Succulents for Your Home and Garden E-Book

Gideon Smith

• Herausgeber: Creative Homeowner
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 278

Beschreibung

Part gardening book and part craft book, Succulents for Your Home and Garden is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves succulents! This complete guide will not only show you basic growing techniques for nearly 200 succulent varieties, but it will also show you how to make high-quality succulent crafts too! Featuring comprehensive overviews on how to grow succulents and care for them, detailed plant profiles of more than 180 succulent species are then presented and organized by families – from the easy-to-grow hens and chicks plant to the ever-popular jade plant. Once you understand how to properly cultivate succulents, the craft projects section will inspire you to start creating beautiful home décor and accessories with them, along with other affordable and accessible materials! Featuring 18 accessible step-by-step succulent crafts – from a wind chime, mirror frame, and wreath to a bridal bouquet, boutonniere, birdhouse, and so much more –Succulents for Your Home and Garden is a one-of-a-kind succulent book that combines gardening insight with crafty inspiration!

Leseprobe

Copyright © 2023 Jessica Surface, Gideon F. Smith, and Creative Homeowner

Succulents for Your Home and Garden (2023) contains content first published in Cacti and Succulents Handbook, Expanded 2nd Edition (2022), published by CompanionHouse Books, an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc.

This book may not be reproduced, either in part or in its entirety, in any form, by any means, without written permission from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts for purposes of radio, television, or published review. All rights, including the right of translation, are reserved. Note: Be sure to familiarize yourself with manufacturer’s instructions for tools, equipment, and materials before beginning a project. Although all possible measures have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the material presented, neither the author nor the publisher is liable in case of misinterpretation of directions, misapplication, or typographical error.

Creative Homeowner® is a registered trademark of New Design Originals Corporation.

Succulents for Your Home and Garden

Managing Editor: Gretchen Bacon

Acquisitions Editor: Shelley Carr

Editor: Christa Oestreich

Designer: Wendy Reynolds

Proofreader: Kurt Conley

Indexer: Jay Kreider

Photographs by Jessica Surface: 3–6; 64–66; 82; 83 (chicken wire); 85 (top); 88–145.

Photographs by Gideon F. Smith: 9 (top left, bottom left, bottom right); 10–13; 14 (bottom right); 15–20; 21 (bottom); 22; 23 (left); 24; 25 (left, inset); 26–7; 28 (right); 29–41; 42 (right); 43–7; 48 (inset); 49–63; 148; 149 (left); 150–163; 164 (left); 165–9; 170 (right); 171–2; 173 (insets, left); 174–6; 177 (top left, top right); 178 (top right, left); 179–181; 182 (insets, top right, top bottom); 183–197; 198 (right); 199–212.

Contributor photos and captions are courtesy of their associated artist (unless otherwise stated), used with permission.

Shutterstock photos: vidimages (front cover, back cover, project opener, 1–5, 7, 59, 64–5, 80, 213, 216 succulent icons); kuroksta (8–58 hand icon); Irena Socratous (9 top right); Creative by Nature (14 top right); Rebekah Zemansky (14 left); Maren Winter (21 top); De19 (23 right); pjatnica (25 right); Jimenezar (28 left); panattar (42 left); Patrycja Nowak (48); rabarberts (80 scissors); nanantachoke (80 hot glue gun); maksimee (80 wire cutters); Florin Burlan, (80 gloves); worachet homkajon (81 screwdriver); Arsgera (81 staple gun); kasarp studio (81 drill); Seregam (81 measuring tape); Artem Stepanov (83 floral wire); Anton Starikov, (83 twine); Ekaterina43 (83 fishing line); igor kisselev (83 grapevine wire); Jenn Huls, (83 ribbon); allme (84 top right); Becky Starsmore (84 top left); Efetova (84 bottom left); Michelle Lee Photography (85 bottom); Deniza 40x (86–7); New Africa (146–47); Bilalstock (149 right); Kira Volkov (164 right); Natali Mali (170 left); Ladykhris (173 right); Sharaf Maksumov (177 bottom, 209 right); Alina Kuptsova (178 bottom right);TippyTortue, (182 top left); kampol Jongmeesuk (198 right).

Print ISBN 978-1-58011-572-8eISBN 978-1-63741-135-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023936186

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected].

Creative Homeowner®, www.creativehomeowner.com, is an imprint of New Design Originals Corporation and distributed exclusively in North America by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 800-457-9112, 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552, and in the United Kingdom by Grantham Book Service, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7XQ.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I thank Shelley Carr, Acquisitions Editor, who has been very supportive of this project.The Fox Chapel team, Christa Oestreich, Wendy Reynolds, Gretchen Bacon, Jay Kreider, and Kurt Conley, was instrumental in ensuring the high quality of the end product.

—Gideon F. Smith

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family for always being there to support me through the many hours spent writing this book. When I first began this project, my baby was only four months old! Much of my time crafting was spent holding her and then running to the computer to write when she would go down for nap time. I would especially like to thank my partner in love and life, Andrew Williams, for always being supportive, helping me with ideas, and contributing countless hours of help and encouragement (and showing me how to use power tools). Thank you to my daughter, Amelia, for being my much-needed assistant with gathering succulents, planting, and being my lovely Succulent Flower Crown model.

I would like to give a special thanks to Bette and Rick Williams for their never-ending support by watching the kids so I could get work done, letting me bounce ideas off of them, and helping with photography.

Mom and dad, thank you for always encouraging my creativity and teaching me to follow my dreams, for allowing me to revel in nature from a young age, and for inspiring me to chase my passions.

In addition, I would like to thank the Navarro family for their support in my projects and for letting me use their backyard (and children!) for the kid’s DIY fairy garden project. I would also like to thank all my wonderful, kind, and intelligent girlfriends for being my best cheerleaders! Thank you Kara Navarro, Casey Bollinger, Alice Maples, Aga Jedlinska, Alexandra Toma, Shannon Thomas, and my sister, Adeline Surface.

A special thanks to Orcutt Ranch in West Hills, California, for providing the perfect place to take gorgeous photos.

Thanks to my publisher, Fox Chapel Publishing, for giving me this amazing opportunity and believing in my work. And a very special thanks to Shelley Carr for being there for me every step of the way with feedback, guidance, and for encouraging me to always do my best.

—Jessica Surface

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

About Succulents

Top 75 Succulents For Crafting

Caring For Succulents

Propagation

Why Craft with Succulents?

Gallery

What You Need to Get Started

PROJECTS

Living Succulent Fairy Garden

Living Succulent Wreath

Pumpkin Topiary

Christmas Tree Topiary

Groom & Groomsman Boutonnieres

Bride & Bridesmaid Bouquets

Lighted Moon Topiary

Lighted Star Topiary

Living Succulent Flower Crown

Living Succulent Mirror Frame

Vertical Garden Wall Hanging

Appendix: More Succulents for Your Home & Garden

About the Authors

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the world of succulents! These hardy little plants have become very popular in recent years and for good reason. Succulents are incredibly resilient, colorful, and versatile for gardens, window boxes, flowerpots, and terrariums, as well as endless DIY crafting options. Learn about the top 75 succulents for beginners, which also have the added benefit of being great for crafting.The following projects are easy and allow you to create truly unique and impressive living artworks for your indoor or outdoor space. Each craft is perfect for everyday décor as well as tailored for different holidays and events. Projects are labeled from beginner to advanced, but even the complete novice can tackle the more difficult crafts with a few easy-to-find power tools.

Among the 75 plant profiles are basic care instructions unique to that species. As a bonus, you will find easy care instructions at the end of each project to keep your living succulent artwork thriving and lasting for months. Although succulents are relatively low-maintenance plants, they still need a little balance to remain happy and healthy. But with the right care, they will flourish and grow your collection! Detailed information on how to care for any succulent, including how to propagate them, is found after all the projects. Finally, an appendix of 116 more succulent varieties, cultivars, and selections gives you even more options to consider for your home and garden.

I first stumbled across succulents in my local California nursery when shopping with my daughter. My eyes were drawn to their bright colors, interesting textures, and distinctive shapes. I quickly amassed a mini collection and found a hobby in creating unique arrangements for our home and as gifts for friends and family. I found these little plants to be the perfect tool to craft visually intriguing living creations with my daughters, creating everything from fairy gardens to bouquets to succulent-topped driftwood centerpieces. Eventually, I began selling my creations on Etsy and my hobby turned into a small business, Arosezen. I hope that the following crafts will inspire you and allow you to create a little joy and beauty within your own home!

—Jessica Surface

ABOUT SUCCULENTS

What separates a succulent from most plants is how water is stored in the leaves and stems. They are often fleshy, a consequence of the sap contained inside. This feature developed in a variety of ways, such as flowery rosettes, long strings, large ruffles, and small tree-like bunches. The wide variety of options rivals many flowers that are commonly found in the garden.

For anyone new to raising succulents or those new to crafting with them, here are profiles for the top 75 recommended varieties. Each profile will provide individual care instructions, but continue until the end of the section to learn even more about succulent care and propagation. What’s great about these plants is that they require less care than many others. Whether you want something minimalistic or bursting with life, there is a succulent out there for you!

Top 75 Succulents For Crafting

AEONIUM

Aeonium arboretum and Selections

Aeonium haworthii

Aeonium sedifolium

Aeonium tabuliforme

ASTERACEAE

×Bacurio delphinatifolius

Curio crassulifolius

Curio radicans

Curio rowleyanus

Kleinia petraea

Othonna capensis

CRASSULA

Crassula arborescens subsp. arborescens

Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia

Crassula capitella subsp. capitella ‘Campfire Plant’

Crassula ericoides subsp. ericoides

Crassula multicava

Crassula ovata

Crassula ovata Selections

Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis

Crassula perforata subsp. perforata

Crassula rubricaulis

Crassula rupestris

Crassula sarcocaulis subsp. sarcocaulis

Crassula sarmentosa var. sarmentosa

Crassula tetragona subsp. tetragona

VARIOUS CRASSULACEAE

Graptopetalum paraguayense

×Graptoveria ‘Fantome’

×Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’

Hylotelephium cauticola

Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’

Hylotelephium spectabile

Hylotelephium telephium subsp. telephium

Hylotelephium ‘Vera Jameson’

Orostachys boehmeri

Petrosedum sediforme

ECHEVERIA

Echeveria affinis

Echeveria agavoides

Echeveria ‘Big Red’

Echeveria ‘Doris Taylor’

Echeveria elegans

Echeveria gibbiflora

Echeveria lilacina

Echeveria ‘Moondust’

Echeveria purpusorum

KALANCHOE

Kalanchoe beharensis

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana and Selections

Kalanchoe bracteata

Kalanchoe ×estrelae

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi

Kalanchoe sexangularis

Kalanchoe tomentosa

Kalanchoe tubiflora

SEDUM

Phedimus spurius

Sedum adolphi

Sedum burrito

Sedum clavatum

Sedum makinoi

Sedum morganianum

Sedum pachyphyllum

Sedum praealtum

Sedum ×rubrotinctum

SEMPERVIVUM

Sempervivum arachnoideum

Sempervivum ‘Ohio Burgundy’

Sempervivum tectorum

CARING FOR SUCCULENTS

Propagation

AEONIUM

With about 35 species, the genus Aeonium is one of the smaller groups included in the family Crassulaceae. Their collective common name, tree houseleeks, is already an indication that most species develop short or even long stems atop of which tightly packed leaves are clustered into a rosulate arrangement. Many cultivars and hybrids exist that differ in size, shape, and color. These succulents are popular no matter which you choose.

Aeonium arboreum and Selections

Common name: Tree Aeonium

Size: 36" (1m), though some variants remain smaller

FEATURED SELECTIONS, CULTIVARS, AND HYBRIDS:

• Aeonium arboreum var. arboreum

• Aeonium arboreum var. holochrysum

• Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ (common names: Black Rose and Zwartkop)

• Aeonium ‘Atropurpureum’ (common name: Atropurpureum)

Plants grow as medium-sized to large shrubs that have long, variously leaning stems and branches. With age, the lower leaves on the stems and branches are shed to expose fairly smooth, clean trunks that can reach a diameter of about 1" (2.5cm) in old specimens. The rather thin-succulent leaves are somewhat variable, but generally spatula-shaped in outline. Leaves are clustered into tight rosettes that are carried towards the tips of the branches. During the dry season—generally the warm to hot summer months—the leaf rosettes can be even more tightly arranged into golf ball–shaped clusters. Inflorescences are the shape of golden pyramids and densely packed with bright yellow flowers.

Several variants, mutations, and hybrids of Aeonium arboreum are in cultivation, with the best known of these being the cultivar Aeonium ‘Zwartkop.’ Its leaves are a uniform, deep black-purple color, and when planted en masse, present a spectacular color foil for companion succulents. In the cultivar Aeonium ‘Atrpurpurea,’ the purplish black color is often somewhat less intense and the centers of the leafy rosettes tend to be light green. The purple leaves can revert to being uniformly light green. In the case of Aeonium arboretum var. holochrysum, the leafy rosettes often remain smaller, upturned, very tightly clustered, and presented in the shape of small bowls at the tips of the clean stems and branches.

All these variants can be grown in containers, including indoors, but they really come into their own when planted in large drifts in open beds. If large, shrubby specimens—especially when plants start to age—are not required, cuttings of the upper inch or two of the branches can be taken and grown in pots or established outdoors in beds. The golden yellow inflorescences are spectacular, but not all the leafy rosettes will produce them in a season.

Aeonium arboreum var. arboreum

Aeonium arboreum var. holochrysum

Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’

Aeonium ‘Atropurpureum’

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants thrive outdoors but should be given some protection where very low temperatures prevail. They will also grow well indoors or in a greenhouse.

Indoor care: Plants should be provided with sufficient light and the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering events.

Outdoor care: If grown outdoors, aeoniums generally prefer Mediterranean-type climates—cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Temperature: Plants can tolerate quite low temperatures, and at around 32°F (0°C), virtually no damage is evident.

Lighting: Bright to filtered light.

Watering: Plants thrive on regular irrigation.

Repotting: Plants can be left in a container for several years, but will respond well to being repotted into fresh soil every two years, even if the same sized pot is used.

Propagating: Seed will germinate with great ease, which has given rise to the species becoming naturalized in several places well beyond its natural geographical distribution range on the Canary Islands. Stem cuttings and individual leaves also strike root with ease.

Aeonium haworthii

Common names: Mound Aeonium, Haworth’s Aeonium, Pinwheel

Size: 12"–20" (30–50cm) tall

Plants grow as small shrubs that develop multiple stems from ground level. The stems are often rather thin and appear to be unable to support the leafy rosettes in an erect position. This gives rise to mound-shaped plants with rounded canopies. Leaf shape is variable, but leaves are generally spatula shaped. The leaves end in a sharp, but harmless, tip. Leaf margins are adorned with minute cilia and often red-rimmed. Whitish yellow to cream-colored flowers are carried in small, plump inflorescences that the stalks are too weak to keep flower clusters upright.

Aeonium haworthii is cultivated almost globally and easily adapts to local climatic and growing conditions. It has even become naturalized in some places, such as in Australia.

Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ is a cultivar of Aeonium haworthii, meaning it is similar in appearance and care. ‘Kiwi’ is a favorite to use in succulent crafts.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants do well in containers that can be kept indoors or, preferably, outdoors.

Indoor care: Keep in bright light.

Outdoor care: Plants are very easy to grow in pots, where they look their best given their small size.

Temperature: Plants can tolerate low temperatures of even slightly below freezing without any ill effects.

Lighting: Dappled shade or full sun. Plants will also grow in deep shade, but then do not look their best.

Watering: Plants do well with regular irrigation but can also tolerate very dry conditions.

Repotting: Plants can be kept in the same soil in a small container for many years.

Propagating: Plants grow easily from stem cuttings.

Aeonium sedifolium

Common names: Dwarf Aeonium, Pixie Aeonium

Size: 5"–8" (12–20cm) tall

Plants grow as miniature shrublets that develop numerous stems, carrying clusters of small, spatula-shaped leaves toward the branch apices. The stems are thin, variously twisted, and bent under the weight of the leaf clusters. The bright, light green leaves of the species can be sticky—sand and soil will stick to the leaves—and are variously adorned with scattered, red, mostly longitudinal, sections. Inflorescences consist of numerous yellow flowers.

The species does best in winter-rainfall regions, but will also grow in places that receive summer rainfall, where flowering is sometimes impaired. Plants can be best displayed when grown in small or even miniature containers. The red leaf maculation contributes to the attraction of the plants. Like most aeoniums, plants will easily hybridize with a range of other species of this genus, and many plants sold under the name Aeonium sedifolia are actually hybrids.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants grow well outdoors, especially when kept in small containers. The pots can also be kept indoors.

Indoor care: Keep plants in a sunny spot.

Outdoor care: If grown in a container, plants can be moved under cover in summer-rainfall areas because plants will be in their resting phase.

Temperature: Plants will be damaged or even killed outright at temperatures below 32°F (0°C).

Lighting: Full sun.

Watering: Plants are very drought tolerant, but benefit from irrigation during the winter season when they actively grow. In the hot summer months, plants are dormant and don’t need to be watered regularly.

Repotting: Plants can be kept in the same soil in a container for several years.

Propagating: Grow from stem cuttings.

This bowl of succulents is used as an outdoor table decoration. A small clump of the yellow-flowered Aeonium sedifolium grows in the center of the container.

Aeonium tabuliforme

Common names: Saucer Plant, Flat-Topped Aeonium

Size: 1"–2" (2.5–5cm) tall, 8" (20cm) wide

The rosettes grow flat on the ground and remain saucer-like until they flower. The rosettes are produced on short, unbranched stems that are completely hidden. The rosettes themselves consist of a multitude of somewhat fleshy, bright green leaves. The leaves are tightly packed—almost like fish scales—and have fine cilia along their margins. After three to four years of vegetative growth, plants will develop inflorescences that can be over 24" (60cm) tall. An inflorescence consists of numerous, small, yellowish white flowers.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants will grow well outdoors or indoors in a container.

Indoor care: Keep in a dappled-shady spot.

Outdoor care: Plants are well adapted to grow on vertical surfaces where water will not collect and remain on the flat rosettes. Plants usually die after having flowered, but are well worth growing for their fascinating rosette shape.

Temperature: Plants will be damaged below 32°F (0°C).

Lighting: Plants grow well in dappled shade.

Watering: Plants benefit from regular irrigation.

Repotting: Should ideally be planted in a container that is large enough to allow it to reach flowering maturity without requiring repotting.

Propagating: Individual leaves that are carefully removed from the stem will strike root. Offsets, which are not produced in abundance, from the main rosette can also be grown on.

ASTERACEAE

This plant family, also known as the “Daisy family,” covers a large range of flowering plants—most of which aren’t succulents. However, the succulents found here are prized both for their leaves and flowers, making a perfect potted plant.

×Bacurio delphinatifolius

Common names: String of Dolphins, Jumping Dolphins

Stem size: 12"–20" (30–50cm) long

Plants are thin stemmed with small, succulent leaves widely dispersed along the stems. Leaves of ×Bacurio delphinatifolius show some variation, but usually consist of a prominently projecting, windowed central portion and two shorter, lateral lobes with parts of the incised blade variously recurved, so resembling miniature dolphins. The tiny, white flowers are tightly packed in small, head-shaped inflorescences.

The name ×Bacurio delphinatifolius was published for the hybrid between Baculellum articulatum (previously often treated as Curio articulatus) and Curio rowleyanus. The shape of the leaves has given rise to the hybrid being known under the trade designations ‘String of Dolphins’ and ‘Jumping Dolphins.’

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants do well both indoors and outdoors.

Indoor care: Grow the plants in a pot or in a hanging basket in a brightly lit place.

Outdoor care: Plants should be placed in a sunny spot or in dappled shade.

Temperature: Plants are not cold hardy below 32°F (0°C).

Lighting: Plants look their best in bright light. In low light conditions, the stem segments between the leaves can elongate unnaturally.

Watering: Plants benefit from a weekly drenching. Make sure the soil is well drained. If plants are kept in small pots in a very arid region, water more frequently.

Repotting: Plants can remain in the same soil for several years. The stems grow rapidly and will soon dangle waterfall-like over the edge of a container. This makes it a perfect plant to grow in a hanging basket.

Propagating: Stem cuttings can be placed on the soil surface, covered with a thin layer of soil, and soon the cuttings will sprout roots.

Curio crassulifolius

Common names: Blue Chalksticks, Blue Fingers

Size: 12"–20" (30–50cm) tall

The evergreen, perennial plants grow upright, leaning, or sprawling. The stems are smooth and lack hairs. Leaves are cylindrical, 1"–2" (2.5–5cm) long, grayish blue to light green, and terminate in a pointed tip. The leaves, which are covered in a light, waxy bloom, are carried in dense clusters toward the branch tips. The small, head-shaped inflorescences—technically called capitula—are small, and generally only a few are carried on slender, branched inflorescence stalks. The tiny, densely packed flowers are white to creamy or sometimes yellowish.

Curio crassulifolius is a carpet-forming, waterwise succulent that will rapidly cover a small or large denuded area if planted 9" (20cm) apart. Plants do very well in any soil type, including in coastal gardens with very sandy soil and in clay soil. Curio crassulifolius is sometimes known as Kleinia crassulifolius.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

If kept indoors in pots, even in brightly lit positions, plants will lose much of their charm. This is really a plant that should be grown outdoors.

Outdoor care: Plants are remarkably undemanding in cultivation. When planted en masse, blocks of blue foliage can be created; when planted in strips, they will establish as near-blue sections in a bed. Plants grow well in virtually any position that receives full sun, including in rockeries.

Temperature: Short spells of temperatures around 32°F (0°C) can be tolerated, but heavy frosts will kill the plants.

Lighting: Grow Curio crassulifolius in a position that receives full sun. Even in semi-shade, plants can become unnaturally etiolated with the branches becoming floppy.

Watering: Very little irrigation is needed. The soil should ideally be well drained, but plants can also grow in clay soils. However, the better the drainage, the less the chances that plants will succumb to root rot.

Repotting: Plants can be grown in pots for many years without repotting being necessary. Rather, when refreshed material is needed, take stem cuttings and plant them in pots filled with fresh soil that is well drained.

Propagating: Stem cuttings of about 2"–3" (5–7cm) long, taken from young or old growth, will develop roots within a few weeks if placed in a well-drained (but moist) rooting medium.

The blue-leaved Curio crassulifolius contrasts sharply with the light green, red-margined leaves of Kalanchoe ×estrelae.

Curio radicans

Common names: String of Bananas, String of Fishhooks

Stem size: 12"–24" (30–60cm) long

Plants produce long, creeping or dangling stems that are too weak to remain upright. The stems carry small, banana-shaped leaves short distances apart. In some variants, the leaves are shiny green when grown in the shade or can turn a coppery brown color when under water stress. The tiny, white flowers are borne in small head-shaped inflorescences.

This species is grown for the shape and size of its leaves, rather than for its small white flowers. Leaf shape can vary somewhat, as with the variant with prominently hook-shaped leaves commonly known as ‘String-of-Fishhooks.’ Curio radicans is sometimes known as Kleinia radicans or as Senecio radicans.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants grow well both indoors and outdoors.

Indoor care: This is a perfect plant to keep indoors in a pot or a hanging basket in a brightly lit position. The leaves are plump and shiny light green when well grown.

Outdoor care: In mild climates, plants can be grown outdoors in beds as a groundcover, or in rockeries where their stems will dangle over rocks.

Temperature: Plants can tolerate temperatures of around 32°F (0°C) for short spells, but are not frost resistant for long periods. However, they are more cold tolerant than most other succulent daisies.

Lighting: Full sun or dappled shade.

Watering: Plants are very drought tolerant, and irrigation is only required once the soil has dried out. If plants are kept too dry, the leaves tend to develop a longitudinal furrow. This is a good indication that plants should be watered more regularly.

Repotting: Plants can be kept in the same soil for many years. Repot them into fresh soil after about three years.

Propagating: Any length of stem can be removed with a pair of pruning shears, placed on the soil surface, and covered with a thin layer of soil. Roots will soon develop.

Curio rowleyanus

Common names: String of Pearls, String of Beads

Stem size: 36" (1m) long

Plants produce long, thin stems that creep along the ground or dangle over other plants, rocks, or rims of pots. Leaves resemble peas, with each leaf sporting a small tip and a narrow, longitudinal, opaque window. The flowers are small, white, and densely clustered into head-shaped inflorescences. The stamens that protrude above the flowers are purple and the pollen yellow, which gives the otherwise drab flowers a semblance of color.

Curio rowleyanus, like C. radicans, is a perfect plant for growing in a hanging basket or in a small pot. The stems will dangle curtain-like over the rim of the pot. An attractive variegated form of the species is available in the trade. In this mutation, the leaves have large creamy white sections. Curio rowleyanus is sometimes known as Kleinia rowleyana or as Senecio rowleyanus.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants grow very well both indoors and outdoors.

Indoor care: Plants will do well in pots or hanging baskets in brightly lit areas but can also tolerate some shade. However, too much shade will result in the stems becoming etiolated.

Outdoor care: Plants will grow well outdoors in mild climates, preferably in pots or hanging baskets. To look their best, plants require little more than regular watering and bright light.

Temperature: Plants will survive temperatures slightly below 32°F (0°C) for short periods, but prolonged exposure to such conditions will eventually kill the plants.

Lighting: Plants prefer bright light.

Watering: Plants benefit from regular watering— about once a week. If water is withheld for extended periods, the pea-shaped leaves will become shriveled.

Repotting: Plants can be kept in the same soil for a few years. Repot into fresh soil after two years. Use the same-sized pot.

Propagating: Plants can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Remove a piece of stem and place it on the soil surface. Cover with a thin layer of soil. Roots will soon develop. If the stems segment is very long, simply roll it up and place it on the soil before covering it with a thin layer of soil.

Kleinia petraea

Common names: Creeping Jade, Trailing Jade

Size: 4"–5" (10–13cm) tall

Stem size: 12"–15" (30–38cm) long

The light green, elongated-coin-shaped leaves are flat and thick, taking on a purple-brown color in winter. Leaves overlap like roof tiles along the stems. The leaves resemble those of Crassula ovata, which is commonly known as the jade plant, hence the common name of Kleinia petraea (creeping jade). The elongated, head-shaped inflorescences carry numerous tightly packed, orange flowers.

This creeping or trailing plant has become very popular in cultivation as it can serve multiple purposes in the garden. It grows well in hanging baskets from which the leafy stems will dangle down. Alternatively, it can be used as a groundcover as the fleshy but weak stems root as they “creep” across the ground. When temperatures drop and plants remain dry, the leaves of Kleinia petraea take on a purple-brown hue. Kleinia petraea is often still known as Senecio jacobsenii.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants are best grown outdoors, but will also grow in pots kept indoors. Leaves of plants kept outdoors are often strongly pinkish orange to purple-brown-infused, while the leaves of plants kept indoors tend to remain uniformly light green.

Indoor care: Keep plants in a brightly lit place.

Outdoor care: Plants grow very well in open beds and in pots. Plants should be established in sunny positions or in dappled shade.

Temperature: Plants are not cold hardy and exposure to 32°F (0°C), even for short spells, will kill the plants.

Lighting: Plants grow best in bright light.

Watering: Plants are very drought tolerant and should only be watered once the soil in which they are grown has dried out.

Repotting: Plants will grow well in containers for many years without repotting being required. Once the soil needs to be refreshed, plants can be reestablished in the same-sized pot.

Propagating: Plants can be propagated from stem cuttings.

Othonna capensis

Common names: Ruby Necklace, Baby Toes, Little Pickles, Cape Aster

Stem size: 12"–24" (30–60cm) tall

Plants are low-growing and develop numerous, thin stems that creep along the ground or will scramble into and over plants with which they grow. The usually densely leaved, trailing stems will soon dangle down under the weight of the foliage. Small, jelly bean–shaped leaves with pointed tips are carried at short intervals along the stems. The stems and leaves can become red-infused in strong sunlight. Fairly large, yellow-flowered inflorescences are borne on long stalks.

Unlike the drab-colored flowers of Curio radicans and Curio rowleyanus, those of Othonna capensis are bright yellow. What looks like yellow petals are in fact small ray florets. Othonna capensis is sometimes known as Crassothonna capensis.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants can be grown indoors or outdoors.

Indoor care: Plants take on a characteristic reddish sheen when kept in bright light. In shade, the stems can become etiolated.

Outdoor care: Plants grow best in full sun, but can also be kept in dappled shade.

Temperature: Plants are not frost hardy and anything more than very brief exposure to 32°F (0°C) will kill the plants outright.

Lighting: Bright light conditions are required to bring out the best colors of the foliage and stems.

Watering: Plants benefit from regular watering— about once a week—to prevent the leaves from shriveling.

Repotting: Plants can be kept in the same pot for many years before tipping the plants out and refreshing the soil.

Propagating: Plants can be easily grown from stem cuttings.

CRASSULA

It is mostly the extensive range of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors found in Crassula, one of the largest genera in the family Crassulaceae, that makes them such popular plants to grow. Every succulent here brings unique characteristics that are sure to make them shine on their own and stand apart from other species.

Crassula arborescens subsp. arborescens

Common names: Silver Dollar Plant, Silver Jade Plant

Size: 36" (1m) tall

In open beds, plants can grow as medium to large shrubs. However, stem cuttings of only 2"–3" (5–8cm) long will easily strike root, and when root-run is limited in a small container, the cuttings will happily grow as bonsai-ed specimens for many years.

Their multistemmed clusters form haphazardly rounded canopies. Stems remain upright but could in time topple over under the weight of the leaf clusters. Leaves are spoon-shaped and range from nearly white to a ghostly silver color, hence the common name. Leaves could have a red margin and conspicuous red dots on both the upper and lower surfaces, adding to the charm of the species. The star-shaped flowers are generally bright white and arranged in round clusters.

Plants could be shy to flower, especially if they are still young and the roots are pot bound. However, in the open ground, plants will flower profusely, with the snowball-shaped and -colored flower clusters often covering the entire plant.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants will thrive outdoors in mild climates and grow well indoors, where its size will be limited by the size of the container in which it is grown.

Indoor care: Keep in a brightly lit spot, for example on a windowsill.

Outdoor care: Plants grow very well outdoors in virtually any soil type.

Temperature: Plants do not do well in very low temperatures. If exposed to 32°F (0°C) or lower temperatures for prolonged periods, serious frost damage will be evident.

Lighting: Bright to filtered light.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between watering events.

Repotting: Plants can remain in pots, even small ones, for many years. When repotting, use a pot one size bigger than the one from which the plants are tipped out.

Propagating: Plants can be propagated from stem cuttings or individual leaves. Place leaves on top of—not in—the soil.

Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia

Common names: Ripple Jade, Undulata

Size: Under 36" (1m) tall

Plants grow as small to medium shrubs that develop densely branched, mound-like canopies. Plants therefore tend to spread horizontally as well as vertically. The thin-succulent leaves are distinctly wavy, bluish-white, and often red-margined. Flowers, borne in small, rounded clusters, are white and star-shaped.

Plants tend to be weakly deciduous—more so than C. arborescens subsp. arborescens—and naturally shed some of their leaves in very dry and cold conditions. It also has a smaller stature than its cousin, C. arborescens subsp. arborescens.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Plants will thrive outdoors in mild climates and grow well indoors, where its size will be limited by the size of the container in which it is grown.

Indoor care: Plants are not difficult to keep indoors if attention is paid to regular watering—do not let plants become completely dehydrated—and pots are placed in well-lit areas.

Outdoor care: Plants will thrive in full sun or in dappled shade in mild climates.

Temperature: If exposed to 32°F (0°C) or lower temperatures for prolonged periods, serious frost damage will be evident. Plants are slightly more frost-hardy than C. arborescens subsp. arborescens.

Lighting: Bright light.

Watering: