Plants & Varieties
Succulent Slope Before & After
See a problem-solving, terraced succulent garden landscaped on a budget. Challenges include hillside erosion, large area, and steep grade. Before-and-after photos, video and plant gallery.
Read MoreDiscover 40 Kinds of Kalanchoe
I’m pleased to announce my new 15-minute YouTube video: “Kalanchoe Species and Cultivars: 40 varieties for your garden and pots.” In order to make sense of this highly diverse genus, I divided it into six categories: fuzzy, floriferous, mother of thousands (bryophyllums), paddles, tropicals and rarities.
Read MoreWant to Make Tequila or Mezcal from Your Agaves?
As with most vegetables, roasting an agave’s heart enhances flavor and sweetness. Cottage distilleries in Mexico roast piñas in pits dug into the ground, sort of like a luau.
Read MoreGrow Versatile “Mini Pine Tree” Crassula
Mini pine tree crassula, related to jade, is a carefree succulent I’ve grown for 20+ years. The botanical name, Crassula tetragona, refers to the three-sided shape of the leaves.
Read MoreNew Must-Have Agave Book
The new book, “Agaves: Species, Cultivars & Hybrids” by Jeremy Spath and Jeff Moore is a must-have for its images alone. Stunning photos capture the beauty and fierceness of these sculptural succulents in ways both artistic and definitive. It’s a must-have for plant IDs
Read MoreAeoniums with Annie Starring ‘Lily Pad’
When succulent star Annie Schreck visited recently, we did a video about aeoniums and planted several in container gardens. Learn about handling aeoniums, and discover the lovely ‘Lily Pad’ variety.
Read MoreComfort Plant Benefits
I’ve been informally testing the herbal benefits of a semi-succulent herb with velvety, juicy leaves. If you’ve been to my garden recently, Mama Debra has crushed and smeared the juice of “comfort plant” (Plectranthus amboinicus) on your bug bites, scrapes or—if you brought your dog—hot spots.
Read MoreNew Tillandsia (Air Plants) Page and Video
On my new page and corresponding video, I show over 30 easy, eye-catching air-plant projects, gifts and display ideas.
Read MoreYour Agave’s Blooming–Now What?
Your agave is blooming! Now what? In my new video, Q&A and photo gallery you’ll find expert advice, agave IDs and how to start the plants from seeds and bulbils.
Read MoreHow to Prune and Handle Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’
In both English and Spanish, landscaper José Arias explains and shows how to prune and handle Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’, a beautiful succulent with toxic, milky sap.
Read MoreSucculent Ice Plants, Gallery and Video
The brilliantly beautiful succulent ice plants you’ll see in my new page and video thrive in Zones 8-11. They come in eye-popping hues of purple, pink, lavender, rose-red, bright red, gold, orange and yellow.
Read MoreWhat Makes Succulents SUCCULENT?
Become a better plant parent by learning the “how’s” and “why’s” of these lovable chubby plants. Discover what makes succulents so efficient. Slicing and squishing may seem unkind, but be assured there’s method to my madness.
Read More