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.'

Lobivia wrightiana var. winteriana

Lobivia wrightiana var. winteriana, syn.
Echinopsis backebergii var. winteriana, blooming in April. Nikon D300, Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D.

A nondescript looking cacti (like many) with very striking, hot-pink springtime blooms. Thus far, it has stayed very compact, and seems very suitable for small pot culture. Offsets freely.

Echeveria 'Afterglow'

'Afterglow' Nikon D800, Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di

Very beautiful color on this one. The combination of powdery lavender, blue-gray, and a dark pink edging on the leaf is very dramatic, particularly in the early morning or evening sun. I've had two specimens for less than a year, and the healthier one is currently about 30.5cm (12 inches) in diameter. 'Afterglow' has not flowered for me yet.

Dark pink edging on the leaves. Nikon D800, Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di

Echeveria pulidonis?

Echeveria pulidonis? Nikon D800, Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D.

A beautiful blue-green echeveria that forms a compact rosette. I had purchased this as the species pulidonis, but from the photos I've seen on the internet, this could be a hybrid. A very slow grower, I've had one in a pot for several years. Currently, it is about 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. Occasionally, it will send out a beautiful flower stalk of yellow-orange flowers.I understand that the flowers of pulidonis are yellow. Maybe I have a cross after all.

E. pulidonis forms a tight, compact rosette. Nikon D800, Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D

Note the hint of orange of the flowers, possibly indicating that this plant may be a hybrid. Nikon D7000, Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D.

Older specimen on the left. Both were acquired as the species pulidonis, but may actually be a cross. Nikon D800, Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D.