Sunburned jade plant white spots

How to Heal Sunburned Succulents White Spots: A Complete Guide

Succulents are vibrant and low-maintenance plants. But even these hardy plants can suffer from sunburn, leaving unsightly white spots on their leaves. If your succulents are showing these telltale signs, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through how to heal sunburned succulents with white spots.  Sunburn in succulents occurs when they’re exposed to intense…

Christmas cactus summer care

Summer Care for Christmas Cactus: A Complete Guide for Beginner

The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is a beloved houseplant. This forest cactus is cherished for its vibrant blooms that typically brighten homes during the winter holidays. This is typically when almost all other plants are dormant.  To ensure that you continue to enjoy those stunning flowers, your Christmas cactus requires proper care during the summer…

Summer mistakes growing cacti indoors

5 Common Summer Mistakes When Growing Cacti Indoors (And How to Fix Them)

Cacti are treasured for their striking shapes, low maintenance, and desert-chic aesthetic. Whether you’re in the arid Southwest or a humid East Coast city, these desert plants can bring a touch of nature to your home.  However, summer’s heat can pose unique challenges for indoor cactus care. Many gardeners unknowingly make mistakes that stress their…

Cylindrical snake plant

Understanding Cylindrical Snake Plant: Basic Care Requirements

The cylindrical snake plant, botanically known as Sansevieria cylindrica, is a stunning low maintenance houseplant. Its long, tubular, greenish-grey leaves are so beautiful. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these succulents have more to offer.  According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, snake plants are excellent air purifiers. They are good at removing toxins like formaldehyde from indoor…

Summer vs Winter succulent care

Summer vs Winter Succulent Care Routines

Summer and winter seasons come with distinct environmental changes that can affect the health of plants. A shift in temperature, light, and humidity often stresses even the most resilient plants, including cacti and succulents. Traditionally, summer often brings intense heat and longer daylight hours. On the other hand,  winter comes with cooler temperatures, shorter days,…

Christmas cactus in bloom

Fact Check: Is African Violet Fertilizer Good for Christmas Cactus?

My Christmas cactus never bloomed after I received it as a gift in 2022. I tried all the options, including putting it in the dark for 12-14 hours daily for 2 weeks. One day in 2024, I tried something that surprised everyone in my home. Guess what? I fertilized with African violet food during the…

Succulent Fertilizer NPK Ratio

Recommended Succulent Fertilizer N-P-K Ratio and Its Meaning

Succulents, including cacti, are known to thrive in poor nutritional conditions. Despite that, they need fertilization for faster growth, vibrant foliage, and flowering. For best results, you MUST use a succulent fertilizer with the correct N-P-K ratio. N-P-K labelling on fertilizer packaging stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. These are the main elements found in…

Dangers of using mushroom compost on succulents

Warning: Why Mushroom Compost is Not Ideal for Succulents

Mushroom compost is a great soil amendment for many plants. However, it is not recommended for cacti and other succulents because of its high water retention. Succulents thrive in dry conditions, and keeping their feet wet can cause root rot and other fungal infections. Before I explain everything in detail, let’s first understand what mushroom…

Succulent fungal infection

DIY Natural Fungicide for Cacti and Succulents

Fungicides are helpful in controlling and even preventing fungal infections in plants. Often, cacti and succulents are prone to fungi when grown in damp or poorly lit conditions. Getting leaves wet when watering and poor air circulation also increase the chances of an infection. Many fungicides made from chemical compounds can cause serious damage to…