Growing tips Getting started -- You can start your plant in a pot about 5 inches (13 cm) wide. If you are in a hotter climate, use an oversized pot to keep the roots cooler. Soil -- It prefers fast draining
soil, similar to cactus mix. I use a mix of about 2 parts
coco fiber For the first 2-3 weeks after repotting, shade it from strong sun, and don't feed it. After that, increase the sun exposure a little each week, watching for burning. The first month after repotting, make sure the original soil ball stays moist (not just the new soil). Growing onward.... Water -- While it can tolerate drought, it grows best when the soil is not allowed to dry out fully. Let the soil get about halfway dry before watering it. You can also keep the soil evenly moist if it's fast-draining. Light -- It enjoys mostly sunny conditions. In hotter conditions, it might need some afternoon shade if it shows signs of stress. Climate -- Larger plants reportedly can take take winter temperatures of 20°F (-7°C). I recommend protecting your plants from frost for at least the first winter or two. It will probably flower soonest if protected from prolonged, hard frosts. In hot conditions, it may help to keep the roots cooler by shading the pot, perhaps by placing it inside a second pot made of clay, filling in any extra space with soil. Feeding -- It has moderate fertilizer needs. Feed about every 2-3 months with a general-purpose fertilizer that contains micronutrients. General tips about the plant are here. Have fun growing it! - Jeff Strange Wonderful Things
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to 3 parts
to
2 parts perlite or coarse horticultural sand.
In wet-winter areas, or if you
tend to overwater your plants. use extra
perlite or sand.