savemysucculents, Humidity in Singapore is not to be trifled with--we're not talking about pithy 50 percent or even 60 percent. For most of the year, the air will have moisture of over 80 percent, going closer to 100 percent during the monsoon, even with the heat. So I think your idea of getting a grittier, airier mix is a good one. Assuming you are raising these succulents outdoors (balcony or your yard, if you have one there), what I suggest you use for substrate is crushed pumice (readily available in KL nurseries, I'm not sure about Singapore) and crushed coconut shell with the powdery bits sifted out. The gritty mix is all about the rough similarity in the size of the particulates, and only secondarily about the actual components. The particulate size most often suggested is about half a centimeter and definitely remove the fine bits. You will do well with just these two ingredients, tweaking the proportions as you learn both about your watering habits and how the plants adapt to it. If you are okay to spend more, you can substitute akadama for turface. But if you can find pumice there so close to the Pacific Ring of Fire, I wouldn't even bother. In point of fact, you will do fine with nothing else but crushed pumice, provided you fertilize them. I am sure a lot of people have succeeded growing succulents in LECA balls but it is a skill set that is just too esoteric and involved for my lazy bottom. Finally, keep these kids out of the monsoon. Nice collection, by the way, though that sempervivum makes me nervous (i). They are alpine plants that do not handle humidity well. They probably survived Ikea because the air conditioning kept the air dry. I hope this helps. Pagan

I am assuming you bought the C&S soil from Amazon, so it is quite new. In that case, you can use it, adding lots of pumice. Many use it mixed 50/50. You could keep that decorative pot (cache pot) if you like it. The problem with those is that they fit (usually) very tight, not allowing any air circulation, sometimes creating sweating-too much humidity and moisture. But if you were to leave the inner (plastic) pot out of it for a day or two after watering, it may work. Make sure there is never any standing water in these cache (decorative) pots. If any of the pots are without drainage holes, either change them or drill some holes in them. Slots (if I am correct about what you call slots) are most likely not enough for good drainage. Your Mexican giant is apparently Echeveria colorata 'Mexican Giant' - it is supposedly slow grower. The powdery coating is most attractive (probably more than some other succulents), so just try not to touch new leaves much (not easy to do!) Difficult to say exactly why it is leaning: it may be that was 'squished' much in the box; it could have been growing that way since it was leaning towards the light source; the worse would be if the stem is rotting - you would probably already noticed. Make sure they are healthy, if any roots are damaged or rotting, they should be cut off. Prop it lightly with a bigger rock (similar to photo below) and make sure it gets good light - if needed, rotate the pot 1/4 turn every few days: Many succulents propagate from leaves easily - I have no idea about this one. You can try - & let us know...

Hi Gina, no apologies needed:-) people her will chime in on the IDs, it's not a pain at all, and the list is a little less active because it's JUNE, yay, we are all out in the dirt:-) if you don't get a response soon, try this: repost your photos with numbers and just a short request for ID's. That makes it easier for folks to answer. usually you'll get several responses, with each person just IDing a couple plants, rather than one person doing it all. The numbers help make it easier for several folks to each focus on what they know best.

1. looks like one of the Alworthias (perhaps Black Gem) 2. Crassula ovata - jade plant; maybe one of small-leaved varieties 3. Haworthia attenuata var. radula 4. looks like Aloe variegata; but small plant just in front of it looks more like gasteria - is it different plant? 5. Aloe - not sure which one, but I don't think it is A. vera...