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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aeonium, Echeveria, Sansevieria

Aeonium, Echeveria, Sansevieria. Nikon D800, Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G.

Winter is when the Aeonium plants seem to come to life. The cooler temperatures seem to make the other succulents happy too.
Clockwise from left: Sansevieria parva white variegated, Aeonium 'Starburst,' Aeonium arboreum 'Variegatum,' Aeonuim 'Sunburst,' Echeveria 'Domingo.'

As a whole, Aeonium plants need protection from the harsh sun during the summer months. Some of them seem to shut down and not produce any growth. References say that summer is the dormant period for many of the Aeonium species. In general, I don't have great success with these plants. They don't seem to care for our tropical climate. Regarding propagation, I've made many mistakes with these plants. I lost a large 'Sunburst' by lopping off the top, thinking it would root like an Echeveria. It didn't, and the remaining base stem died too. I must have topped the plant when it was dormant, and as a result, it did not put out roots/new growth. I now wait for the cooler months when they start to "wake up." Seems like the ideal time to top off is when aerial roots start forming along the stem.  The variety 'Kiwi' (barely visible behind 'Starbust' above) puts out a lot of aerial roots closer to autumn.

Echeveria 'Afterglow' (Reprise)

Echeveria 'Afterglow

Although I acquired this plant without an identification tag, I'm quite sure that this is Echeveria 'Afterglow.' This plant is currently about 30.5 cm (12 inches) in diameter and still growing. It is an impressive specimen with beautiful lavender and pink coloration. It is currently producing offsets which I will attempt to separate and plant. This one is a particularly vigorous clone compared to another 'Afterglow' that I have. That plant is one third the size of this one, although it's an older plant.

All photos: Nikon D800, Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di.

'Afterglow' with other cacti and succulents, including Aeonium 'Kiwi', Echeveria 'Princess Blue,' and Graptoveria 'Opalina.'