The hen and chick plant (Sempervivum tectorum) also known as common houseleek is a popular succulent with fleshy leaves arranged in a beautiful rosette pattern. This plant is adapted to hot dry conditions and this makes it easy to maintain both indoors and outdoors. The leaves of the hen and chicken plant are edible and…
Aloe vera plants are native to arid regions and they have adapted to thrive in dry and hot climates. Their succulent leaves can store water enabling the plant to survive long periods of drought. These plants prefer full sun but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and cause sunburn. A sunburnt aloe plant…
Succulents are hardy plants that can survive drought conditions with minimal watering. Over time, succulents may shed older leaves as part of their growth process. However, it should be concerning when your succulent loses young vibrant leaves that need to be growing. There are a number of reasons succulent leaves may drop leaves prematurely. They…
The String of Pearls plant, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a popular trailing succulent with round, bead-like leaves. While it is an easy-to-care-for plant, there are a few common problems that will need your attention. Root rot, insect pests, etiolation, shriveling, and leaf dropping are some of the main challenges to deal with in…
The string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a beautiful succulent native to the drier regions of southwestern Africa. This plant features long, trailing stems that can ascend downwards over the sides of a hanging basket. The leaves are spherical, resembling tiny pears or a string of beads. This succulent is commonly grown in hanging baskets…
Christmas cacti are popular winter holiday plants, not just because they have beautiful flowers but because they are easy to care for. If you provide your Christmas cactus with the right conditions, it rewards with beautiful blooms for many years to come. So, how long do Christmas cactus live? On average, a Christmas cactus lives…
Trailing cactus plants can add beauty and color to any space. They can be grown in hanging baskets on a patio, porch, or balcony. I enjoy it when they are suspended indoors on a ceiling beam or window frame. However, there are just a few hanging cacti you can choose for this arrangement. Popular trailing…
Watering a Christmas cactus is a delicate balance. These beautiful holiday plants don’t tolerate extreme drought but they are also susceptible to root rot if overwatered. This can be controlled by how you water your plant. So, do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom? The best way to water a Christmas…
Succulents are plants with thick fleshy stems or leaves that store water. This helps them survive in areas with high temperatures and low rainfall. All cacti including the Christmas cactus are succulents. However, cacti have few differences from the rest of the succulents. The Christmas cactus is a member of the Schlumbergera genus, which also…
Cacti are known to survive in deserts where conditions are hot and dry. However, there are also species that are well-adapted to cold weather and can withstand frost without damage. These plants remain upbeat even when temperatures fall to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold hardy cacti have evolved features that help them withstand colder temperatures. Most…