My seasonal e-newsletter is different from what I post here on GGW (for the most part). I thought you might enjoy some excerpts from the latest.
Spring Succulent Care Checklist
Above: Aeonium cutting, showing leaf nodes that resemble potato eyes. From this meristem tissue, roots will grow.
Now is when most types of succulents awaken from dormancy, stretch their roots and send forth new leaves. [] To boost growth, feed potted succulents a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted 50% with water. [] Take cuttings from stem succulents to create new little plants. Each cutting needs a few leaves so it can photosynthesize. Roots will form where leaves were attached, so bury the stem’s “potato eyes.” [] When reintroducing succulents that have been overwintered indoors to the garden, protect them from burning by gradually increasing their daily exposure to sunlight. [] Watch for pests such as aphids and thrips on new growth and flower buds. At first sign of an infestation, spray the insects with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol diluted 50% with water. [] Repot plants that have outgrown their containers. Indicators include roots emerging from drain holes, a plant that looks overly large for its pot, and stems that are tangled and rangy. [] Evaluate each succulent for these essentials: half a day’s sun exposure (except for the few shade-lovers); good air circulation; fast-draining soil; and regular but not excessive water. 
The newsletter also lists my upcoming whistle stops (where I’ll be speaking). I hope to see you at one or more of them!
Tues., Wed. and Thurs., April 1-3, Epcot Center International Flower Festival, 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL. Park admission required. Sat. and Sun., May 17-18, 2014, Eco-Xpo, Los Rios Park, Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, CA Sat., May 31 and Sunday June 1, Sunset Celebration Weekend Festival, 80 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA Friday-Sat., June 6-7, Succulent Celebration, Waterwise Botanicals nursery, 32183 Old Highway 395, Escondido, CA; (760) 728-2641. Free. Sat., June 28, Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St Louis, MO; (314) 577-5110. Pre-registration required. I’ll be signing all three of my books (including the new one, Succulents Simplified) at all events. If you enjoyed one of my presentations, I’d be grateful if you’d post a comment on the Great Garden Speakers website. Many thanks!
And, new how-to videos:
My YouTube channel (click for notifications) offers 50+ design-oriented, ad-free videos. These are the latest: Plant Stacked Crassulas in Stacked Pots (3:12) A Succulent Arrangement for Bright Shade, Featuring Sansevierias (3:59) Create a Succulent Color Wheel (3:40) Six Sure-Fire Succulents for Containers (3:20) Tips and Tools for Potting Succulents, with Gary Bartl (4:02)
If you’d like to subscribe (it’s free), advise your first and last name, and city or region, in the “comments” below. I’ll add you to the list!
Latest posts by Debra Lee Baldwin (see all)
- Join Me in Celebrating the Joy of Succulents! - December 9, 2018
- Can Landscaping Protect a Home from Wildfire? - June 6, 2018
- Bill’s Best: A Top Designer’s Favorite Aloes - April 6, 2018
