taken hold in the soil, follow the soak and dry method and only give water if the soil is 100% dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’ is a very attractive succulent and captivates audiences with its graceful appearance and silvery, somewhat greenish-colored leaves which form elegant rosettes that are soft on the eyes.

With proper care and sun exposure, the tips of the succulent plant’s leaves can develop a reddish color that adds a welcome contrast to the green. A fully grown Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’ only reaches a height of 7.5cm or 3-inches.

From mid-winter to the early spring months, ‘Silver Star’ might surprise you by growing small clusters of white-tipped, pale-pink colored flowers.

Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’ is a hybrid of 2 varieties – Graptopetalum filiferum and Echeveria agavoides lipstick that are both native to Mexico. Silver Star is a member of the Crassulaceae family.

General Information

Also known as: Silver Star.
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Hybrid of Graptopetalum filiferum and Echeveria agavoides lipstick that are both native to Mexico.
Height: 7.5cm (3”)
Exposure: Full to partial sunlight for up to 6 hours.
Water Needs: Soak and dry method is recommended; only water the soil when it’s completely dry.
Soil Type: Well-draining standard potting soil mix with peat, sand, and grit added for better drainage.
Soil pH: 6.0.

How to Grow and Care for Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’

Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’ is popularly displayed in outdoor gardens as its mesmerizing shape and eye-catching color make the succulent plant stand out during the summer. Grown indoors, Silver Star will surely be a conversation starter among guests.

Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’ isn’t a cold-hardy plant. So if the temperature in your region gets colder than -12.2° C (10° F), it would be best to grow the succulent in a pot that can be moved indoors.

Whether you grow the plant outdoors and indoors, you won’t have a hard time taking care of this variety of Graptoveria.

Sunlight

Silver Star needs sunlight and it will do just fine with either full or partial exposure.

The important things to keep in mind when giving this type of succulent sunlight are to locate Graptoveria in a place that gets 6 hours of rays and to make sure these are from the morning or late afternoon sun.

When grown indoors, place the pot near a window that receives 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day. Another option would be to put the plant under a Grow Light.

Watering

Don’t stress out if you forgot to water Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’. Succulents of this variety can survive without water for more than 2 weeks. Before watering the soil, make sure it’s completely dry by inserting your finger or a stick 1-2” into the topsoil.

If you confirm that the soil is bone-dry, give it a thorough soaking. You’ll know that the soil has been properly soaked if water starts to leak from the drain holes.

Always empty the tray under the drain holes. Otherwise, the roots will remain moist.

Expect the watering schedule to be less frequent during the winter months because the soil will stay moist longer.

Pot and Soil

A ceramic or terracotta pot will be the ideal choice for Silver Star because these unglazed types of pot help the soil lose moisture faster. The bottom of the pot must have drain holes to allow excess water to escape.

Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’ will grow best in a standard potting soil mix with added ingredients such as peat, sand, and grit to improve the level of drainage.

How to Propagate Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’

Graptoveria ‘Silver Star’ produces offsets that you can pull out for propagation. You can also add to your collection of Graptoveria by using its leaves.

Method 1 – Offsets

Step 1: Gently pull out the offsets from the main plant or cut them off with a pair of sterilized and sharpened garden shears.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to develop calluses by letting them dry out over 2 to 3 days.

Step 3: Once the offsets have callused over, plant them on a bed of well-draining potting mix for succulents.

Step 4: Lightly water the soil while the roots are still forming.

Step 5: When the roots have taken hold, water the soil once it’s completely dry.

Method 2 – Leaves

Step 1: Choose a healthy leaf from the main plant. You can do a careful “twist and pull” or cut it off with a sterilized and sharpened knife.

Step 2: Place the leaves in a warm area and let them callus for a period of 2 to 3 days.

Step 3: Plant the callused leaves on well-draining potting soil.

Step 4: Water the soil by misting it lightly over the next few days while the roots are still forming.

Step 5: Once the roots have appeared, water the soil only when it’s 100% dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Pachyveria glauca, also known as ‘Little Jewel’ is a hybrid succulent plant that forms compact spiky rosettes of thick, tapered, cylindrical leaves.

The beautiful hues and shape of Pachyveria Glauca give it a striking resemblance to crystal clusters.

The leaves with red-violet tips can have a dusky green-gray or powdery blue-gray hue, depending on the season and light exposure. The leaves are coated with farina, a protective layer that prevents plant dehydration.

The ‘Little Jewel’ reaches a height of 10cm-15cm(4”-6”) and a width of 15cm (6”) upon maturity.

In winter, Pachyveria Glauca produces arched racemes of flowers with melon-colored interior and pink-tinted exterior.

Pachyveria Glauca is a hybrid of Pachyphytum and Echeveria. It is a part of the Pachyveria genus from the Crassulaceae family.

General Information:

Also known as: Little Jewel
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Pachyveria Glauca is a hybrid of Pachyphytum and Echeveria which are both native to Mexico.
Height: 10cm – 15cm (4”- 6”)
Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Water Needs: Drought-resistant; use the ‘Soak and Dry’ watering method
Soil Type: Cactus or Succulent potting mix with mineral grit such as thick sand and fine gravel in a 3:1:1 ratio
Soil pH: 5 to 7

How to Grow Pachyveria Glauca ‘Little Jewel’

Pachyveria Glauca is very easy to grow and care for. This adorable succulent will complement your dish gardens or rock gardens well.

This is not a cold-hardy plant and will die at temperatures below -6.7°C (20°F). Pachyveria Glauca can grow well indoors or outdoors at temperatures between 20°C -35°C (68°F-95°F).

Sunlight

Pachyveria Glauca loves to bask in natural light. If you will plant it in an outdoor garden, choose a location where it can get 5 to 6 hours of indirect morning and late afternoon sun.

Keep it away from direct mid-day sun to prevent sunburn. Indoors, place your container in a south-facing location where it will get plenty of natural light. A sunny window sill is also a perfect area for growing your ‘Little Jewel’.

If you do not have an area inside your house that gets plenty of natural light, get a grow light for your Pachyveria Glauca. Insufficient light will result in etiolation where the leaves stretch out to seek a light source.

Watering

Pachyveria Glauca does not need plenty of water. When it comes to succulents, the preferred watering method is the ‘soak and dry’.

When you water, give the soil a good soak. Allow it to dry out completely before your water again. Before watering, insert a stick into the soil and if it comes out dry you can proceed.

If you allow your Pachyveria Glauca to sit in waterlogged soil for too long, your adorable plant will get sick due to root rot. Make sure to water the soil only and avoid showering or spraying the leaves to prevent leaf rot.

Pachyveria Glauca actively grows during spring and fall so you need to water it every 5-6 days. The watering schedule will be less frequent during summer when it enters its dormant phase.

Pot and Soil

Use a terracotta or ceramic pot for your Pachyveria Glauca to ensure proper soil aeration and moisture evaporation. Get a pot with a drainage hole to prevent water retention.

Plant your ‘Little Jewel’ in a well-draining soil mix. Combine cactus or succulent potting soil with mineral grit such as thick sand and fine gravel in a 3:1:1 ratio.

The soil does not require fertilizer. However, you can feed your plant with a slow-release liquid fertilizer in winter, when it is actively growing.

How to Propagate Pachyveria Glauca ‘Little Jewel’

You can add more ‘Little Jewels’ to your succulents collection by using Leaf Cuttings and Stem Cuttings to propagate.

Method 1 – Leaf Cuttings

Step 1: Choose young and healthy leaves and cut them from the stem using a sterile sharp knife or pruning shears.

Step 2: Place the leaves in a warm area for a few days to allow the cut wounds to seal.

Step 3: When the wounds have been calloused, place the leaves on top of a slightly damp succulent mix.

Step 4: Mist your leaves every 2-3 days until little pups appear.

Step 5: Plant the little shoots in terracotta or ceramic pot filled with succulent or cactus mix combined with grit.

Method 2 – Stem Cuttings

Step 1: Use a sterile sharp knife or shears to cut healthy stems from the mother plant.

Step 2: Leave the stem cuttings in a warm area for a few days and wait for them to be calloused.

Step 3: Plant the calloused stem cuttings in terracotta or ceramic pots filled with cactus or succulent potting mix combined with plenty of gritty materials.

Step 4: Place the pots in a partially shaded area where they can get plenty of natural light. Mist the soil 4 to 5 times a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis is a beloved succulent plant because of its charm, appeal, and adorable appearance. As a miniature succulent, you can say it’s as “cute as a thimble” which explains its nickname of “Thimble Cactus”.

Although Thimble Cactus can adorn an outdoor garden, it’s commonly grown as a houseplant. The cactus might be small in height at only 10cm (4”) at full maturity but it grows in clusters with heads that reach a width of 5cm (2”).

The body of Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis is cylindrical in shape and green in color. An interesting feature of the cacti succulent is that its body is covered by white spines that appear to trap the heads in a net.

During the spring and winter months, you can expect Thimble Cactus to bloom off-white to yellow-colored flowers.

Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis is native to Central Mexico and is a member of the Cactaceae family.

General Information:

Also known as: Thimble Cactus
Plant Family: Cactaceae
Origin: Central Mexico.
Height: 10cm (4”)
Exposure: Full to partial sunlight for up to 6 hours.
Water Needs: Water the soil only when it’s 100% dry and give it a thorough soaking.
Soil Type: Fast-draining cactus mix with added ingredients to improve drainage such as perlite, pumice, gravel, or coarse sand.
Soil pH: 6.1 to 6.5.

How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis

Many horticulturists grow Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis as part of their outdoor rock garden.

It’s also a good idea to grow Thimble Cactus in a pot so you can move it indoors if the temperature in your area falls below -1.1° C (30° F) as this is not a cold-hardy plant.

However you want to grow Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis, you won’t have a hard time taking care of it.

Sunlight

Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis needs the warm rays of the sun to bring out its full beauty.

This type of succulent prefers partial sunlight but it will also thrive under full sunlight. If your location in the garden receives full exposure to sunlight, Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis cannot tolerate more than 4 hours.

As an indoor succulent plant, place Thimble Cactus near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight per day.

Watering

It’s easy to water Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis. Just remember to water the soil only when you have checked it to be 100% dry. If you water the soil while it still has moisture, the roots will be put at risk of rotting.

Insert a stick 1-2” into the topsoil and if its end feels dry, the soil is ready to receive water.

There are 2 things to remember when it comes to watering succulent plants:

• Water the soil; not the plant.
• Give the soil a thorough soaking.

Expect to water the soil less frequently during the winter months as the soil tends to retain moisture longer.

Pot and Soil

Choose a pot that will help the soil go dry faster. It all starts with what the pot is made of. The best type of pot is one that’s either made of terracotta or ceramic as these materials support the evaporation of moisture from the soil.

It’s also important to choose a pot that has drain holes at the bottom. Place a tray under the drain hole to catch the excess water. Always discard the water that has collected on the drain tray.

Thimble Cactus will grow best in a fresh cactus mix because this is a fast-draining type of soil. Add perlite, pumice, coarse sand, or gravel to further improve the level of drainage.

How to Propagate Mammillaria Gracilis Fragilis

If you take care of Thimble Cactus properly it will reciprocate by giving you offsets so you can propagate the species in your home or garden.

Method 1 – Offsets

Step 1: Cut the offsets from the main plant by using a sterilized knife and pair of tongs.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to dry out and develop calluses for 2 to 3 days.

Step 3: Plant the offsets on well-draining cactus soil.

Step 4: Lightly mist the soil until you see the roots come out.

Step 5: Once the roots have firmed up in the soil, only give Thimble Cactus water when the soil has completely dried out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Haworthia Concolor easily wins over the hearts and minds of horticulturists with its pointy, lime green, and fleshy leaves that are adorably accented with white dots.

Also known as Concolor Zebra Plant, this succulent species is native to South Africa and is a member of the Asphodelaceae family.

Concolor Zebra Plant is a small, slow-growing type of succulent. At maturity, this plant only reaches a height of 15cm (6”).

In the summertime, Haworthia Concolor produces small white flowers that appear on the edge of the peduncles and are grouped into clusters.

General Information:

Also known as: Concolor Zebra Plant
Plant Family: Asphodelaceae
Origin: Native to South Africa.
Height: 15cm (6”)
Exposure: Partial sunlight for up to 6 hours.
Water Needs: Typical succulent watering needs which means to water only when the soil is absolutely dry.
Soil Type: Cactus mix with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand for better drainage.
Soil pH: 5.0 to 7.0

How to Grow and Care for Haworthia Concolor

Haworthia Concolor is the ideal succulent plant for beginners to start out with because it’s very easy to grow and care for.

If you’re a busy person, you’ll still have time to care for Concolor Zebra Plant because it won’t require too much of your day.

One thing you have to remember is that this is a type of succulent plant that’s not cold-hardy. It would be best to keep Haworthia in a pot that can be moved inside your home if temperatures drop below -1.1° C (30° F).

Sunlight

Haworthia Concolor grows better with partial sunlight. In your outdoor garden, place the succulent in a location where it can get up to 6 hours of morning or late afternoon sun.

As a houseplant, place the pot near a window that receives 4 to 6 hours of partial sunlight. If this is a problem, buy a Grow Light so that Zebra Plant Haworthia can still get its daily dose of light.

Watering

Haworthia Concolor will thrive with fewer watering schedules. Don’t water the soil unless it’s 100% dry. Depending on the season, you might only have to water this succulent every seven to 10 days.

In the summer months, the soil will dry out faster compared to winter. You should expect to water the soil more during the hot and dry months.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to water the soil and never the plant. The soil should be given a thorough drenching. You’ll know that the soil has had enough water when you see it coming out of the drain holes.

Watering the plant will keep it in a moistened condition much longer than necessary and will put it at risk of developing root rot.

Pot and Soil

Choose a pot that has good drainage qualities. The best material for your pot is either ceramic or terracotta. These types of pot support the proper evaporation of water from the soil.

You must also buy a pot that has adequate drain holes at the bottom to allow excess water to come out of the soil.

Haworthia Concolor can grow in almost every type of soil but show your love by planting it in fresh cactus mix. Include ingredients such as perlite, pumice, and coarse sand to improve its drainage.

How to Propagate Haworthia Concolor

Horticulturists love Haworthia Concolor for one other reason – the succulent makes it easy for you to propagate by gifting you with offsets.

You can also grow Zebra Plant Haworthia from seeds but it will be more difficult.

Method 1 – Offsets

Step 1: Gently pull out the offsets growing at the base of the main plant. You can also cut them off with a sterilized knife.

Step 2: Allow the offsets 2 to 3 days to dry out and develop calluses.

Step 3: Plant the offsets in a cactus mix. Lightly water the soil until the roots take hold.

Step 4: Once the roots are firmly in the soil, give Haworthia Concolor water only when the soil is dry.

Method 2 – Seeds

Step 1: Plant the seeds in a cactus mix.

Step 2: Lightly water the soil.

Step 3: Cover the soil with plastic wrap.

Step 4: Place the pot near a window that receives partial sunlight.

Step 5: When the roots have sprouted, remove the plastic wrap.

Step 6: Water the soil only when it’s completely dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Aloe ‘Doran Black’ is a small-growing Aloe hybrid plant that forms clusters of thick star-shaped rosettes. It reaches a height of 30cm (12”) and a width of 20cm (8”) upon maturity.

It has dark green spear-shaped stiff leaves that are mottled with raised pale green and white tubercles. The margins of the leaves are lined with white spines.

The Aloe hybrid blooms coral or yellow-orange bell-shaped flowers. The flowers adorn small stacks that grow atop the foliage. It can produce flowers all year-round if it is exposed to plenty of bright light and the right temperature range.

Aloe ‘Doran Black’ is a hybrid developed by Dick Wright. It was named after the late nurseryman, Doran Black who owned the popular Black’s House of Cactus in Stanton, California.

Aloe ‘Doran Black’ is part of the Aloe genus from the Asphodelaceae family.

General Information:

Also known as: Doran Black
Plant Family: Asphodelaceae
Origin: Aloe ‘Doran Black’ is a hybrid developed by Dick Wright.
Height: 20cm(8”) to 30cm (12”)
Exposure: Partial to Full Sun
Water Needs: Drought resistant; Use the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
Soil type: Well-draining potting mix specially made for succulents or cacti. It should contain a good amount of gritty materials such as perlite, lava rocks, pumice, chunks of bark, or all four.
Soil pH: 6.5 – 7.5

How to Grow Aloe ‘Doran Black

Aloe ‘Doran Black’ is not a fussy houseplant. For as long as you provide the right growing environment your Aloe hybrid will thrive well. It is very popular among newbie horticulturists because of its easy-to-care-for nature.

Doran Black is not a cold-hardy plant and can only tolerate frost at temperatures of -1.1 ° C (30.02°F) to 10 ° C (50°F).

You can plant Aloe ‘Doran Black’ in your outdoor rock garden or indoor container garden. It grows best in temperatures of 13°C – 27°C (55°F- 80°F).

Sunlight

Aloe ‘Doran Black’ enjoys exposure to direct morning sunlight and filtered light in the afternoon. Outdoors, plant it in an area where it can receive a good mix of sun and shade for 5 to 6 hours.

Indoors, place your pot in a south-facing window where it can get filtered light. If the leaves of your Aloe ‘Doran Black’ starts to thin out and elongate, it means that it is not getting adequate sunlight exposure.

During summer, keep it away from intense light to prevent sunburn.

Watering

Aloe ‘Doran Black’ requires minimal watering. Keep tabs on your watering schedule to prevent root rot caused by overly wet soil.

When watering, thoroughly soak the soil. Avoid showering the leaves with water to prevent leaf rot. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings.

When excess water runs out at the bottom of the pot, leave it for 10 – 15 minutes to allow the soil to absorb as much as possible. Afterward, remove excess water.

During summer and spring, water your plant deeply every two weeks because the water evaporates faster. During fall and winter, water less because the soil will retain moisture much longer.

Pot and Soil

Use a terracotta or ceramic pot because it is made of porous materials that allow proper soil aeration and moisture evaporation. Make sure to get a pot with a drainage hole to allow excess water to flow out.

Use a well-draining potting mix specially made for succulents or cacti. It should contain a good amount of gritty materials such as perlite, lava rocks, pumice, chunks of bark, or all four.

Fertilize your Aloe ‘Doran Black’ sparingly. Feed it with ½ strength liquid fertilizer in summer and spring only.

How to Propagate Aloe ‘Doran Black’

If you want to multiply your Aloe ‘Doran Black’, you may opt to use its Stem cuttings or offsets.

Method 1 – Stem Cuttings

Step 1: Select healthy stems.

Step 2: Cut the stems with a sterile sharp knife or razor.

Step 3: Leave the cuttings in a warm area exposed to indirect light for a few days until the wound has been calloused.

Step 4: Plant your stem cuttings in a terracotta pot filled with a fast-draining potting mix. Do not water the plant for at least 7 days. Place the pot in a warm area that gets plenty of indirect bright light.

Method 2 – Offsets

Step 1: Look for offsets around the base of the mother plant.

Step 2: Cut them off from the mother plant with a sterile sharp knife, razor blade, or pruning shears.

Step 3: Leave the offsets in a warm area exposed to indirect light and allow them to callous over the cuts for a few days.

Step 4: Plant the offsets in terracotta or ceramic pots filled with succulent potting mix with plenty of grit.

Step 5: Place the containers in a sunny location. Do not water the newly-potted offsets for at least a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Opuntia Microdasys Albata is an adorable-looking succulent that has endeared itself to many horticulturists because of its almost comical appearance.

This succulent is a member of the Cactaceae family and its oval-shaped pads that grow in pairs are responsible for its alias, “Bunny Ear Cactus” while the glochids that cover it have given the plant other nicknames “Angel Wing Cactus” and “Polka Dot Cactus”.

The glochids are small clusters of prickles that are closely spaced and can form new segments of the plant. Not particularly durable, the glochids can be detached and go drifting in the wind if the pads get hit by a strong breeze.

A fully-grown Angel Wing Cactus can reach a height of 61cm (24”). In the early summertime, this tantalizing succulent can reward you for properly taking care of it with creamy yellow flowers that appear on the mature segments.

Opuntia Microdasys Albata is native to Northern Mexico but has also been known to grow in the desert sections of Arizona, USA.

General Information:

Also known as: Bunny Ear Cactus, Angel Wing Cactus, Polka Dot Cactus.
Plant Family: Cactaceae
Origin: Northern Mexico
Height: 61cm (24”)
Exposure: Full to partial sun for up to 6 hours.
Water Needs: Water the soil only when it’s 100% dry.
Soil Type: Gritty; Cactus mix or one part potting soil with coarse sand or perlite added for better drainage.
Soil pH: 5.0 to 7.5.

How to Grow and Care for Opuntia Microdasys Albata

Whether as part of your outdoor garden or as an indoor houseplant, Opuntia Microdasys Albata is a type of succulent that’s easy to grow and care for.

Sunlight

As a member of the Cactaceae family, Bunny Ear Cactus prefers locations with direct sunlight. Don’t worry if most of your areas in the garden or indoors provide only partial rays of the sun. It’s all the same for this cactus.

There are 2 important things to keep in mind when giving Angel Wing Cactus sunlight. First, is that it should be exposed for up to 6 hours. Second, morning sunlight or late afternoon sun is best for Opuntia Microdasys Albata as the rays are less harsh.

Inside your home, place the succulent plant near a window that receives 6 hours of partial sunlight. If this isn’t possible, put it under a Grow Light.

Watering

Polka Dot Cactus thrives better with fewer waterings. If you give the succulent more water than it needs, the roots will be at risk of rotting.

Always check the moisture level of the soil. You can use a Hygrometer that measures the level of moisture in the soil or you can simply use a stick.

Insert a stick 1-2” deep into the soil. Pull out the stick and give its end a feel. If the end of the stick feels dry, then you can give the soil water.

When watering Opuntia Microdasys Albata, water the soil, not the plant. Give the soil a thorough soaking or up to the point where water is coming out of the drain holes.

Remove the drain tray and empty it of water before placing it back under the pot. If you don’t remove the excess water, the roots will remain in a moist environment.

Pot and Soil

Choose an unglazed pot for Opuntia Microdasys Albata such as one made of ceramic or terracotta. An unglazed pot will allow moisture to leave the soil faster and dry it out completely.

You must also choose a pot that has drain holes with a mesh net cover at the bottom.

The ideal type of soil for Bunny Ear Cactus is a gritty one such as cactus mix. You can also make your own soil by mixing one part of potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.

How to Propagate Opuntia Microdasys Albata

It’s easy to propagate this type of succulent because Opuntia Microdasys Albata will give you pups or offsets.

Step 1: Gently pull out the offsets from the base of the main plant or cut them off with a sterilized knife.

Step 2: Place the offsets in a dry area for 2 to 3 days so they can develop hard calluses.

Step 3: Plant the callused offsets on well-draining cactus soil. Keep the soil lightly moistened until you see the appearance of roots.

Step 4: Once the roots have taken hold in the soil, follow normal watering guidelines and only water when the soil is completely dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Aloe perfoliata, also known as ‘Mitre Aloe’ is an unusual-looking, hard creeping succulent that spreads out in small clusters of rosettes.

It has spear-shaped fleshy leaves that have soft white teeth on the margins and white bumps on the undersides. Aloe perfoliata grows up to 30.5cm (12”) tall and 61cm (24”) wide.

In its natural environment, Mitre Aloe grows recumbent and branched stems that can reach up to 2m (6ft) long. This succulent does not grow upright but instead sprawls along the grounds or rocks.

Aloe perfoliata that grows exposed to the full sun become adorned with tightly packed bluish leaves, while those plants that have thrived in shaded areas develop green widely spaced leaves.

During summer, Aloe perfoliata blooms red cone-shaped flowers that are attached to stalks which can grow up to 90 cm (35 in) tall.

Mitre Aloe originates from the mountainous areas of the Western Cape, South Africa. It’s part of the Aloe genus from the Asphodelaceae family.

General Information:

Also known as: Mitre Aloe
Plant Family: Asphodelaceae
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Height: 30.5cm (12”)
Exposure: Partial to Full Sun
Water Needs: Drought-resistant; use the ‘soak and dry’ watering method
Soil Type: Well-draining potting soil combined with plenty of gritty materials such as perlite or pumice
Soil pH: 6.5 – 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Aloe Perfoliata

You can easily grow Aloe perfoliata at home as the main feature in your outdoor rock garden or indoor container garden.

Aloes are not cold-hardy and cannot withstand temperatures below 10°C (50°F). They grow best at temperatures of 20°C – 30°C (68°F-86°F). If the temperature in your region plummets below these numbers, it would be better to plant Mitre Aloe is a pot that can be transferred indoors.

Sunlight

Outdoors, Aloe perfoliata grows well in an area exposed to morning full sun and afternoon partial shade and these alien-like succulents need 5 to 6 hours of sunlight.

The leaves will elongate and turn pale when the plant does not get adequate exposure to sunlight. Do not expose Mitre Aloe to the intense light of the afternoon sun as this will lead to sunburn.

As a houseplant, place your container in an area where it can get direct or partial morning sun and late afternoon sun for 5 to 6 hours.

Watering

Aloe perfoliata can withstand long periods without water. Avoid excessive watering because this will lead to root rot and potentially kill your succulent.

Mitre Aloe prefers the ‘soak and dry’ method of watering. Before watering, check the soil’s dryness by inserting your finger or a stick 2 inches deep into the soil.

When your soil has completely dried out, soak it in water. You know that you’ve given the soil a good soaking if water starts coming out of the drain holes. Let the water trickle out a bit more.

Make sure to remove the excess water on the drain tray otherwise the roots will remain in a moist environment. The best time to water is in the morning.

Do not water on the leaves or spray on top of the plant. This will cause water to build up which will result in leaf rot.

The ideal type of water for succulents is rainwater, filtered water, or distilled water. Tap water contains plenty of minerals such as calcium and magnesium that can adversely affect your plant’s health.

In the summer you need to water more often because the soil tends to dry out faster. In contrast, you will worry less about not giving Mitre Aloe during the winter because the soil retains moisture longer.

Pot and Soil

Use a terracotta or ceramic pot because it allows water to evaporate faster than plastic or glass pots. Get a pot with drainage holes to prevent water retention.

Aloe plants rot easily when they sit in water for long periods. Use fast-draining soil to allow excess water to run through.

The ideal soil mix for Aloe perfoliata is well-draining potting soil combined with plenty of gritty materials such as perlite or pumice.

You can add liquid succulent fertilizer to your soil to give your plant an extra growth boost. If planted outdoors, a single feeding in spring is enough to last the year. If potted indoors, feed your Aloe monthly from spring to fall.

How to Propagate Aloe Perfoliata

Aloe Perfoliata is easy to propagate because the succulent gives you pups or offsets. Another way to increase the number of Mitre Aloe in your succulent garden is through the use of stem cuttings.

Method 1: Offsets

Step 2: Carefully remove the entire plant from the pot or the garden bed. Gently brush off all the soil.

Step 1: In spring or early summer check the base of the plant for new offsets.

Step 3: Carefully untangle the offsets from the parent plant. You may use a sterile knife or shears to separate them but make sure not to cut the roots.

Step 4: Cut the unhealthy parts and place the offsets in a warm area. Replant your mother plant in its pot or garden bed.

Step 5: Plant the offsets in terracotta or ceramic pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. It is best to keep your soil dry to allow the roots to heal and water it only after a week.

Method 2: Stem Cuttings

Step 1: Choose healthy stems, 5cm – 10cm (2”- 4”) long.

Step 2: Cut the stems using a sterile sharp knife or razor blade.

Step 3: Leave the cuttings in a dry, airy area and allow them to callus over for 7 to 10 days.

Step 4: Fill a terracotta or ceramic pot with a drainage hole with equal portions of sand, perlite, and milled peat. Moisten the soil. Insert the callused stem cutting into the potting mix.

Step 5: Place the pot in a partially shaded area. Mist the soil when the top 5cm (2”) gets dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea’s beauty has been described as “unusual”, “odd”, and “unique” but many horticulturists continue to grow this succulent because of the strikingly charming foliage and flowers that can appear in a variety of colors.

Also known as Tugela Cliff Kalanchoe and Long Flower Kalanchoe, this succulent plant is native to South Africa where it can be seen growing along the cliffside of the Tugela basin. You can also find this Kalanchoe growing in Madagascar.

At maturity, Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea can reach a height of 30.5cm (12”). Its branches are fleshy, quadrangular in shape, lie prone on the ground as the tips begin to grow upward.

The leaves of Long Flower Kalanchoe have a light blue-green color and are coated with a waxy substance. The jagged edges have a pink to reddish-brown color and give the succulent the appearance of having teeth.

You can expect the succulent to produce bright yellow flowers in the spring although Kalanchoe might surprise you with pink, red, or orange-colored blooms.

Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea is a member of the Crassulaceae family.

General Information:

Also known as: Tugela Cliff Kalanchoe, Long Flower Kalanchoe.
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Native to South Africa and Madagascar.
Height: 30.5cm (12”)
Exposure: Partial exposure to the early morning or late afternoon sun.
Water Needs: Soil must be 100% dry before watering.
Soil Type: Cactus mix with coarse sand added for better drainage.
Soil pH: 5.0 to 7.0

How to Grow and Care for Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea

Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea requires very little attention. As long as you give it regular sunlight, the proper pot and soil to grow in, and enough water, you won’t have problems taking care of Long Flower Kalanchoe.

Sunlight

Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea will thrive when given regular exposure to the early morning or late afternoon rays of the sun.

Tugela Cliff Kalanchoe will grow better in your outdoor succulent garden if it’s located in an area that gets 6 hours of partial sunlight every day.

Does your region see temperature drops below -1.1° C (30° F)? In that case, plant Long Flower Kalanchoe in a pot that can be moved indoors.

As a houseplant, Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea has to be located in an area that gets 6 hours of partial sunlight per day. If this isn’t possible, buy a Grow Light for Tugela Cliff Kalanchoe.

Watering

The rule of thumb when giving water to Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea is simple and easy to remember.

Don’t water the soil until it’s absolutely, 100% dry. Similar to other succulent plants, this type of Kalanchoe grows better with less water.

You can check the moisture level of the soil by using a stick. Just insert the stick approximately 1 to 2 inches into the soil. If the stick feels dry to the touch, you can water the soil.

Another rule to keep in mind is to water the soil and not the plant. Watering the plant will keep it under moist conditions longer than it needs.

Keep watering the soil until you see water seep out from the drain holes of the pot. Remove excess water from the drip tray.

Pot and Soil

Buy a pot made of terracotta or ceramic for Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea as these materials support quick evaporation of water from the soil. Make sure the pot has drain holes with a mesh net cover.

Tugela Cliff Kalanchoe grows best in an organic cactus mix with added coarse sand to improve the level of drainage.

How to Propagate Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea

The best way to propagate Kalanchoe Longiflora Coccinea is with the use of its stem cutting. Late spring and early summer are the growing seasons for Tugela Cliff Kalanchoe is the ideal time to propagate the species.

Method 1: Stem Cuttings

Step 1: Use a sterilized and sharpened pair of garden shears to cut off a healthy stem from the main plant.

Step 2: Leave the stem cuttings in a warm and dry place and allow it to develop calluses over a period of 2 to 3 days.

Step 3: Plant the stem cuttings on a bed of well-draining soil such as cactus mix.

Step 4: Lightly moisten the soil until the roots have appeared.

Step 5: When the roots have taken hold, only water the soil when it’s 100% dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Echeveria Runyonii is an adorable succulent that has always delighted horticulturists and budding hobbyists.

This wonderful succulent plant goes by many nicknames such as “Topsy Turvy”, “Silver Spoons Echeveria”, and “Upside-Down Echeveria”. Perhaps the most appropriate is “Mexican Hens and Chicks: because it produces many offsets or pups that assure growers of easy propagation.

Topsy Turvy grows fast and features rosettes that have a diameter of 10cm (4”). The leaves of this Echeveria vary in color from bluish-green to silver grey with tips that might have a hint of pink.

Fully-grown Silver Spoons Echeveria can reach a height of 15cm (6”) with a width of 20cm (8”). It produces eye-catching bright yellow and orange flowers in the spring and late summer seasons.

Echeveria Runyonii was named by American Botanist, Joseph Nelson Rose, after the Texas photographer, Robert Runyon who collected the specimen in Tamaulipas, Mexico in 1922.

Topsy Turvy is native to Mexico and belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It has won the distinguished Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society from the UK and was Garden Path magazine’s “Plant of the Month” in October 2010.

General Information:

Also known as: Topsy Turvy, Mexican ‘Hens and Chicks’, Silver Spoons Echeveria, and Upside-Down Echeveria.
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Mexico.
Height: 15cm (6”)
Exposure: Full to partial sunlight for up to 6 hours.
Water Needs: Sensitive to overwatering; only water the soil when it’s completely dry.
Soil Type: Sandy soil or cactus potting mix with added ingredients such as perlite and pumice to improve drainage.
Soil pH: 5.6 to 6.0

How to Grow and Care for Echeveria Runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’

Echeveria Runyonii is an excellent choice of succulent plant because it’s easy to grow and care for.

Landscapers love them because Topsy Turvy attracts hummingbirds that add more color and life to your outdoor garden.

Silver Spoons Echeveria also makes excellent houseplants. The charming appearance will surely elicit conversation from your guests.

Sunlight

Echeveria Runyonii loves to bask in the warmth of the morning sunlight. It needs the rays of the sun to achieve maximum beauty. If your garden only receives partial sunlight, that’s fine enough for Silver Spoons Echeveria. Just make sure the succulent plant gets 5-6 hours of morning sunlight every day.

As a houseplant, place Topsy Turvy on a windowsill that gets the morning sun for 5 to 6 hours per day. In the summertime, you might have to move Echeveria if the sun’s rays become too harsh.

Watering

Similar to other Echeveria succulent plants, Topsy Turvy is sensitive to getting too much water. Overwatering can lead to root rot that might quickly develop into a fungal infection.

Before watering the soil, make sure it’s 100% dry by inserting a stick 1-2” into the topsoil. If the end of the stick feels dry, it’s time to give the soil a good soaking.

If Echeveria Runyonii is housed inside a pot, check the water coming out of the drain hole. Allow a bit more water to come out of the drain hole and collect on the tray. Don’t forget to throw away the excess water on the drain tray.

Pot and Soil

Echeveria Runyonii isn’t a big succulent plant. Choose a pot that’s large enough to allow the roots to grow without getting tangled. The best pot is made of ceramic or terracotta because these materials let excess moisture evaporate quickly from the soil.

Lastly, make sure the pot has a drain hole or drain holes with a mesh cover at the bottom to let excess water come out without losing soil.

Speaking of soil, Silver Spoons Echeveria can survive in any type of soil but thrives best in sandy or cactus mix. To improve drainage, add pumice or perlite.

How to Propagate Echeveria Runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’

Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ can be propagated Echeveria Runyonii makes it easy for you to propagate the species because it rewards you with pups or offsets that grow in abundance. You can also try to propagate Mother Hens and Chicks via leaf or stem cuttings.

Method 1: Offsets

Step 1: Gently pull out the offsets that have grown around the base of the plant.

Step 2: Give the offsets 2 to 3 days to develop hard calluses. Place them in a warm area so the offsets can dry out right away.

Step 3: Plant the offsets in well-draining soil.

Step 4: Lightly water the soil until the roots take hold.

Step 5: Once the roots are firmly planted, water the soil only when it’s 100% dry.

Method 2: Leaf Cuttings

Step 1: Cut a healthy leaf from the stem by using a sterilized and sharpened knife or garden scissors.

Step 2: Leave the cuttings in a warm and dry place for 2 to 3 days so they can develop calluses.

Step 3: Place the leaf cuttings on fresh potting soil or cactus mix.

Step 4: Keep the soil lightly moist by misting it until such time that the roots have appeared.

Step 5: When the roots have taken hold in the soil, give the succulent water only when it’s proven to be dry.

Method 3: Stem Cuttings

Step 1: Select a healthy-looking stem and cut it off by using a sterilized and sharpened knife of garden shears.

Step 2: Before planting, make sure the stem cuttings develop hard calluses by placing them in a dry and warm place.

Step 3: Place the stem cuttings on sandy or cactus soil. Water the soil frequently, but lightly, until such time that the cuttings have taken root.

Step 4: Once the roots are firmly in the soil, give it water only when its completely dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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