If you are reading this newsletter, it probably means you are a plant person.  Plant people tend to know other plant people, and some of them may even be on your gift giving list.  So what better gift than an easy to care for succulent in a holiday themed container?

Wouldn't that be beautiful on your Thanksgiving table?  Succulents are very easy to grow.  Mini succulents are even better!  They hardly take up any room and if you are lucky, many will flower for you!
A succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy water storage parts.  Succulents store water in their leaves, their stems or their roots.  These plants have adapted to survive in very hot, dry conditions throughout the world, from Africa to the deserts of North America.
Most succulents have shallow fibrous roots and do not require or use the full depth of their container, be it a pot or a pumpkin. 

If you are using something like a pumpkin or gourd, you will want to b uy a commercially packaged soil mix that is made especially for cacti/succulents or, make your own using equal parts of both coarse sand and potting mix. The biggest thing to remember is, LOTS of drainage. Succulents can develop root rot easily and do not like constantly wet feet. That also works well for this decoration, which you will not need to water much at all!!  There are accounts of succulents having literally gone weeks, almost months not being watered.  We don't recommend doing this, but it is nice to know that they will survive such harsh treatment.  Plus, who needs water running over their cranberry sauce?!

Succulents work well in almost any type of container, even Rudolph!  Once planted, they will require very little care throughout the season.  Once the wrapping paper has been cleared and other decorations have been put away, consider the succulents from the reindeer a bonus.  Simply choose another container with plenty of drainage and replant!

Like the rest of us during the holidays, they do like to be fed.  If you feed your succulents every 4-6 weeks with your favorite liquid fertilizer, that will be plenty.
Other than the dreaded root rot from too much watering, succulents are pretty much problem free.  The only real pests that they encounter will be the occasional Mealy Bug or Aphid.  The best thing is to use a strong spray of water.  Oils and soaps can actually damage the plant more than the insect.   You can also pick them off if the infestation is not too severe.   If you must use a chemical, please follow the directions...It Is The Law!

So there you have it, a great, small, easy to grow, gift for your favorite plant person.

If you have a favorite holiday object that might be a good candidate to hold some succulents for your holiday table, bring it in!  We will be happy to help you plant it or plant it for you!

Need some inspiration?