Leaf and stem succulents: gasteria, haworthia, agave, aloe, the mesembs. Forgiving plants that fail one way only, which is too much water in too little light.
Bright, filtered light or gentle morning sun. Most of these grow in the shade of rocks and shrubs in habitat; hard afternoon sun bleaches and scorches.
Water
Soak the pot, then let it dry fully before the next. Every ten to fourteen days in summer, half that in winter. Never leave water standing in a rosette.
Soil
Gritty and fast: half pumice, half a good cactus mix. A top dressing of gravel keeps the neck of the plant dry.
Dormancy
A short rest in the hottest weeks and again in deep winter. Growth slows; water slows with it.
Hardiness
Most are safe to the mid-30s°F if dry. A few (agave, some aloes) go lower; the soft-leaved mesembs do not.
Dilute balanced fertilizer at quarter strength once a month in spring and fall. Nothing in the heat of summer or in winter.
Repotting
Every two to three years, or when the plant crowds the rim. Spring is best. Let cut roots callus for a day before replanting.
Watch for
Translucent, mushy leaves at the base mean rot: unpot and dry. Stretching toward the window means more light. Mealybugs settle between leaves; a cotton swab of alcohol clears them.
Plectranthus ernstii 3.5" Pots · Succulents · family notes · botanicwonders.com/care · Botanic Wonders, 2705 Sarver Ln, San Marcos, CA 92069 · (760) 519-9987