Our August box featuring Echeveria Derenceana, Kalachoe “Fang”, Variegated String Of Buttons, Kalanchoe Sexangularis and Tillandsia Araujei Purple Star.
1. Echeveria Derenceana
Echeveria 'Derenceana' is a charming rosette succulent in the Crassulaceae family, highly favored by plant enthusiasts for its delicate colors and compact form. Native to the semi-arid regions of Mexico and Central America, this low-maintenance variety has evolved to thrive in bright light and well-draining soils, making it an ideal pick for both beginners and seasoned collectors.
Echeveria 'Derenceana' forms small, tidy rosettes of upright, fleshy leaves featuring a gorgeous combination of silver-blue and soft pink hues. Its foliage is heavily coated in a powdery farina that gives the plant a smooth, pastel finish. Often compared to Echeveria 'Lola', 'Derenceana' stays smaller with a more upright leaf structure. Over time, it naturally produces new offsets around its base, forming a neat, compact cluster.
During its bloom cycle, Echeveria 'Derenceana' produces slender, arching stalks topped with delicate pink bell-shaped flowers. Exposing the plant to a subtle drop in nighttime temperatures helps signal and encourage flower production. These cheerful blooms contrast beautifully above the powdery silvery-pink rosettes while adding a subtle pop of color to the plant.
Echeveria 'Derenceana' is a versatile choice for sunny windowsills, small desktop containers, and mixed succulent arrangements. Its easy care nature allows it to handle dry indoor air and survive short periods without watering once established. Best of all, it is a pet-safe succulent, so you won't have to worry if a curious cat or dog takes a sniff. With adequate bright light and protection from hard frost, it will thrive effortlessly year-round.
Bright Indoor Light, Filtered / Partial Sun
Water Echeveria Derenceana thoroughly every 10-14 days in summer and every 3-4 weeks in winter, always letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Echeveria Derenceana does best in a fast-draining cactus and succulent mix blended with extra perlite or coarse grit for optimal drainage.
Echeveria Derenceana prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and should be protected from frost, as it is not cold-hardy below about 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C).
Echeveria Derenceana is a slow to moderate grower that benefits from a diluted balanced succulent fertilizer applied once a month during the active growing season.
2. Kalachoe “Fang”
Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang' is a rare architectural succulent native to the highlands of Madagascar, where it grows in rocky, arid terrain. It is one of the most distinctive Kalanchoe cultivars for collectors seeking genuine rarity and character.
Fang earns its name from the fang-like, tubercle-tipped projections that cover the undersides of its large, arrowhead-shaped leaves. The foliage is densely covered in velvety felt in silver-green to bronze tones, creating a texture unlike almost anything else in the plant world. It develops thick, heavily textured leaves with an upright, sculptural growth habit.
Fang is grown primarily as a foliage plant, with the extraordinary leaf texture and form holding attention year-round. Flower information for this cultivar in typical indoor conditions is limited, so the dramatic, felt-covered leaves are the focus. This slow-growing succulent delivers steady, long-lasting presence rather than rapid seasonal changes.
Rotate Fang regularly for even growth, and keep it away from air conditioning vents and heating drafts. Move it outside in summer to a bright, sheltered spot, but provide cover from rain to protect those velvety leaves from water damage. Cats and dogs should not be left to nibble or eat the plant, so a high shelf suits it well while also displaying its upright form. With minimal fuss, it grows well for years as a focal point for collectors and houseplant enthusiasts alike.
Kalanchoe beharensis 'Fang' grows well in bright indirect light and scorches easily in direct south-facing windows.
Fang does best in a fast-draining cactus and perlite mix that prevents moisture from sitting around the roots.
Water it every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings; it wilts visibly when thirsty.
It prefers temperatures between 60-85°F and should never be exposed to frost or freezing conditions.
Fang does best in a fast-draining cactus and perlite mix that prevents moisture from sitting around the roots.
3. Variegated String Of Buttons
Crassula Variegata, also called Variegated String Of Buttons, is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family native to rocky outcrops and scrublands of South Africa. The plant grows well in bright, dry conditions with excellent drainage and grows quickly.
Pairs of triangular leaves stack tightly around a central stem in a spiral pattern, creating the button-like appearance the plant is named for. The foliage is green, cream, and soft yellow with blush-pink edges that deepen under bright sun exposure. It grows upright and clumping when young, then develops trailing stems as it matures, reaching roughly 2 inches tall in its compact form before spreading sideways.
Small clusters of pale yellow to white star-shaped flowers appear in late winter to spring. A cool nighttime temperature drop in autumn encourages blooming. The plant can tolerate extended periods between waterings due to water storage in its succulent leaves. You can leave it up to ten days without water.
Hang it in a basket with sturdy support, or place it on a shelf where the trailing stems can spread. Move it outside in summer to a bright, sheltered spot, but bring it inside before heavy rain or frost arrives. It propagates easily from stem cuttings. Keep it away from pets and small children, as it is toxic if ingested and its sap can irritate skin and paws.
Variegated String of Buttons - Crassula perforata f. variegata grows well in bright indirect light to partial or full sun, but scorches in intense south-facing windows.
Crassula Variegata is a fast-growing succulent needing only light feeding with diluted balanced succulent fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Crassula Variegata does best in a fast-draining cactus and succulent mix blended with 30–50% perlite.
Water it every 10–14 days in summer, reducing to about once a month in winter, always letting soil dry completely between waterings.
It prefers temperatures between 65–80°F and must be protected from frost below 30°F.
4. Kalanchoe Sexangularis
Kalanchoe sexangularis, also called Six Angled Kalanchoe, is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family native to southern Africa, where it grows among rocky, sun-drenched terrain. This rare find in cultivation appeals to succulent collectors and those seeking a plant that thrives with minimal fuss.
The plant earns its name from distinctly angular, six-sided stems that set it apart from other kalanchoes. Leaves are fleshy with scalloped edges and shift from green to burgundy-red at the margins when exposed to bright light, creating a two-tone effect. Its upright growth habit keeps the plant tidy and compact, fitting easily on shelves and windowsills.
Kalanchoe sexangularis produces clusters of small tubular flowers in warm yellow to orange tones when nighttime temperatures drop, typically in the cooler months. Placing it near a window where evening temperatures naturally dip encourages blooming. The plant can go up to ten days without water.
It handles dry heated indoor air well and benefits from regular rotation so every side receives bright light evenly. The sap can cause skin and paw irritation, so keep it on a high shelf away from pets and small children. Move it outside in summer on a patio or balcony in warm climates.
Six Angled Kalanchoe - Kalanchoe sexangularis grows well in bright indirect light and will scorch in harsh direct south-facing sun.
Kalanchoe sexangularis does best in well-draining cactus and succulent mix blended with extra perlite for drainage.
Water it every 10-14 days, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings; wilting indicates thirst.
Kalanchoe sexangularis is a moderate upright grower needing only a light balanced fertilizer once monthly during the growing season.
It prefers temperatures between 60-85°F and cannot tolerate frost below 30°F.
5. Tillandsia Araujei Purple Star
Tillandsia Araujei 'Purple Star' is a captivating and unique air plant in the Bromeliaceae family. Unlike typical compact air plants, it features a distinctive caulescent (stem-forming) growth habit with stiff, needle-like, light green leaves that spiral around a central growing stem.
All of the plants may be shipped bare root.
Bright filtered light.
No soil is needed. Sand, sea glass, rocks, pebbles & bark chip can be used instead of soil.
Frequent misting several times a week is necessary. Tillandsia Araujei Purple Star will also benefit from a soaking bath every month. Give it a little shake off afterwards to make sure water doesn't collect in the bottom leaves to prevent rot.
