CARE
SUCCULENT CARE
WATER
Succulents, like cactus, prefer dry soil. We recommend only watering once a month and no more than 6 tsp per plant at a time. A spray bottle works best for spritzing the topcoat of soil for succulents planted in terrariums. Be sure not to over saturate your new plant, as excess water will cause the shallow, thin roots of your plant to rot. Most of the containers we use don’t have any type of self-drainage so it important not to overwater.
LIGHT
4-5 hours of bright light early morning does your succulent best, but bright shade will still make them happy. Placement on a windowsill or within 6-7 feet of a window providing natural light is recommended. Be cautious of direct sunlight however as it can cause the leaves of your plant to burn and subsequently die.
SOIL
Each Coastal Succulent comes planted in fresh cactus soil. If you find the need to replace the succulent’s original soil, we recommend using this specific soil. Regular topsoil will retain too much water and cause your succulent to die from drowning the roots. If repotted in a new container we recommend using one that drains as to help the soil dry properly.
MAINTENANCE
You may notice some of the leaves towards the bottom of your plant start to turn a light green color and eventually dry and brown. Not to worry, as this is your succulent’s natural growing process. Succulents often grow upwards towards the light, thus sheading their lower leaves. It is ok to pinch these leaves off at their base if they don’t fall off naturally. Leaves that are fresh and still green can be placed on top of the soil as they will begin to produce a new plant from the base of the broken off leaf.
FAQ
What is the life span of a succulent?
Succulents can live as long as they have proper care. With proper watering and sunlight there is no time limit to their life span.
Do Succulents bloom?
Yes, all succulents bloom in one form or another. Warmer temperatures are conducive to the blooming process. Most will produce a stem that comes from the core of the plant extending out ultimately producing a bloom. Some blossom one large single flower from the center of the plant as in Split Rocks and Living Stones (Lithop variety) that for about a week will open during the day and close tight at night. Appropriate fertilizing can also help your succulent achieve maximum blooming potential.
Can I plant my succulent outside?
Absolutely, just take into consideration sunlight and how much water they will be receiving. Some succulents thrive in Eastern North Carolina even with the excessive rain we can sometimes get. As long as they have good drainage, little direct light, and aren’t exposed to below freezing conditions your succulents could do just fine.
AIR PLANT CARE
WATER
While called Air Plants, these curios looking plants are unable to live off air alone. Soil is not needed, however a good system for watering is recommended once weekly. Depending on where you keep your Air Plant, watering may consist of misting the leaves or submerging your plant in a bowl of air temperature water. For plants affixed to a wall mount or drift wood interiorscape, simply misting the leaves of your plant until they are fully wet will do. For loose plants, it is recommended giving them a bath of sorts, allowing them to soak for 20-30 minutes. Always consider turning your air pants upside down when laying them out to dry, removing any excess water from the base of the plant as this could cause it to rot.
LIGHT
Air Plants require good natural lighting. Like succulents, they prefer bright shade as direct sunlight may be too harsh for them to handle. Direct morning sun is most beneficial to your Air Plant, however if temperatures increase greatly, the extreme light could cause them to dehydrate and ultimately die.
TEMPERATURE
Air Plants are generally warm temperature plants. Some, like Spanish Moss, can tolerate lower temperatures, however most are safely kept in an environment from 50-90 degrees.
SOIL
Air Plants are unique in that they do not need soil. They absorb nutrients from the air in their environment through the scales on their leaves.
FAQ
Can I keep my Air Plant outside?
Absolutely, as long as you take in to consideration the lighting and temperatures mentioned above. A covered patio or screened in porch would be the perfect environment for you plant unless temperatures reach below 50 degrees. In this case just pull your air plants inside and let them enjoy the warmth of your home; it will have no effect on their health transferring them from one environment to the other.
Do I need to plant my Air Plant in soil?
No, air plants require absolutely no soil to survive or reproduce, simply air and a good source of weekly watering.
How do air plants reproduce?
Like succulents, air plants have the amazing ability to grow offshoots or babies directly from the plant itself. If you ever notice secondary growth coming from the base of your air plant then congratulations, you’re now the proud parent of a baby air plant. Once large enough, these offshoots can be separated from the parent plant and left to grow on their own.
Can I fertilize my air plant?
Yes… and we recommend it. A good source for air plant “food” or fertilization come from the same you would use for orchids. Available at most nurseries, simply mix the solution in with the water you are using to either dunk your air plant in or spray it with. Don’t use it too often though as over fertilization could poison your plant and cause it to die.
Didn’t see your question answered above? Please reach out to us.