Hi !

Welcome to my photo blog about succulents, and some cacti thrown in for good measure.

Along with photos, I will provide scientific/common names and information on their culture. Please, do not consider the information I provide as an authoritative source. It is from what I know about these plants, and I am NOT an expert! The cultural information is based on my experience in growing succulents and cacti in a tropical environment (Hawai'i) which is by no means an ideal climate for these plants.

Also, for you photography buffs (like me), I will provide pertinent camera data for the photos. All photos in this blog are SOOC (straight out of camera) and not post processed, except for downsizing and/or cropping.

Thanks for visiting!

(Above photo: Echeveria agavoides hybrid, Nikon D800, Tamron SP AF90mm f/2.8 Di, Tiffen Soft/FX 3 filter, "light painted" with an LED flashlight.)

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Euphorbia milii 'Pink Cadillac'



Euphorbia milii 'Pink Cadillac.' Nikon D800, Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di, Marumi CP.
'Pink Cadillac' is a medium sized Euphorbia, always ablaze with bright pink "flowers."

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Tea Cup Succulents

Tea cup succulents. Nikon D800, Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di, Marumi CP.
I had some unused Japanese tea cups taking up space in the cupboard, so I decided to plant some slow growing, smaller succulents in them. I used a masonry bit to drill a hole in the bottom of each cup. I filled each one with loose potting mix and planted varieties that are slow, compact growers (they behave that way in my climate.) Front row, from left to right: Echeveria pulidonis, E. 'Tippy,' E. pulidonis green form. Back: Echeveria pulidonis.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Echeveria agavoides 'Rosea'

Echeveria agavoides 'Rosea'. Nikon D800, Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di, Marumi CP




This plant was acquired as Echeveria agavoides 'Rosea'. I am not sure if this is an accepted varietal name. According to the grower, it is a cross between E. agavoides 'Lipstick' and E. agavoides 'Frank Reinelt' ISI 1467. Generally, E. agavoides seems quite finicky in its needs. Too much sun will burn. Too much water will lead to rot. This hybrid is no exception. It seems to do better in the cooler months (shorter days) here in the tropics. The red coloration also deepens during this time. It is not a vigorous grower, and can stay in the same pot for a long time. It has given me some offsets. I would venture to say that this plant will be happier in a cooler, drier climate.



Red coloration developing with the approach of cooler temperatures. This specimen is about 20 cm (8 in) in diameter.

Dwarf Euphorbia milii

Dwarf Euphorbia milii. Nikon D800, Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di, Marumi CP
Purchased this plant from a plant sale two years ago and stuck it in the tiny narrow pot. It seems very happy in there. There was no identification tag with it, so I do not know the varietal name.

















The pot is a little over 5 cm (2 in) square, but the little Euphorbia seems to be doing well.

Aloe Hybrids


Hybrid miniature aloe. Nikon D800, Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di, Marumi CP.


Hybrid miniature aloe (Aloe sp.) plants. I don't have the names for these. Very slow growers. Seems to do well in partial shade.



















They are currently growing in 7.5 cm (3 in) pots. I don't give them any special care. Water and fertilizer needs are similar to other succulents. They're quite trouble-free plants.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Window Sill Succulents.

Haworthia attenuata variegate. Nikon D7000, Lensbaby Edge 80.



A white variegate of Haworthia attenuata, along with another Haworthia and Gasteria, all growing in tiny pots on the windowsill.

These get morning sun only.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Sansevieria parva 'White Variegated'


Sansevieria parva, White Variegated. Nikon D800, Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D.


The 'White Variegated' form of Sansevieria parva is an excellent plant for pot culture. Fairly slow growing and a tight clumper, it averages about 30.5 cm (12 inches) tall. Best grown in bright light, but it also does well in semi-shade
Green and white variegated leaves of Sansevieria parva 'White Variegated.'
 Nikon D800, Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D.

'White Variegated' is a compact grower with beautiful green and white variegated leaves. It has not been bothered much by pests, except for an occasional infestation of root mealybugs. It is by far, the most beautiful sansevieria in the garden.