Caring for: Living Rocks and Organ Pipe Succulents

Here is more specific information for certain species of succulents:  I do tend to sell alot of these wonderful “Living Rocks” and a few “Organ Pipe” now and again, so please read this if you purchased one:

Lithops species (“Living Stones”) :Pleiospilos nelii (“Split Rock”) Conophytum Fenestraria rhopalophylla (“Baby Toes”) 

• Dormant during summer months (approximately June thru August), water sparingly.
• Water when soil is dry; usually every 2 – 3 weeks.
• Plants entering dormacy will begin forming a papery outer skin.
• During growing season, water when soil is near drying. Water more frequently than summer months, but allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Organ Pipe:

The following specimen plants may be placed in bright or filtered light: 
Lemaireocereus marginatus (“Organ-Pipe”)

Water: (Outdoors) During warmer months, water once a week if soil is dry or near drying. During extremely hot weather, some cacti may need to be watered 2 – 3 times per week, depending on the dryness of the soil. During winter months, watering plants every 2 weeks should be sufficient. Let soil dry out between waterings.

 

(Indoors) During winter months or when plant is dormant, water once a month. During warmer months (spring and summer), if soil is dry, it may be necessary to water more often (e.g., every two weeks), or to give the plant a good watering (up to 1 gallon of water) and let the soil dry out between waterings.

 

Caring for Succulents & Cactus

Information gleaned from the California Cactus Center:

I find that alot of times, when asked questions at the shows we do, sometimes we don’t have time to answer everyone’s questions, are distracted by other people, or sometimes folks simply forget to ask before they leave our tent with new succulents in hand.  I posted these entries to try to be a better seller and steward of the living environment with which I deal!

Light: Bright or filtered light.

Water: (Outdoors) During warmer months, water once a week, or when soil is near drying. Some succulents may have to be watered more often. Check soil for dryness by pushing your finger or a stick into the soil. If the soil feels cool or damp, there is still moisture in the soil. During winter months, water once a week or when soil is dry.

(Indoors) Water once every 2 – 3 weeks, or when soil is dry. Plants near a sunny window might need more frequent waterings. Cacti and succulents which are grown indoors would benefit from a day outside where they can enjoy ample air circulation. 

Caution: do not place indoor cacti in a hot, sunny area, as they will burn.

Keep in mind that cacti and succulents are able to withstand drought better than wet soil. Let the soil dry out between waterings, as drenching an already damp pot may result in rot.

Fertilize: Once a month with a balance cactus fertilizer (powdered form, diluted in water), or once a year with a slow-release, granular, cactus fertilizer.