Where you live makes a big difference when it comes to the well-being of your succulents in winter. Most varieties go dormant in winter and are frost-tender, meaning they can’t handle temps below 32 degrees F. These common winter conditions can lead to damage or death for dormant (not actively growing) succulents: — soggy soil [...]
Ever wondered how to propagate a certain succulent? For example, lithops (living stones)…is it possible to take cuttings from those thick, molar-shaped leaves? How about ruffled echeverias…can a solitary rosette be made to offset? And stacked crassulas…what do you do when stems are tightly lined with leaves? Most succulents can be propagated vegetatively—via stem cuttings, pulling apart offsets, or rooting leaves. To the novice, of [...]
Recently a friend came by with a fire pit she’d picked up on a community website for free. Before bringing it over, she drilled holes in it for drainage. Naturally we both thought it would be perfect for succulents, but deciding to make a little scene took a lot of brainstorming and hunting around my [...]
Have you noticed? Fingers are sometimes too short, fat and clumsy for picking bits of dirt, dried leaves and pebbles from plants with narrow leaf axils, rosette succulents and spiny cacti. Which is why I wouldn’t be without my long-handled tweezers. Not only is debris unsightly, it holds moisture that can rot the crown. I like to groom fleshy or [...]
I’m pleased to announce the release of my new book: The completely revised and updated second edition of Designing with Succulents! Take a 2-minute tour of the book ~ I’m also delighted to announce a special giveaway sponsored by publisher Timber Press and Garden Design magazine! Winner will receive a copy of the book AND [...]