Succulents

Category: Succulents

Top Maintenance Tips for the Ming Thing Cactus Succulent Plant

by Giancarlo Perlas

The Ming Thing Cactus is not something that you see in gardens every day. This peculiar succulent plant looks deformed, which should come as a nice find for plant parents who are into something out of the ordinary.

We don’t know where Ming Thing got its name from. However, it seems like a fitting name since it’s as strange as the monster in an old Kurt Russell movie, the Swamp Thing in DC comics, and the Man-Thing in Marvel comics. Its Latin name ‘Cereus Forbesii Monstrose’ further emphasizes its bizarre nature too. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, ‘monstrose’ in botany points to a plant that has abnormal, distorted, and disfigured growth.

The Ming Thing can grow up to 12 inches tall with proper care. It has bulbous stems clumped together, which forms its irregular shape.

Don’t let its appearance intimidate you though. Despite its exotic look, the Ming Thing is actually easy to maintain as long as you follow these simple but important tips:

1. Sunlight

Like all other cacti, the Ming Thing loves the sun. Make sure that it gets at least two to six hours of direct sunlight during the day. However, if you spend most of your day outside of your home and you don’t have time to check it every now and then, just place it in a partially shaded area that has the most exposure to the sun during the daytime.

2. Temperature

This succulent is cold-hardy because it can survive low temperatures around 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Just to be safe though, place it under a grow light when temperatures during the cold season are already close to zero to supplement the lack of sunlight.

3. Watering

As a cactus, the Ming Thing does not require much watering to survive. Just sprinkle some water on it using a mist spray bottle to maintain its moisture during warm weather at least once a day. If the plant starts looking too dry with light patches and cracks on its skin, shorten its watering intervals slightly or add more water into it if needed.

As much as possible, avoid watering it during the cold weather. Too much water can damage its roots and may cause them to rot. Signs of overwatering include soggy leaves and having a lot of dark patches on their surface.

4. Succulent Plant Pot

You can use clay, plastic, or ceramic pots for growing the Ming Thing. See to it that the container has holes at the bottom that serve as drainage for excess water to avoid soaking the roots for long periods. As mentioned earlier, the stagnation of water at the roots can lead to rot and decay if left unchecked.

5. Soil

A potting mix consisting of loam and sand is the ideal combination for the Ming Thing. This mixture ensures better airflow and water circulation especially in the roots of the plant.

Ming Thing Cactus Flowers

After all these have been said and done, owners of the Ming Thing can bear witness to its flowering. Depending on its variant, the cactus may produce funnel-shaped flowers with white petals and purple or lavender hues. The beautiful flowers provide a contrasting appeal to the alien-like form of the plant.

How to Properly Propagate and Care for Paper Spine Cactus

by Giancarlo Perlas

The Paper Spine Cactus is our new bizarre entry in the succulent plants class. As its name says, it comes with spines that look like paper giving it an exotic look. This intriguing flora provides a nice background to any part of the home, and like any other succulents, it is easy to grow and maintain.

The Paper Spine Cactus is also known for its scientific name Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus. It is closely related to the Pine Cone Cactus and defined by its segmented stems that look like stacked pinecones. The adjoining parts are very delicate and can fall off easily because they are loosely attached to each other.

Each portion is covered with thin white spines that appear like paper cutouts. The spines are harmless since they have paper-like softness, so they’re actually harmless.

Propagation

The Paper Spine Cactus can be grown from seeds, cuttings, and offsets. Propagation through seeds can take longer compared to the other methods, so the alternatives are highly recommended.

Propagation using an offset is pretty straightforward. Simply separate the small copy of the cactus from the mother plant by cutting their lateral stem near the roots. After that, just repot the offset using a well-draining container with potting mix.

Doing this through stem cutting requires surgically separating the topmost clump of the segmented cactus, and letting its wound heal for around a week. When roots start appearing from the cutting, repot it using the same method as the offsets.

If propagating through seedlings, you have to carefully extract them from the plant. This requires a lot of patience because it can take up to four years for the seeds to germinate. Simply spread them on top of a moist potting mix and sprinkle some water on it at least once a week or when the soil begins drying up.

Caring Tips

The Paper Spine Cactus is native in the western part of Argentina, and it is commonly found on the lower slopes of the Andes Mountains. As a desert cactus, the succulent thrives in places that get maximum exposure to sunlight. Therefore, the ideal planting area for it is in an outdoor garden. It can still be grown as an indoor plant but just make sure that it is placed near windows or areas that get plenty of sun during the day.

As mentioned, the plant loves warm climates. However, it has been tested to withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Then again, we don’t recommend taking it to its limits. During cold weather, we suggest supplementing the lack of sunlight with grow lights or simply keep it in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe.

The Paper Spine Cactus requires little water to survive because it is acclimated to hot conditions. Thus, only sprinkle an adequate amount of water when the succulent and its soil appear too dry. Another sign of drying up is when its stems show signs of cracking or some parts start getting lighter patches.

On the other hand, symptoms of wilting usually start with soggy stems and dark discolorations on them. That’s the sign that the plant has been overwatered. Leave it to dry, or replace its soil if the need arises.

Flowers

With proper care, the Paper Spine Cactus can grow up to 12 inches tall. Upon maturity, growers of the succulents are rewarded with bell-shaped flowers that have white petals and a yellow center. The flowers can reach up to 1.6 inches in diameter.

Sand Dollar Cactus Propagation Guide

by Giancarlo Perlas

The Sand Dollar Cactus is known for its scientific name Astrophytum asterias. It is known for its other names, including sea urchin cactus, star cactus, or star peyote because of its appearance. The exotic look of this succulent plant makes it very popular with collectors, but its huge demand is one of the reasons why its population is dwindling nowadays.

The Sand Dollar Cactus is native to the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and northern Mexico. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the plant started becoming popular to collectors as early as the mid-1800s. However, the overcollection of the succulent, as well as overgrazing and fire suppression measures, have contributed to its scarcity.

Sand Dollar Cactus Astrophytum asterias

The succulent is characterized by its flat and dome-shaped features. It is a green spineless cactus that can grow up to 15 cm in diameter. The plant has white hairs dividing its sections or stems giving it an appearance similar to a pumpkin or sea urchin. With proper care, growers of the succulents are rewarded with 3-5 cm yellow flowers that have red to orange highlights between March and May.

Propagation

Like most succulents, the Sand Dollar Cactus is easy to propagate and maintain. It can be grown using its seeds or offsets.

1. Using Seeds

Start by spreading the seeds on a tray and wrap the container with a plastic cover on top. The cover will help maintain the moisture and heat of the seeds. In addition, this keeps them away from pests. After that, acclimate the seeds under direct sunlight for a few weeks before transferring them to a container partially filled potting mix.

Propagating the plant via its seeds can be challenging though because the seeds are quite fragile and have a short shelf life. Therefore, they should be replanted as quickly as possible after harvesting.

Be patient if you have chosen to grow the Sand Dollar Cactus through seeds because it usually takes years until they develop into flowering plants.

2. Using Offsets

An easier method of propagating the Sand Dollar Cactus is through its offsets. These are basically the small clumps that have similar features as the parent plant.

Begin by simply separating the offset with the mother plant by cutting the lateral stem connecting them near the roots. See to it that the cutting tool you are using has been sterilized properly to prevent bacterial or fungal infection in the open wound of the plant. Be careful when removing the offset, too, so its roots won’t be damaged.

Upon the separation of the offset from the mother plant, just repot the former in a container that’s partly filled with potting mix.

Maintenance

The Sand Dollar Cactus does not require too much water to survive. Thus, water it only when its soil is already dry to the touch, or when the color of its stem starts getting lighter. Also, ensure that the pot you are using has small holes at the bottom to serve as drainage of excess water to avoid soaking the roots of the succulent, which may lead to overwatering and rotting.

Reminder

As a responsible plant parent, make sure that you source your succulents, especially the endangered ones, from legal sellers so you won’t be contributing to their extinction. Here at Cal Farms, we only get our products from legitimate sources. Therefore, if you are looking to add more succulent plants into your collection, feel free to chat or Contact Us to send in your inquiries or orders.

conophytum succulent plants

Poaching Threaten Endangered Conophytum Succulent Plants

by Giancarlo Perlas
conophytum succulent plants

To date, there is a rising preference of households for succulent plants because they are easy to propagate and maintain, unlike regular plants that require too much effort to care for. As a result, the demand for succulents in the market was driven up, which has attracted poachers into the business. One particular genus of succulents that is being endangered by this illegal trade is the Conophytum.

The poaching problem of rare plants is no longer new as we receive news about them every now and then. Even before the pandemic, we have featured an article about the growing concern of Dudleya plants poaching in the Asian region. As more people turn to succulents, especially during the Covid-19 lockdowns making them a more common hobby, so are the people profiteering from their sale illegally.

A police officer inspects the confiscated boxes full of Conophytum succulent plants. (Source: New York Times)

According to the New York Times, a sting operation conducted by the Steinkopf police in the Western Cape of South Africa in July resulted in the confiscation of boxes containing thousands of endangered succulents from the Conophytum genus.

The name Conophytum is derived from the Latin word “conus” which means “cone”, and the Greek word “phytum” which means “plant”. Due to these succulents’ stone and cone-like appearances, they are also called Button Plants, Cone Plants, Living Pebbles, or Dumplings. This genus of succulents has over 100 species, including some that are classified as endangered.

Almost a third of all succulent species found in the market right now are native to South Africa. Most of the succulents featured here originate from the region, too, but have already adapted to the climates of their new homes. Despite the numerous varieties of plants in the marketplace, experts claim that this type of succulent is one of the most sought after with a huge demand coming from China and Korea.

Captain Karel Du Toit, the officer who organized the sting operation who also admitted being a fan of Conophytums, said that he used to spend most of his time handling cases of stolen livestock in his jurisdiction. In 2018, his focus has shifted to combating succulent poaching. He added that 80 percent of all the cases in his office now are related to this problem.

The source pointed out that succulents were once seen in Africa as plants for the poor. However, they have come into fashion worldwide in recent years, which made them a very lucrative venture. When the pandemic lockdowns started, succulent sellers saw an average rise of orders from 10 to 20 plants a day in 2019 going up to 200 plants daily in 2020.

Be a Part of the Solution

Being a responsible “plant parent” does not only involve making sure that your succulents grow healthy. You have to see to it that they are from authentic and legal sources as well. Here at Cal Farms, most of our products are homegrown and sourced from authentic and legitimate plant growers.

If you are on the lookout for succulents or plant-related products in the market that are currently not in our catalog, feel free to contact us or hit the “chat button” so a representative of the site can attend to your concern right away and help you find the products you are searching for.

Brain Cactus Easy Propagation and Maintenance Guide

by Giancarlo Perlas

In our journey to discovering bizarre types of succulent plants, we recently came across the Mammillaria elongata ‘Cristata’ of the Brain Cactus. As its name says, it looks like the gray matter found inside your skull.

The Brain Cactus may not appeal to everyone because of the way it looks, which is somewhere in between creepy and weird levels. However, it makes a nice Halloween succulent plant decor. You can place it on top of a hollowed pumpkin, or a human skull-inspired pot for zombie-themed parties—just because this undead creature simply loves brains. Despite its appearance, growers of this plant are rewarded with little blooms during summers.

What gives the cactus a brain-like arrangement is a mutation in its cell that occurs during the plant’s development. Somewhere along the young stage of the cactus, a sort of damage happens that causes the cells at the injury site to multiply at a faster rate. As a result, the pads end up curling or twisting.

Propagation

Brain Cactus can be grown in many ways. This can be made through its seeds, stem cuttings, and offsets. All the said methods are easy but propagation from seeds can take a lot of time that’s why we always prefer doing it using the other two alternatives.

We recommend buying a full-grown or near mature version of the Brain Cactus. This will be your source of cuttings or offsets.

For the cuttings, start by identifying the healthiest part of the succulent. It should be free from signs of withering, dryness, or pest infestation.

Next, sterilize a pair of scissors or pruning shears to make sure that they will not introduce foreign elements or harmful organisms into the wound of the plant. Using the tool, cut the stem of the succulent, and let it callus for at least a week.

After that, fill up a succulent plant pot with a horticultural mix. The compound is made of three parts potting soil with the same proportion of coarse sand or gravel, and two parts of perlite or pumice. When the cutting has already healed up, transfer it to the potting mixture.

The same process can be used when propagating using offsets. Just separate the offset from the mother plant by cutting the lateral stem connecting the two, and repeat the mentioned planting methods.

Maintenance

The Brain Cactus is native to the wilds of Central Mexico. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the plant can survive along the 10 and 11 regions. That means the succulent can take temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like most succulent plants, the Brain Cactus is sensitive to overwatering. Doing so can cause soggy leaves or rot. Therefore, only apply water when its soil starts getting dry to the touch.

The water should also be directed towards the base because the stem of the cactus tends to trap moisture in its folds, which may attract gnats, mold, and mildew that can kill it if left unattended.

Lastly, see to it that the container or pot you are using has holes at the bottom that will serve as drainage for excess water.

Pandemic Plant Parents Boom During Covid Lockdown

by Giancarlo Perlas

As pet adoptions flew over the roof during the Covid lockdown to fill up the social void, so did the demand for house plants as many people sought other activities aside from binging in their favorite streaming apps, playing games on their devices, and spending time on social media.

According to NBC News, merchants went from selling 10 to 20 plants a day in 2019 to 200 plants daily during the lockdowns. An online shop without even having a physical store got over 67,000 sales alone from the lockdown period up to the start of the mass vaccinations in January 2021. Searches and inquiries for things related to houseplants have soared and vlogs involving them have thrived during the period too.

Although many people have tried becoming plant parents during the Covid lockdown due to the activity’s many benefits, not all of them have been successful as they didn’t turn out to have a green thumb after all. Even if they seemed to have all the time in the world taking care of their plants during that, it didn’t always produce their desired results.

In addition to time investment, many people have poured a lot of money into their newfound pastime. Aside from the cash they spent in buying plants, they also bought grow lights, humidifiers, gallons of distilled water, anti-pest spray, vitamins, fertilizers, gardening tools, and other materials to support their hobby.

If you are one of the unfortunate plant parents, don’t lose hope. Maybe you’re just not compatible with your plant. Why not try shifting to succulent plants?

Does Not Require Much Watering

Succulents are very easy to maintain. Unlike other plants, they do not require much watering. You can sprinkle it with water only once or twice a week and it’s good to go.

It is easy to spot signs that indicate when to apply more water or less of it. If your succulents and the soil where they are planted start appearing dry to the touch and the leaves start looking shriveled or lighter than their original colors, that’s the time you have to apply more water. On the other hand, stop watering them in the meantime if they appear soggy or darker than their usual colors.

Can Survive Varying Temperatures

Many succulents are hardy enough to withstand drought or even very low climates. For example, some variants of Aloe Vera can stand temperatures just below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degree Celsius) while other types of it can take temperatures over the 85-degree Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) mark. Despite the said facts, it is not always advisable to push them to their limits.

Stop watering your succulents during winters and keep them under a grow light if possible. In contrast, increase your watering frequency during summers when their soil and leaves tend to dry up easily.

Natural Insect Repellent

Succulents have chemicals that repel insects. Aloe plants, for example, have N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, which is a natural active ingredient used in many household insects like mosquitos, ticks, leeches, fleas, chiggers, and other pests.

One of the common pests that can withstand this particular defense mechanism of succulent plants are mealybugs though. However, these are easy to spot and eliminate using these mealybugs removal methods.

Decorating Your Home with Bunny Ear Succulent Plants

by Giancarlo Perlas
Source: Pinterest

Bunny Ear Succulent plants present a nice addition to the decorative pieces lying in your house. The name of the plant comes from its shape, which resembles a rabbit head complete with elongated ears. It can be partnered with Bunny Ears Cactus if you want a bunny-themed setup for your home garden or decor. Like any other succulents, it is easy to propagate and maintain as long as your know the basics of growing one.

The plant’s scientific name is Monilaria onconica. Monilaria is a genus under the Aizoaceae or the fig-marigold family. It is native in the Northern and Western Cape Provinces of Africa.

Ideal Environment

Based on the 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is the standard used by gardeners and growers in determining the ideal environmental conditions for plant growth, Bunny Ear Succulents can thrive in temperatures between 30 degrees and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That means it is cold-hardy, but taking it to its limits is not really recommended if you want to guarantee its healthy development.

Propagation

Bunny Ear Succulents can be propagated using their seeds. However, the fastest way of multiplying them is via offsets.

Look for them from the mature version of the plant. It should be the little clones connected via the lateral stem. Simply cut the part of the lateral stem near the mother plant with clean pair of pruning shears or scissors to separate the two.

Repotting

The first thing that you have to keep in mind before repotting is picking the right material for the container of your plant. Terracotta is the most commonly used kind of pot because it is cheaper, highly customizable, and more breathable. However, if you want a more appealing vase for your succulents, better go for ceramic pots. Just make sure that it has holes at the bottom for the quick drainage of excess water.

6 In Set 2.5 Inch Owl Pot Ceramic Flowing Glaze Base Set Succulent Plant Pot Cactus Plant Pot Flower Pot Container Planter

The second thing that you should consider is the kind of soil that you will be using. For this, utilize a well-draining, loose garden soil layered with gravel or pebbles on top. The mixture will ensure that the water will flow freely from top to bottom without stagnating the excess water and so air will circulate properly on the surface down to the roots.

Watering

Like any other succulents, Bunny Ears do not require much watering, especially during the cold season. Only sprinkle an adequate amount of water into the leaves of the plant around twice a week or if it appears too dry to the touch already. Add some more water when the leaves start wrinkling or appearing lighter in color particularly during the summer or hot weather.

Changes in the Appearance

Source: Pinterest

Bunny Ear Succulents are adorable in their young state. As they mature, the ear-like protrusions become longer until they resemble string beans or spaghetti. The leaves are usually green but they turn reddish with continuous exposure under the sun. Although they are no longer that adorable upon maturity, owners of the plants are rewarded with daisy-like flowers with pinkish petals growing from them during summer.

How to Make Succulent Plants Terrarium

by Giancarlo Perlas

If you are looking for a nice decorative piece for the living area or any room in the house, consider putting up a terrarium. For the uninitiated, a terrarium is like an aquarium, but instead of filling it up with water and fish, it is partially filled with plants and soil at the base to create a miniature forest with its own atmosphere. For this article, we will introduce a little twist into it by using succulent plants instead of the usual ferns and moss.

Choosing the Succulents for Terrarium

To successfully make a terrarium, you must first determine the kind of plants that you want to put. In this case, we will be using succulents. Just see to it that they belong to the same family or at least have the same environmental requirements and hardiness so they can all survive. The ideal succulents for this are the mini rosettes and cacti.

Make sure that the succulents are already rooted. Be extra careful also when transferring them in the container so as not to wound or damage them.

Selecting a Container

Unlike moss and ferns that thrive in a closed container, succulents prefer lots of air to keep their internal and external temperatures in check as well as have breathable air. With that, they should be placed in an open container. You can use an aquarium or even a jar depending on the scale of your project.

Ensure that the chosen container has been cleaned well to avoid contaminating the plant and soil with bacteria, fungi, and other harmful organisms. Let it dry properly too if you have washed it prior.

Picking the Right Soil

Use loose sterilized garden topsoil mixed with some layers of pebbles or pea gravel at the base. Arrange them similarly to what you would usually do in a standard garden. You may also include an activated charcoal lining in between them to help filter the water and prevent the growth of fungi in the container.

Watering

Succulents do not require much water, and too much watering may lead to rotting in their roots. Therefore, only water your plants when their leaves start showing signs of drying out or wrinkling. Some droplets on the leaves will do.

Decorating Tips

You can use succulents with different colors and shapes for variety like the Moon Cactus, Echeveria Blue Atoll, and Kiwi Aeonium along with the usual ones like Aloe Vera. In addition, you can paint the pebbles or put decorative stickers and wallpaper backgrounds on the aquarium for extra appeal.

Make It a Fun Activity

One way to make the process of making your succulent plants terrarium more enjoyable is by involving your kids in the project. This is a good way to introduce them to basic gardening without making it such a chore for them since succulents do not require much effort to maintain. Moreover, the activity will expose your kids to the wonders of nature, which will let them appreciate and care for their environment more.

5 Delicious Treats You Can Easily Make From Dragon Fruit

by Giancarlo Perlas

As discussed earlier, the Dragon Fruit or Pitaya is a very popular succulent plant. It may not be as decorative as the other succulents featured here but its fruit can be made into delicious treats.

If you are successful in propagating the Dragon Fruit or if you happened to pick some of it from the market, here are some amazing food ideas that use it as a key ingredient:

1. Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

Having trouble making your kids eat fruits? This nutritious dessert can be easily whipped out by putting the edible parts of two Dragon Fruits in a blender together with ¾ cup of almond milk, one can of unsweetened coconut milk, ½ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Once the mixture turns into a smooth puree, place it in an ice cream maker until it hardens, or simply place it into a container until it is firm.

2. Dragon Fruit Popsicle

Blend the same set of ingredients found in the Dragon Fruit ice cream but with the addition of gelatin to emulsify the coconut milk and the fruit. Pour the resulting puree into popsicle molds and insert popsicle sticks in it. Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours until it hardens.

3. Dragon Fruit Parfait

This one is a pretty straightforward drink. Start by combining milk, chia seeds, and honey. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator. When it’s firm, use it as topping on a mashed Dragon Fruit. Feel free to add berries and crushed cereals into the parfait for an extra variety of flavors.

4. Dragon Fruit Wafers

These wafers are high in protein, dairy-free and gluten-free, which is ideal for vegans or people with lactose intolerance. Again, just mix the edible parts of the fruit with organic white beans in a blender. You may add lemon or lime juice to the blend to give it a sweet and sour tang. Put the mix into silicone molds and freeze it. It will give you a healthy snack that will keep you going throughout the day.

5. Dragon Fruit Dip

If you are looking for more ways to level up the dip for your chips, the Dragon Fruit dip is something that you should consider. This is perfect for parties or as a nice movie snack. Just peel the fruit and cut its contents into small, bite-sized cubes. Pour an ample amount of lemon juice, chives, and diced jalapeño into the fruit. Toss the ingredients together in a bowl until they are evenly mixed. We recommend letting them sit for at least an hour after mixing to let the flavors blend gradually. That’s it, open a bag of chips and start enjoying the dip.

Nutritional Benefits

Dragon Fruit or Pitaya has a high concentration of Vitamins B and C, which help boost the immune system. An immunity boost provides added protection against various diseases like the dreaded Covid-19. The succulent plant also has antioxidants that help cleanse the blood.

How to Successfully Propagate a Dragon Fruit

by Giancarlo Perlas

The Dragon Fruit or Pitaya is a tropical fruit that has become very popular because of the various dishes and drinks that can be made from its fruit. Why it is called “Dragon Fruit” is beyond us, but may have something to do with its artichoke-like appearance with pointy peels resembling the scales of a dragon.

The succulent plant is also known for its scientific name Hylocereus undatus. Depending on its variant, the fruit of the plant may come in pink, white, purple, or red colors. Aside from Pitaya, the succulent plant is known for its other names such as Strawberry Pear, Queen of the Night, Moonlight Cactus, Honolulu Queen, Conderella Plant, Belle of the Night, and Night-blooming Cereus.

With proper care, the Dragon Fruit can grow up to 33 feet vertically with its diameter reaching up to 4 inches. Meanwhile, its fruits have an oval shape with a size of 5 inches long and 3.6 inches in diameter.

Besides providing variety to your succulents collection, its nutritious fruits can be enjoyed in many ways. So if you want to propagate it, here is an easy method of doing it:

1. Make sure that it has the right environment.

The Dragon Fruit is a tropical plant so it should be placed under direct sunlight, especially during the summer. However, it can still thrive under partial shade and can be grown indoors as long as it is placed near a window with good exposure to the sun and fresh air.

The perfect temperature for it is around 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on the USDA, it can survive temperatures going down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, but putting it to its limit is not advisable. During cold weather or winter, try to supplement the lack of sunlight with grow lights to help its growth.

2. Identify the part for propagation.

The plant can be propagated using its seeds or cuttings. The faster way of doing it is through its cuttings though.

Start by cutting a branch from a fully-grown Dragon Plant using a pair of shears. Make sure that the edges of the shears are sharp to keep the cut as clean as possible, and that it has been sterilized to avoid contaminating the wound of the plant.

3. Choose the right soil mixture for it.

Any kind of garden soil can be used. The best pH level for it should be between six and seven. Sandy soil is a better choice if it is available in your area. Just see to it that the soil is well-draining to prevent water clogging and to promote air circulation in the roots of the succulent.

4. Pick the right succulent plant pot.

An outdoor garden where the plant has more exposure to sunlight and air is recommended. However, if you are looking to place it indoors, only choose pots with holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain freely.

5. Avoid overwatering it.

Only water the succulent plant if you notice that the soil starts getting dry. Overwatering causes the leaves of the Dragon Fruit to become very plump and limp. In the long run, it may even lead to fungal diseases and rotting.

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