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.