Aggressive low pupper, shade tolerant, burgundy/brown teeth and leaf edges in full sun.
Cactus and Succulents - Part Shade
Aloe sinkatana
Small stemless clumps 2-3ft.; orange-yellow flowers
Aloe somaliensis
Stemless rosettes w/spotted dark-green leaves, pink blooms
Aloe spinosissima
Low mounding hybrid with green leaves, marginal teeth
Aloe striata
Large clumping rosettes, shade tolerant, brighter in sun
Aloe striata hybrid
A. striata x maculata
Large clumping rosettes, green spotted leaves, red-edged in sun
Aloe striata ssp. karasbergensis
Large rosettes, narrow toothy thick leaves, red-edged in sun.
Aloe striatula
Shrubby, scrubby aloe with stalks to 6′, branching from the ground
Aloe succotrina
Great shaped spinning thin-leafed rosettes, medium, some shade
Aloe tenuior
Shrubby aloe with stalks to 6′, branching profusely from the ground
Aloe thraskii
Single stem, tree aloe; bright green in the shade
Aloe variegata
Stemless elongated rosettes to 8″h., dark leaves w/bands of white spots
Aloe zanzibarica
A. zanzibarica squarrosa, A. “Zanzibar”, A. juvenna
Small diameter, tall rosettes clumped close. Lime green with marginal teeth. Orange-red blooms. Great in rock gardens, can form trailing stems.
Aloinopsis rosulata
Small, jewel-like mesemb with the smoothest leaves of the Titanopsis group of the Ruschieae tribe of the Iceplants (Aizoaceae). Winter growing. Yellow flowers with red-striped petals. Will grow a thickened taproot. Prefers very rocky soils.
Aloinopsis setifera
Small, jewel-like mesemb with angular bumpy leaves. Yellow flowers in winter. Leaves turn purplish in full sun.
Anacampseros “Rainbow”
A. rufescens “Rainbow”
Small purple, yellow, green leaves; pink pendant flowers
Anacampseros gigantea
Small purple-green leaves, small hairs; pink pendant flowers
Anacampseros rufescens
Tiny green leaves, stems to 4″l; tiny caudex, small hairs. Pink flowers require heat above 80F to open.
Ananas lucidus
Tropical terrestrial bromeliad in the Pineapple family; evergreen to 4’t.
Argyroderma pearsonii
Mesembs with pairs of smooth egg-shaped silver-green leaves to 1/2″
Argyroderma testiculare
Mesembs with pairs of glaucus green leaves to 1/2″
Astroloba foliosa
2″ rosettes grow to 12″h.; pups at base; light-shade, protect from frost
Astroloba herrei
2″ rosettes grow to 12″-18″h.; pups at base; shade tolerant
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Opuntia subulata
Andean tree cholla gets 12 feet tall in habitat but can reach 25 feet in Bay Area, tubular leaves, long spines. Creates a very effective living fence. The fruit often drop and root in place.
Begonia carolinifolia
Subtropical tuberous succulent, forms caudex; rich soil, regular water
Begonia dregei
Easy to grow natural bonsai with small succulent caudex.
Begonia rex hybrids
Rex Begonias come in a wide range of cultivated varieties, with vibrant multi-colored leaves in all sizes.
They’re a low light tropical houseplant with underground succulent rhizomes that need to be kept relatively dry. And yet the leaves need moisture – a puzzle indeed. But not too difficult to solve. Follow along.
Soil: They need a fast-draining soil that will dry out fully between waterings. A high quality houseplant mix will work – but be wary of lower quality mixes because they hold too much moisture. An orchid blend is even better. If you use a cactus or succulent blend, we recommend adding coir chips or a little bark mulch to the mix, or even some vermiculite.
Light: For the best vibrant colors, we recommend bright indirect light only. If they’re going to get some direct sun, make sure it’s no more than 1 to 2 hours of morning sun, and not too close to the window or the plant can burn.
Watering: Here’s what we’ve discovered as the key to successful rex begonias in the Bay Area with wet winters and dry summers. It all depends on the temperature in your home through the year.
Below 60° – The plant is going to go semi-dormant, so reduce watering to every 2 weeks and let some of the leaves fall off for winter.
60’s – Water once per week, letting the soil dry out completely, and don’t mist.
70s – Water weekly, and mist the leaves occasionally with a very fine spray.
80s – Water weekly, and mist the leaves 2 to 3 times per week with a very fine spray.
90° and above – Water twice weekly, mist the leaves every other day or place on rocks in a saucer filled with water to increase the ambient humidity. Don’t let the pot sit directly in the water.
Watering Note: Always let the roots dry out between watering and never let the pot sit in water.
Misting Note: When misting rex begonias always use a very fine mist and never let water droplets collect on the leaves.
If you live elsewhere your results will vary, depending on your temperatures and especially your humidity.
Billbergia “Blondie”
Terrestrial bromeliad to 10″t. w/arcing yellow and green leaves
Billbergia “Hallelujah”
Terrestrial bromeliad to 1 to 2 feet tall with very strongly variegated/spotted leaves. Glossy foliage, upright form, multicolored blooms. Grows quickly if not too wet.
Billbergia “Las Manchas”
Terrestrial bromeliad with compact base to 10″ high. Upright form. Multicolored blooms. Sharp edges with marginal teeth.