Succulents

Category: Succulents

5 Reasons Why You Should Add Succulent Plants to Your Indoor Space

by Giancarlo Perlas

Many people think that succulent plants are only good for adding a touch of greenery to an indoor space and nothing more. However, succulent plants offer many benefits that can improve your quality of life.

Whether you’re a plant lover or not, succulent plants offer a variety of benefits that are worth considering if you’re looking to add some life to your home, building, or place of business. Here, we’ll outline the top five reasons you should consider adding succulent plants to your indoor space. From their low-maintenance nature to their ability to improve air quality, succulent plants have something to offer everyone.

Here are the top five benefits of having succulent plants in your indoor space:

1. Requires Little Maintenance

One of the main benefits of succulent plants is that they require very little maintenance. Unlike other types of plants, succulents generally thrive on minimal water and sunlight, making them the perfect choice for busy people or those with less than a green thumb. Most plants only require watering every after a week or two depending on the climate and the environment it’s in.

2. Helps Improve Air Quality

Another great benefit of succulent plants is their ability to improve air quality. These resilient plants are known for their ability to filter out harmful toxins from the air, making them a great addition to any home. With us still reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to keep a healthy environment where we can breathe freely.

3. Provides Visual Enhancement

If you’re looking for a plant that can add some visual interest to your space, succulents are a great option. With their wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, succulents can be used to create a truly unique indoor space. Their looks are further improved as soon as they start blooming flowers between spring and summer.

4. Stress Relievers

Succulent plants are also known for their stress-relieving properties. Studies have shown that interacting with plants can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. According to studies, they help lessen psychological and physiological stress as compared to mental work. Plants help suppress sympathetic nervous system activity plus it triggers a comfortable, relaxing, and natural feel.

5. Can Make Great Presents

Last but not least, succulent plants make great gifts. Whether you’re looking for a housewarming present or a thoughtful gift for a friend, succulents are always a welcome addition. Succulents are commonly considered as a symbol of tenacity and strength because of their resilience in various environmental conditions. Lately, they are also gifted as substitutes for flower bouquets since they can live longer than the typical roses, tulips, and other plants without much of a hassle when it comes to maintenance and longevity.

So, there you have it, the top five reasons you should add succulent plants to your indoor space. With their low-maintenance nature and plethora of benefits, succulents are the perfect choice for anyone looking to add some life to their indoor spaces.

Top 5 Rarest Succulent Plants in the World

by Giancarlo Perlas

If you’re a succulent plants lover, then you know that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding a rare specimen. Here, we will be highlighting some of the rarest succulent plants in the world. These plants are not only beautiful to look at, but they are also quite difficult to find. So if you’re up for the challenge, keep reading for more information.

1. Othonna capensis

The first plant on our list is the Othonna capensis. This South African native is one of the most popular succulents among collectors. The reason for its rarity is that it is quite difficult to propagate. In fact, there are only a handful of nurseries in the world that carry this plant. If you’re lucky enough to find one, be prepared to pay a pretty penny.

These succulents are small plants, typically only growing to be about four inches tall. They have thick, fleshy leaves that are covered in tiny hairs. These hairs help the plant to trap and digest insects, which is how they get the majority of their nutrients. Othonna capensis succulents are available in a variety of colors, including green, red, and purple.

2. Crassula marnieriana

Next up is the Crassula marnieriana. This beautiful plant is native to Madagascar and can best be described as a miniature tree. This succulent is a perennial, meaning it will live for more than two years. Crassula marnieriana is a low-growing plant, reaching only about six inches in height. The leaves are fleshy and green, with a red margin. The flowers are white or pink, and bloom in the summer.

It is extremely difficult to find in cultivation, which makes it one of the rarest succulents in the world. If you do come across one, it is sure to be a treasured addition to your collection.

3. Lithops optica ‘Rubra’

If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, then the Lithops optica ‘Rubra’ might be right up your alley. This plant is native to Namibia and gets its name from its red-tinged leaves and flowers. It is quite difficult to find in cultivation, but it is well worth the search.

4. Haworthia cooperi

The next plant on our list is the Haworthia cooperi. This South African native is quite small, but it is definitely one of the most rare and sought-after succulents in the world. It can grow to be about six inches tall. The haworthia cooperi has green leaves that are often striped with white or light green. The plant blooms in the summertime, producing small white flowers.

The reason for its rarity is that it can only be found in a very small area of its native habitat. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it is sure to be a real gem in your collection.

5. Euphorbia obesa

Last but not least, we have the Euphorbia obesa. This plant is native to South Africa and gets its name from its unique shape. It has short, spiny leaves and a green, photosynthetic body. The plant blooms small, white flowers.

It is quite rare in cultivation, but it is definitely a plant that any succulent lover would love to have in their collection.

So there you have it, the rarest succulent plants in the world. If you’re up for the challenge, we hope that you’ll be able to track down some of these beauties for your own collection! Happy hunting!

How to Properly Care for the Echeveria Rainbow Succulent Plant

by Giancarlo Perlas

Echeveria Rainbow is a succulent plant that is native to Mexico. The plant has rosettes of leaves that are colored in shades of pink, yellow, and green. The leaves are covered in a powdery substance called farina. Echeveria Rainbow can bloom flowers that are pink or white in color. The flowers have petals that are narrow and pointed.

If you have an echeveria rainbow succulent plant, you’ll want to make certain it’s properly cared for. These gorgeous and colorful plants are quite simple to care for, but there are a few things you must know to keep them fresh and healthy.

Caring Tips

Here are some pointers on how to take excellent care of your echeveria rainbow:

1. Give them plenty of light. Echeveria rainbow plants need lots of bright, direct sunlight in order to thrive. If you live in an area with limited sunlight, you may need to supplement with artificial lighting. Once you notice that the leaves of the plant are starting to turn yellow, it is an indication that the plant is not receiving enough sun, so you might need to move it in another part of the room that gets plenty of sunlight like near the windows or patios. You may place it in an outdoor garden to get the full benefits provided by the sun. Don’t worry about it easily drying up since the plant is drought tolerant.

2. Water them regularly, but don’t overdo it. These plants are succulents, so they don’t need a lot of water. Water them about once a week, or when the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

3. Fertilize them every few months. A balanced succulent fertilizer will do the trick. Just be sure not to fertilize too often, as Echeveria Rainbow is a beautiful and vibrant succulent plant that is relatively easy to care for.

4. The succulent plant is susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Using the mealy bug removal tips like gently scraping and washing the infested area could do the trick. However, if the infestation appears serious already, an organic pesticide can solve the problem.

5. Echeveria Rainbow can be propagated from stem cuttings. The plant is also tolerant of poor soil conditions. Echeveria Rainbow can be grown in succulent pots, containers with holes at the bottom for drainage, or in the ground of your outdoor garden.

6. To make Echeveria Rainbow bloom flowers, you will need to provide the plant with full sun exposure and a well-draining soil mixture.

Benefits of Having the Echeveria Rainbow in Your Room

There are plenty of benefits that can be enjoyed when taking care of the Echeveria Rainbow succulent plant.

Standard benefits:

  • Low-maintenance plants are perfect for busy people.
  • They add a splash of color to any room.

Emotional benefits:

  • Get in touch with your creative side by arranging the succulents in different ways.
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet of having green plants around you.

3 Essential Stuff You Need To Know About The Easter Cactus Succulent Plant

by Giancarlo Perlas

Easter Sunday is one of the important events in Christianity. However, that does not mean it is only exclusive to people within the faith. Everyone, regardless of religion or belief, is welcome to take part in its festivities.

As we are nearing its celebration this year, some of you succulent plant lovers out there are probably already checking out Easter-themed arrangements or cacti products for the occasion. Luckily, we have some tips on decorating your house for Easter with succulent plants in our previous post. Also here, we will present to you the Easter Cactus, which you can add to your list.

The Easter Cactus makes an exciting addition to your succulent collection. Unlike the other holiday-themed succulent called the Christmas Cactus, the Easter Cactus is quite a peculiar piece because it is essentially a hybrid. This traces its origins to the Brazilian forest cactus belonging to the Rhipsalidopsis family.

1. Relation of the Plant to the Easter Celebration

Now, you might be wondering what does the Easter Cactus has to do with Easter, aside from its name. The appearance of the plant has no association whatsoever with Easter Sunday because it does not look like any of the event’s ever-popular symbolisms such as the Easter Egg for rebirth and the Easter Bunny for fertility. The only link of the plant to the occasion is the fact that it blooms in late winter or early spring wherein the latter usually coincide with the Christian Holy Week celebration.

2. Appearance

Like the Christmas Cactus, the Easter Cactus has flattened stems, which are also called segments and are actually the leaves of the plant. Each segment is slightly ragged on the edges, and it produces crown-shaped flowers. Depending on the variant, the flowers may come in white, red, pink, orange, and other hues.

3. Caring for Easter Cactus

Unlike the usual cacti that thrive in arid places like the desert, Easter Cacti need cooler temperatures to grow. With that, put it in a well-lit place but keep it away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature it requires to bloom is between 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13-16 degrees Celsius).

The Easter Cactus can be grown in a succulent plant pot. However, make sure that its soil is lightly moist. Water it every time you notice that its soil is drying up. If your home feels dry most of time, you may provide a little humidity around the plant by placing it in a container filled with pebbles and an ample amount of water, which will keep it hydrated over a long period.

Furthermore, to keep it healthy, see to it that it is repotted at least every two years during the spring to make sure that its soil nutrients are replenished from time to time. You may fertilize the succulent as well especially after its blooming season to maintain its healthy aura. The recommended fertilizer for it is a 10-10-10 mix or food with low nitrogen content.

How to Monetize Your Succulent Plants Hobby

by Giancarlo Perlas

Succulents plants come in all shapes and sizes. Some can be easily acquired while some are very rare and can get pretty costly. Therefore, succulent plants hobbies range from cheap to expensive. However, like anything else, this passion can be turned into a lucrative business with the right strategy, attitude, and know-how.

Here are some ideas on how you can turn your succulent plants hobby into a profitable business:

1. Create a Plant Nursery

A handful of succulent plants can be propagated with ease. They normally multiply via seeds, cuttings, and offsets. Seeds and offsets can be directly planted on potting soil. For cuttings, just allow them to develop roots before planting.

With little care, these can develop into full-grown plants than can be used again to propagate more succulents for a multiplier effect. It should be noted though that Mutant succulent plants like the Moon Cactus require a special process to grow but it’s not really rocket science if you know the basics, which we discussed earlier. In the end, these can be sold for a profit.

2. Make Customized Plant Arrangements

Elevating the visuals of your products can immensely affect their value. With that, you can combine different succulents into a special arrangement to create a posh gift or décor for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and other important events. You’ll be surprised as to how much people would be willing to pay for your customized succulent plant arrangements given the right recipe and combined with some artistic touches.

3. Set Up an Online Store

Online stores or e-commerce shops like Cal Farms have revolutionized our way of doing business. These have been proven to provide the utmost convenience at any given time that’s why many people have shifted to them in the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aside from the convenience, having an online store will allow your business to have more visibility and reach with your potential clients. The direct-to-consumer setup also eliminates the involvement of middlemen who can add more to your operational expenses.

Overall, e-commerce will give you more control over your business. Eventually, this will let you offer better prices to your customers and will let your succulent plants venture to be more competitive in the market.

4. Generate and Sell Carbon Credits

Carbon Credit: Definition, Types and How Does It Works - Textile Learner

The carbon market has been in existence for over a decade. However, only a few know how to take advantage of its presence. If you happen to have a huge plot of land for your succulent farming, you might be eligible to earn carbon credits, which you can sell in the emissions trading market. In addition to your earnings, this will also let you take an active part in the greenhouse gas reduction efforts of the government.

To do this, simply measure the amount of greenhouse emissions your business produces for 12 months. Then, create a plan detailing your carbon offsetting solutions. Have your data validated by certificate providers from either public or private organizations. From there, enter into a license agreement with a company that needs carbon offsetting, which will then pay you for it.

Others

There are definitely many ways to earn from your succulent plants hobby in addition to the ones mentioned here. But we do hope that these tips will at least help you get an idea of where to start on your road to success.

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.

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