Succulents

Category: Succulents

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.

5 Things You Need to Know When Grafting Succulents

by Giancarlo Perlas

Grafting succulents can be very rewarding. It promotes genetic exchange from two plants that can result in unique traits for the resulting chimera. One example discussed here earlier was the mutant moon cactus.

Like the moon cactus, grafted succulents can be easily mistaken as a rare breed because of their usually contrasting appearances on the top and bottom parts. However, it is actually two plants fused together.

1. Components of a Grafted Succulent Plant

Before going through it though, it is important for you to know first the two components of grafting, namely the scion and the rootstock. A scion is the detached living portion of a plant such as a bud or a shoot. It will then be joined into the rootstock, which will serve as its host. Normally, the scion influences the features of the fruits or flowers of the fusion. Meanwhile, the rootstock shares its genetic traits with the stem or trunk. Both must be compatible to produce desirable results.

2. Success Rate of Grafting Succulents

Plant buds from a mature plant are the best sources of scion cuttings. The ideal size is between one-fourth and half-an-inch. It should be healthy and free from disease or pests.

On the other hand, the rootstock should be at least a year old and also free from defects. The most commonly used rootstocks are Hylocereus trigonus or undatus, Cereus peruvianus, and Trichocereus spachianus. The grafting’s level of success increases if the two plants belong to the same species. It can also be from the same family and genera but the outcomes may differ as their relationship splits further.

3. Basic Grafting Technique

Searching for the best grafting techniques online will yield plenty of results and some of the tutorials may be very overwhelming for beginners. Too many technicalities involved eventually dissuade them from continuing. However, this part shows you just the basics to get you started if the advanced techniques are too much for you to process right now.

Upon identifying the scion and rootstock that you need, simply use a sterilized pair of garden shears to cut the chosen scions. Wrap their cuttings in moist paper towels, moss, or sawdust. Next, store them in a cool and dry place between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit a month or two before spring.

Spring is the perfect time for grafting so proceed by making a 45-degree cut on the base of the scion and another matching cut on top of the rootstock. Carefully join them using rubber bands, grafting tape, or grafting wax to hold the two together. You will know that the procedure is a success once the cambium layers of the plants have fused up.

4. Prolonging the Life of the Mutant Succulent

The mutation of the scion makes it lose its ability to produce chlorophyll, which is essential to photosynthesis. Therefore, it will surely die out if separated from the rootstock. Its life may be extended though by re-grafting it to a healthier rootstock if the old one already shows signs of deterioration.

5. Reminders

Always remember to avoid overwatering the succulent plant to keep it in top shape, and see to it that it gets enough sunlight during the day. Last but not least, only choose the right pots with holes for drainage to guarantee the long life of your grafted succulents.

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How to Care for the Moon Cactus Mutant Succulent Plant

by Giancarlo Perlas

So far, most of the succulent plants we have featured here are easy to grow and propagate. Then given the proper care, they can last for a long time.  However, some types are a bit complicated to cultivate. One such example is the moon cactus.

Characteristics

The moon cactus is known for its scientific name Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, and its other name is Hibotan cactus. It usually comes in different hues of yellow and orange, but there are also the rare red and pink varieties. The plant appears as a cactus sprouting on top of another cactus. That’s because in reality, it is considered a mutant plant, and it is composed of two cacti.

Propagation

Being a mutant plant, the moon cactus lacks the ability to produce chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a natural compound that gives plants their green pigmentation and generates oxygen as a byproduct. It aids the plants in absorbing sunlight, which they use in synthesizing carbon dioxide and water.

Its lack of chlorophyll means it must be grafted onto a rootstock, which will serve as its host. The base plant can be any of the common cacti found in the market.

The easiest way to acquire the succulent plant is thru the online marketplace. Its setup involves chopping the top of the rootstock cactus while the same is done in the base of the moon cactus. After that, the cuttings are fused until they heal together.

Sadly, the moon cactus has a relatively short life even with good care compared to other succulents. Its life can be extended though by re-grafting it on a fresh rootstock when signs of waning already start appearing.

The succulent can be grown from seeds too, but this can be a tedious process as they may take at least a year to show up. Just sprinkle them beneath a fine grit in groups until they are large enough to be repotted.

The easier and more recommended method is propagation using offsets, which are the smaller versions of the mother plant. These can be found at the base of the rootstock. When the new plants are big enough, each can be placed on new potting soil, or grafted onto a rootstock for best results.

Maintenance

Hibotan plants have more than 80 species native to the desert regions of South America. That means they prefer warm climates. They are not cold hardy but some growers say they can survive with temperatures down to 48 degrees, but to be safe, avoid taking it to that limit. Putting them under a grow light is recommended to compensate for the lower temperature during cold seasons.

Water only the moon cactus when its soil is already dry to the touch because it may wilt from too much moisture. Furthermore, make sure that the soil it stands on is well-draining and the pot where it is situated has holes that can easily drain excess water.

Ideal Gift

The moon cactus is a nice gift for succulent collectors. Its unique character makes it an ideal addition to an indoor garden because it prefers a crowded planting area. With optimum maintenance, it may grow half an inch in diameter, but some cultivars claimed to have brought it up to 8 inches. Lastly, its owner may be rewarded with small red or pink flowers that bloom during late spring to early summer with proper care.

4 Things to Know When Growing Kiwi Aeonium Haworthii Succulents

by Giancarlo Perlas

The Kiwi Aeonium haworthii is popularly known as “Dream Color”, “Tricolor-Pinwheel”, or simply “Kiwi Aeonium”. The name is derived from the succulent plant’s bright colors similar to kiwifruit and the pinwheel arrangement of its leaves.

The succulent shrub comes in the form of a rosette. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and each rosette can reach 5 inches in diameter. Like most succulents, the leaves of the plant are fleshy, which means they can store a lot of moisture. The leaves are yellow with shades of red on the corners and a light green shade on the outside. Clusters of star-shaped, yellow flowers also bloom during summer.

The addition of this in your garden will surely help brighten up the mood because of its pleasing visuals especially when it is clustered or combined with other succulents. Like most of the succulents here at Cal Farms, this one is easy to grow, maintain, and propagate, especially if you follow the tips discussed here.

Ideal Temperature

The Kiwi Aeonium originates from the Canary Islands on the northwestern coast of Africa where temperatures can range from 59 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Some say that it is hardy enough to withstand temperature drops within 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is not recommended to push it to the limit if you want it to grow properly.

Make sure to place the plant under direct sunlight during spring and fall. However, as the weather gets hot during summers, move it to a partially shaded area.

Proper Watering

Aeoniums do not require much water to survive, but there are indications when it already needs it. If you notice that its leaves are starting to curl, that means that it is already running low on moisture content. The same can be said if the soil around it is getting dry to the touch. Apply an adequate amount of water, preferably using a sprinkler bottle, into the plant when you detect these signs.

On the other hand, watch out if the soil is too damp, especially during the cold season. Allowing the plant to sit on soil with too much moisture will likely cause root rot. Keep it in a place where the soil can dry up properly or replace the soil if needed.

The Right Container

Use cactus pots or succulent plant pots with tiny holes at the bottom when planting your Aeonium. The tiny holes serve as drainage for excess water.

If you observe that the soil always appears dank, take a look at the bottom of the succulent pot. See to it that the water is draining properly. Check the holes of the plant if they are clogged and carefully poke them with a stick or wire if you see that there are obstructions around the drainage.

Propagation

The best time to propagate the Kiwi Aeonium is between the start of spring and early summer. It can be propagated using seeds, stem cuttings, or offsets. The best and easiest method is through the offsets because all you have to do is to separate it from the parent plant by cutting the lateral stem near the roots and then let it dry for three days.

As soon as it’s ready, repot the plant with a dampened soil. Position it in a partially shaded area and begin watering it only after a week.

How to Grow the Fenestraria Baby Toes Succulent Plant

by Giancarlo Perlas

The first thing that might probably come into your mind when you hear “baby toes” is that they’re cute. Who could resist those adorable tiny creatures that own them anyway, right? However, the Fenestraria Baby Toes (Fenestraria rhopalophylla) succulent plant is not as charming as it sounds. Its leaves may look like a cross between tiny fingers and fungi, but if you want an exotic addition to your garden, you should consider including this in your collection.

Features

The Fenestraria Baby Toes belongs to the Lithops family of succulents that are often called “living stones”. Each finger-like leaves can only grow up to 1.6 inches vertically with proper care, but its cluster can spread out so fast that it can reach up to 3 inches in diameter upon maturity.

During the fall, the plant may produce one or more flowers that resemble daisies. The colors of the flowers vary in hues but they commonly come in white and yellow.

Cultivation

The good news is that the Fenestraria Baby Toes only costs somewhere between $5 and $12 online depending on its size and variant. This makes it a nice plant to start with if you are new to the succulent bandwagon.

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The succulent plant is easy to propagate if you are looking to pepper your garden with it. All you have to do is follow these simple tips:

1. Temperature

The succulent plant is native to South Africa so it is accustomed to subtropical desert conditions. The ideal temperature for it is at least 65 F, so keep it in a place that gets plenty of sunlight during the day.

2. Watering

Due to its origins and the ability of its leaves to store moisture, the Baby Toes only need a little water to survive. The best indicators if the plant already needs watering are if its soil completely feels dry to the touch or the tips of its leaves are starting to shrivel. On the other hand, you will know that you have gone overboard if its leaves are already soggy.

Every November to February, the succulent enters a dormant state. Stop watering it at this period.

3. Container

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You can use any type of succulent pot for this plant. Just make sure that it has tiny holes at the bottom that are enough to drain excess water. This is to prevent water stagnation at its bottom, which may result in mushy leaves and rotting.

4. Soil

Choose only a well-draining garden soil for the plant. This will help promote proper air circulation in its roots, and it will let water flow freely from the leaves to the roots.

5. Pest Prevention

The Baby Toes is resistant to most pests or diseases that usually plague plants. If you find some infestation on it, just follow the mealybug removal tips shown here.

6. Fertilizing

This succulent does not really need fertilizer to grow. If you want to accelerate its growth and give it more nutrients though, a small dose of cacti or succulent fertilizer on it will do during its most active stage.

7. Propagation

The Fenestraria Baby Toes can be propagated using its seeds and offsets. However, it might take more work and a longer time for the seeds to sprout. It is highly recommended that you use the offsets instead.

All you need to do is cut the lateral stem that connects the mother plant and the offset. After that, just replant the offset in a separate pot. Be sure to follow the watering procedure discussed earlier to keep the plant healthy all the time.

How to Successfully Propagate Echeveria Blue Atoll Succulents

by Giancarlo Perlas

The Echeveria Blue Atoll or the Echeveria Coolvue is one of the most common succulents out there. You can easily find it in gardening stores and online shops. It is also easy to propagate and grow even if you are just a beginner in gardening. So, if you are looking to get the plant for your succulents starter kit, this article discusses the things you must remember when growing and reproducing it for your outdoor or indoor garden.

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Appearance

The Echeveria Blue Atoll is a rosette type of succulent plant. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) if given the proper care. As its name says, its fleshy leaves come with a shade of blue, and sometimes, it can be blue-green in color. During summers, the small buds around its tall stems eventually bloom into bell-shaped orange or yellow flowers.

Ideal Environment

The Echeveria genus belonging to the Crassulaceae family of succulents is a drought-resistant plant that thrives in semi-desert or arid regions. Most Blue Atoll succulents sold here are native to Mexico, which means they can survive in long periods without water.

Based on the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Blue Atoll is suitable for hardiness zones classified in 9a to 11b. In other words, it can withstand climates as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is perfect for rock gardens or succulent pot arrangements. It can be placed under direct sun or partial shade, but the latter is strongly recommended for more balanced growth.

Best Propagation Technique

If you want to reproduce the Echeveria Blue Atoll on your own, start by getting either its leaf cutting or offset. Growing from an offset is the easier method between the two, so let’s focus on it.

Basically, an offset is a result of a plant’s asexual reproduction. It looks like a smaller version or clone of the mother plant. When separating the two, only use a sterilized pair of shears or knife to avoid contaminating the succulents with bad bacteria and other harmful impurities. Carefully make the cutting in the portion of the lateral stem closest to the mother plant.

Next, fill a small succulent pot with dry garden soil or potting mix near the brim. See to it that the soil is well-draining to prevent excess water from stagnating in the pot and enable good air circulation in the plant’s roots. Another way to properly drain excess water is by making sure that the container has small holes in its base that will serve as drainage.

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Like any other plant out there, watering is a crucial part of a succulent’s growth. Although the Echeveria Blue Atoll is accustomed to dry seasons, it is highly recommended that you water it whenever the soil appears to have dried up.

The Echeveria Blue Atoll doesn’t require fertilizing too. However, it could still benefit from the added nutrients it offers. Therefore, apply a little amount of slow-release fertilizer on it every springtime to help keep it looking healthy and vibrant as it matures.

Beginners Guide on Painting Clay Pots for Succulents

by Giancarlo Perlas

Clay pots are the most common containers used in planting succulents. They are easier to find and cheaper than other alternatives. They also feature earthly light or dark brown colors that make them ideal for outdoor or indoor gardens. However, they can be monotonous if you decide on sticking with their original look.

One way to spruce up the appearance of your clay pots is by painting them with custom colors. However, this is not as easy as applying the paint that you want directly into their surfaces.

Here are the steps that you should do when painting your clay pots for succulents to get the best results:

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

The things that you will need for this DIY project are terracotta pots, clean cloth, acrylic paint primer, old toothbrush or pot brush, small and medium paintbrushes, old newspapers, sponge, acrylic paint spray, and plastic plates.

Step 2: Clean the Pots

Start by cleaning the clay pots with running water. Use an old toothbrush or a pot brush for scrubbing hard-to-remove dirt that has been stuck on the surfaces of the pots. After that, wipe them with a clean cloth and place them under the sun.

Clay pots have a tendency to absorb moisture so you may need to keep them under direct sunlight for a few hours or up to two days until they completely dry up. Wipe the pots again with a dry and clean cloth before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Lay Down the Newspaper

Spread some old newspapers in the area where you will be working. This is to protect it from paint droppings, which may leave a permanent mark on the surface.

Step 4: Apply the Primer

Once the pots are already clean and dry enough, carefully apply the paint primer using a medium brush. For an easier way of applying paint, put some of it on a paper plate and thin it with a small amount of water. Mix them carefully using a paint brush or a sponge.

Make sure that the paint has been applied evenly all over the pot. Next, leave it to partially dry.

Step 5: Apply More Base Paint

When the pot is at least 75% dry, and the primary paint still appears uneven or some parts look to be fading, apply more primer into it. You may have to repeat the process if you are still not satisfied with your work. Let it dry completely when done.

Step 6: Apply the Final Coating

Use the spray paint for your final coating. This should be the color that you really want for your clay pots. See to it that the application on each surface is even for the best visual results. Leave it to dry under the sun for the last time.

Step 7: Add the Decorations (Optional)

You may add hand drawn effects or stickers on the pots for an extra appeal depending on your preference.

If You Have No Time For This

If you are too busy with your schedule and you have no time for this DIY project, there are stores that offer ready-made pots for succulents with unique designs at very affordable prices like the ones shown below so you can save time, money, and effort.

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Celebrate Memorial Day with These Unique Succulent Ideas

by Giancarlo Perlas

Memorial Day is coming on the last Monday of May. The event honors the true patriots that have sacrificed a lot for this country over the years. If you are looking for ways to celebrate the huge contribution of our departed heroes in our nation-building, check out these unique succulent ideas for this glorious holiday.

American Flag-Inspired Succulent Arrangement

This Memorial Day tribute uses a variety of succulents that are specially arranged to imitate the American flag. The best varieties to use here are the rosette succulents.

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Start by finding some red rosettes with matching sizes. You might need at least 24 of them for this project. The best types of succulents to use here are the ones belonging to the Echeveria genus. We highly recommend the Echeveria agavoides or the “Romeo Rubin” because of its rich red color.

You will also need to look for a large blue Echeveria rosette. The ideal plant to use here is the Echeveria imbricata or the Blue Rose succulent.

Next, get a wooden plant box painted in white, which is big enough to accommodate the succulents you have gathered so far. If you don’t have one, a plastic tray will do. It should be rectangular with an adequate amount of soil that’s enough to bury the roots of the rosettes completely.

After that, begin planting the Blue Rose on the upper-left portion of the wooden tray (looking from a top-down perspective). Then, line up the rest of the tray horizontally with the Romeo Rubin. Be sure to leave some empty strips in between rows. When done, line up the empty parcels of soil with white strips of wood or plastic forming a grille.

That’s it! You now have a succulent-based imitation of the US flag complete with all its colors.

All-American Succulent Pot Designs

This is pretty straightforward because you just have to paint your succulent pots or containers with the good old-fashioned stars and stripes. However, keep in mind the material used in your pot when deciding on what kind of paint to use.

Latex, Acrylic, and Epoxy paints are ideal for ceramic succulent pots. Epoxy is the best for this material but is more expensive than the other options. So if you want a more budget-friendly alternative, Acrylic and Latex should be good enough.

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Terracotta pots are cheaper but painting them entails more work because of their porous make. So taking into consideration its properties, we recommend using Acrylic for it. You have to prime the pot too before applying the artwork to get the best results.

Reminders

To maintain the health and beauty of the succulents used for this Memorial Day project, make sure to keep your plants watered at proper intervals. Use only well-draining soil to enable the right air circulation on the plant’s roots and to avoid water stagnation on that part. Lastly, see to it that the containers used have little holes at the bottom for the drainage of excess water.

Sweetheart Hoya Plant: A Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

by Giancarlo Perlas

Sweetheart hoya plant (Hoya kerrii) is also called Sweetheart wax plant, Hoya hearts, and Valentine plant. As its names say, it is a heart-shaped succulent plant, and it makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your partner especially if he or she is a succulent-lover or a green thumb.

Sweetheart hoya is a very charming plant, which is a nice addition to your indoor succulent collection. It requires low-maintenance as well, so it is very easy to propagate and keep. Find out more about this amazing succulent plant as we go on.

Appearance

Sweetheart hoya is a climbing plant that can grow up to four meters high or 13 feet. However, it is hard to find a fully-vined version of the plant because stores usually sell it as a single leaf cutting measuring up to five inches each. Each fully-grown leaf can cost you around $10-$15, so a vine of it should be very expensive and hard to find. The demand for this product is especially high during St. Valentine’s Day.

The succulent is slow-growing but taking care of it until its maturity definitely pays off. Upon full growth, the plant becomes a bushy mass of green fleshy leaves so it is eventually transferred to a hanging basket. It also produces up to 25 white blooms with dark red accents at the center during the summer if given the right conditions for growth.

Conditions for Growth

Sweetheart hoya is a plant native to Southeast Asia. It prefers indirect sunlight but it can tolerate even low-light environments. Just don’t place it in a full shade though. The ideal temperature for the succulent is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 and 26 degrees Celsius.

Hoya kerrii is drought-tolerant so it only requires little watering. One or two waterings for the plant per month can suffice. Another sign that it needs watering is when its soil is already dry to the touch. Overwatering or soggy soil can lead to rotting while super-dry soil can result in dehydration, so plan your interval watering carefully.

Propagation

Sweetheart hoya can be propagated with a single leaf cutting placed in a small pot. See to it that the container has holes for drainage and filled near the brim with well-draining soil to let excess water flow through it freely.

Although the succulent only requires little fertilizer, it is recommended that you feed it with a light solution monthly to optimize its development and maintain its healthy color. The solution should be a mix of one-fourth teaspoon of balanced, water-soluble, indoor fertilizer diluted in one gallon of water.

Transfer the plant with a fresh batch of well-draining soil to a hanging basket with drainage when vines begin to appear. Put the plant in a location that gets more sunlight during the day and cooler nighttime temperatures to stimulate its flower growth in the summer season.

More Valentine’s Day Gifts

Be sure to check out our unique Valentine’s Day gift ideas for more choices. Visit our special rosette collections, glazed vases, succulent party favors, and artificial roses too for more ways to spice up the occasion.

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