Our January box featuring String of Fishhooks, Panda Plant Kalanchoe, Echeveria Simulans f/ Rayones, Echeveria Cris, and Tillandsia Capitata Peach.
1. String of Fishhooks
String of Fishhooks is an interesting-looking yet very easy to grow trailing succulent in the Senecio species family. This plant is native to South Africa and is a lovely choice for both hanging baskets and outdoor gardens. It trails freely and grows faster and longer in warmer weather and can reach several feet long.
String of Fishhooks plant has fleshy greyish-green leaves which look like fishhooks, hence the name. This plant is very similar to the String of Bananas. However, String of Bananas' leaves are thicker and they have a greener shade of color.
The Strings of Fishhooks produces small soft white flowers with a cinnamon-like scent during the late winter or early spring months.
This plant prefers plenty of sunlight but also tolerates various light conditions from full sun to partial sun outdoors, and bright indirect light to partial shade indoors. However, protect it from scorching sun to prevent sunburn.
This plant is drought tolerant and does not need very regular watering. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Water moderately during warmer months and sparingly in the winter.
This plant, like other succulents, requires well-drained and porous soil to grow healthy. Water should be drained fast to avoid over-absorption to roots. It is better to use a soil mix that does not settle in water for long.
This plant is very forgiving and can tolerate temperatures between 25°F-100°F but its ideal temperatures are around 65°F-80°F, which is common room temperature. Protect it from extreme heat and frost if grown outdoors.
This plant should be fertilized once during the growing season (spring) with diluted houseplant fertilizer.
The String of Fish Hooks is slightly toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.
2. Panda Plant Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe Tomentosa, often called Panda Plant, is a succulent originated from Madagascar. Similar to its cousin, Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier, Panda Plant has soft fuzzy long oval shaped leaves with deep brown margin. Its leaves are an attractive shade of white silvery green.
In nature, Panda Plant can grow up to several feet, but if grown indoors it typically only reaches up to 2 feet in height.
In spring and summer, it produces white fuzzy, bell-shaped flowers.
It grows well in Full Sun to Partial Shade. If grown indoors, put it in a spot with bright light and ample airflow.
Porous soil with adequate drainage.
Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch then let drain completely.
Panda Plant is toxic to pets but NOT toxic to humans. Remember to keep your Panda Plant away from curious pets and children. Seek help immediately if you notice your pet chew on this plant.
3. Echeveria Cris
Echeveria Cris is a beautiful hybrid succulent that looks just like a green rose. This beauty forms perfect, symmetrical rosettes, with its chubby leaves resembling the petals of a rose. Long-lasting and low-maintenance, Echeveria Cris is a perfect choice for plant arrangements, succulent table centerpieces, and stylish flower bouquets.
This Echeveria succulent is a small and slow-growing plant. It can reach around 3-4 inches in both height and width. Its compact nature makes it an ideal choice for tabletop displays and small spaces. The densely packed leaves are typically plump and fleshy, with a beautiful powdery green-blue color and pinkish tips that brighten up under direct sunlight.
Echeveria 'Cris' can be used as ground cover in suitable growing conditions. It typically forms compact rosettes and offsets, creating a dense mat of succulents. Echeveria 'Cris' is generally not frost-tolerant and is best suited for outdoor growing in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. If you're in a colder climate, it's advisable to grow Echeveria 'Cris' in containers that can be moved indoors during colder months to protect it from frost.
Echeveria Cris needs lots of bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or late afternoon, but protect it from intense midday sun to prevent sunburn.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water sparingly and avoid overwatering, as succulents are susceptible to root rot. Adjust the frequency based on the season; water more during the growing season (spring and summer) and less during the dormant period (fall and winter).
Use well-draining succulent or cactus soil to prevent waterlogging. Fertilize sparingly, applying a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period.
Echeveria Cris prefers temperatures between 65-75°F during the day. It can tolerate cooler temperatures but protect it from frost, as it is not frost-tolerant. These succulents are adapted to lower humidity levels but can still thrive in average indoor humidity (below 50%).
Echeveria Cris is pet-friendly and generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals However, it's always advisable to keep succulents out of reach of pets and small children to avoid allergic reactions.
4. Echeveria Simulans F/ Rayones
Echeveria simulans f/ Rayones is a charming succulent that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Its name, "simulans," is indicative of its resemblance to other Echeveria species, particularly Echeveria Elegans. The reference to "Rayones" points to its origin in the location of Rayones, Mexico.
While both species exhibit compact rosettes and are native to Mexico, the notable differences lie in the leaf shape and color. Echeveria Simulans f/ Rayones has spoon-shaped leaves with a pale blue-green color and a powdery farina coating, while Echeveria elegans features pointed leaves with a bluish-gray or silver-green color. Echeveria elegans is also slightly larger in size.
Echeveria simulans f/ Rayones typically forms compact rosettes with a diameter of several inches, but the exact size can vary based on factors like growing conditions, age, and care. On average, the rosettes can reach a moderate size of 5-6”, making them suitable for tabletop arrangements and small spaces.
While Echeveria simulans f/ Rayones typically doesn’t form a dense succulent mat, it can still be grown outdoors and incorporated into rock gardens and succulent gardens in mild climate areas.
Echeveria simulans f/ Rayones flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight, requiring a minimum of six hours of daily exposure. While it can endure some direct sunlight, shielding it from intense afternoon rays is advisable, particularly in regions with hot and dry summer days.
Echeveria simulans f/ Rayones thrives in a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Fertilizing isn’t a must for succulents, but you can still give this plant a little growth boost during the growing season in spring-summer with some diluted liquid fertilizer. Stop fertilizing in the dormant period in fall and winter.
Optimal growth for this succulent requires well-draining soil and an infrequent watering schedule. Allow the soil to thoroughly dry between watering sessions, do not overwater as succulents are vulnerable to root rot.
Maintaining temperatures between 65-75°F is ideal for this succulent. Protection from frost is crucial. Avoid high humidity (over 50%) as humid, stagnant air can lead to pests and fungal diseases.
Echeveria simulans f/ Rayones is pet-friendly and generally regarded as non-toxic to humans and pets. However, you should keep all succulents and houseplants out of the reach of pets and children to prevent potential allergic reactions.
5. Tillandsia Capitata Peach
Tillandsia Capitata Peach air plant is a delicate air plant, with wide, thick, sturdy leaves that are soft to the touch. It also has the prettiest silvery green leaves. Its shape is a somewhat symmetrical rosette. When it blooms the leaves blush beautiful shades of peach and pink.
Bright indirect sunlight.
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 Capitata Peach will also benefit from a soaking bath every week. Give it a little shake off afterwards to make sure water doesn't collect in the bottom leaves to prevent rot.
See more about How to spot and treat winter-damaged succulents
For Types of Succulents Care guide. Read more information here.
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