Help identifying/care advice for CVS cactus and succulents
Max Rardin
7 years ago
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hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
7 years agoMax Rardin
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Bought a succulent from CVS..help?
Comments (3)This looks to be a Crassula perforata also known by the common name "String of Buttons". The main thing to remember with growing most succulent is that they don't like soggy soil and they need very bright light. First the soggy soil issue. There are many discussion on the forums here about soil and in particular gritty mix. This can be overwhelming so in the mean time before you purchase more plants, as I'm sure you will (they are addicting after all), Id start with mixing Perlite with a standard garden soil. Just be sure the at least 50% of the final mixture is perlite so it will drain quickly when watered and air can circulate better. Pot choice can also play a huge role in soil moisture retention. Most important is to always have drainage holes. Terra cotta is by far the best choice for succulents since it also allows for circulation. For example, if I water my plants all on the same day, the plants in terra cotta will be dried out within 3 to 4 days while the plants that haven't been replanted from the generic plastic pots will stay wet for a week or more depending on temperatures and pot size. Finally place it in a bright spot. If you're plant can't be outside then a south window will usually get enough light to keep it from stretching out....See MoreNeed help identifying cactus, and learn how to best care for it
Comments (12)You'll have to be very careful not to have it sitting in water which stays in the bottom of the white pot. That's the proverbial "recipe for disaster." Lifting it out to water and drain would be best. I realize it's awkward to handle. I hope someone will chime in here as to whether it needs to be in a slightly bigger pot. I realize you must have been delighted with how the plant looks in that corner, but if you leave it there and there is not enough light, by the time you realize it the plant could be negatively affected. In the store, it's possible that there was store lighting on it many hours a day, so maybe that's why it did so well. How quickly it dries out depends on the soil, your humidity, how much light it gets, time of year--lots of different factors. You can stick a skewer into the soil for a while and pull out to see if it's damp....See MoreLooking for advice identifying and caring for this succulent!
Comments (3)Get rid of the moss first of all. Your plant is a Sempervivium, and probably lost its roots to rot from growing in such an unsuitable medium. Succulents need well draining soil with little organic material. Florists tend to know cut flowers, not plants, in my opinion, but they will not admit that. Get some cactus and succulent soil and some perlite, and mix them in a 1:1 ratio. Fill a small pot to the rim, and set your rootless plant on top. Then leave it alone for a few weeks in a bright spot. Do not pick it up to check for roots, that will damage them. When the plant seems stable in the pot, you can start watering it. Give it a good drink and then leave it until it is completely dry before you do so again. Do not spray it, succulents generally don't like wet rosettes. Alaso, Sempervivums generally don't do well indoors long term, this plant would be happier outside year round. These are very hardy plants and can tolerate winters in in Zone 3 or lower. happy growing! Breton...See MoreHelp with ID-ing cactus and succulent + advice
Comments (8)Thanks, Liz and socks! Yes, I repotted the cactus and yesterday was the first time it got some water, so the soil shrunk - I will definitely top up. When I was searching online I came across the Christmas tree cactus, it was a good candidate - now that Liz is mentioning it, I think it might be indeed a Austrocylindropuntia subulata monstrose. I got it from IKEA and I am not ashamed to admit it :) Seems like the plants from there last longer. I don't want to flood the forum, so I will ask the next question here - I bought an E. Perle von Nurnberg and it literally wilted OVERNIGHT. I am not kidding. I bought it, it seemed fine, brought it home, did not water it, the next morning the lower leaves were the wrinkly yellow-ish and limp sign of overwatering. I have discarded the leaves, repotted with a hefty amount of perlite in a slightly larger pot and am thinking about beheading. Never tried it yet though. Right now it is a bit wobbly, because the soil is dry and aerated, and the poor thing is like a danglyhead without its lower leaves. Would it be fine if I behead it now, or should I wait for it to get over the shock of changing homes first?...See MoreKara 9b SF Bay Area CA
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agogreenclaws UK, Zone 8a
7 years agoKara 9b SF Bay Area CA
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoMax Rardin
7 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
7 years agoKaren S. (7b, NYC)
7 years agonotolover
7 years agomesembs
7 years agoChelsea Lynn
7 years agoHelen Agius (Adelaide,Sth Aus) USDA Z10b
7 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
7 years agomesembs
7 years ago
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Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA