We Get Long Questions about Transplanting Succulents
And I write extended headlines too.
Hello hello!
I was just at your lovely store Saturday and I purchased a few items for my succulents and cactus. I have done quite a bit of reading on the growing of these guys, as well as have a mother who has the most prolific, vivid green thumb. However, I am still a novice at growing my own cacti/succulents. I recently bought 1 cactus: a notocactus magnificus and a three succulents: an Anacampseros telephiastrum variegata [which I adore!], an Echeveria shaviana, and an Echeveria Topsy Turvy.For the most part they are doing well. However, the Topsy Turvy has a long stem with a bloom hanging from it; the head of the bloom is hanging, yet to open, and has remained so for a few weeks. Also, the Ech. shaviana has a few rosette “petals” that are limp. They weren’t like this when I purchased them. I am worried about rot, though the rest of the plant is doing well.
I repotted all the plants into terra cotta pots of appropriate size with the Ultra soil bought from your Jungle. I placed some rocks on the surface of the soil. After repotting, I misted some nutrient spray on the rocks of the Echeverias and watered it in. I noticed that the soil dries out rather quickly with this heat, however I do not want to over water them.
Also with the purchase of the Nutrient Spray and Soil Conditioner – I don’t know the best way to use either product.
Can you offer some assistance please? I really am looking forward to growing some beautiful plants to decorate my classroom with. I also love growing things. 😀
Thank you so much for any insight you can offer.
With peace,
Ivette
That’s a lot to go through. The answer….
Ivette,
After transplanting it may take the Echeveria a while to “perk up” they may hold off opening their blooms and may even let a few leaves dry up, using the starch, sugar and water in the leaves to grow new roots instead. We generally do not water for about a week after transplanting to make sure the root heal any injury in dry soil. Then we water well and let the pot dry out. Small pots may need water once a week in the heat, larger pots every two weeks or so. But that rule of thumb varies due to heat and exposure, outside plants need more water than inside, unless they are in a very hot window…. But the key is to let them dry out before watering.
The nutri-spray is for when the plant is stressed or showing signs of insect or fungal problems, think of it as an immunity boost of a multi-vitamin with an antibiotic. The Soil Conditioner is slow release food for the plants, but it is included in our soil so you won’t need to use it until next spring, then you can sprinkle a teaspoon or two around the plant and then water it in, if you have mulched the pot, first take off the gravel and then put it on top of the soil, re-mulch and then water.
Take care,
Hap
