Suzy Schaefer's succulent gardens in Rancho Santa Fe saved our home," she said to me (and national media )...). The garden, made by Suzy and Robert Dean, is surrounded the Southwest-style home. It is also adjacent to a canyon that is palm- and eucalyptus filled. Although it may seem absurd to allow succulents to be used as landscape plants, this is likely not necessary. It's important to learn more about creating a firewise environment. You can find more tips and ideas in this post about succulent wedding favors. It is important to verify the soil moisture levels before watering your Spear Head. To ensure your Saguaro receives enough water, inspect the Saguaro’s exterior pleats. Before adding more water to your soil, ensure it is dry at least 2 – 3 inches below surface.

You won't be able to get the right soil for this kind of plant if your container doesn't allow water to drain. So make sure your container has drainage holes, or you can add them if necessary. It is a great addition to anyone looking to increase plant life in their space, but it doesn't take too much time to care for the beautiful cactus. Once the baby plant grows in size and the mother leaf begins to wither, it's time for the succulent to be transplanted into its own pot. You should pay attention to your cactus when you transfer it into a pot. This will prevent it drying out. Echeveria that has been propagated recently doesn't need as much attention as the mother plant. It is immune to more pests and diseases. They can be easily propagated with seeds, cuttings, or offsets. It is easy to find agaves. Jade, elephant's feed, jade, aloes, jade and aeoniums. Suzy Schaefer started her garden with them from cuttings. How to find my Top Six Firewise Succulents.

Tens of thousands of California homeowners, myself included, need to know if Camille's and Suzy were lucky or if succulents actually saved their homes. This is why more research is needed. I'd love to hear from you if you've seen a wildfire-burned house that had succulents that were so dense (like Camilles') that they should have been serving as a firebreak. This works with a wide range of pests. However, it's a good idea to investigate the specific pests that you're dealing. Some species need special care to survive, but most species can be grown with just a little neglect. They require a well-draining potting mixture and bright light. Lime can be added to some potting mixes to balance pH when alkaline soils are needed. Use only the amount you plan to use. Although it's possible to propagate an African Milk Tree by using seeds, the outcome of this endeavor is unpredictable. Succulents may be useful in wildfire protection, but I don't want to suggest they are the solution.

Newcomer says succulents saved his nursery and business from a devastating wildfire a decade ago. Don Newcomer, the owner of Serra Gardens, is moving south to Fallbrook due to business reasons. Serra Gardens was a specialty gasteria succulent nursery that has been operating in Malibu for 25+ years. OR, you can simply mix half-and-half bagged soil from any garden center or nursery with pumice (see below). Gary Lyons, Huntington Botanical Gardens San Marino's curator of the desert collections, is vocal about his desire to see succulents used in perimeter plantings for homes. Lyons was a newcomer to the area, and he would love to see homeowner associations provide cuttings of Aloe Arborescens for residents as a service. Aloe arbescens saved Schaefer's vulnerable corner. Did Succulents Save Her Homes? Numerous succulents are native to the continent, and in the south the climate is similar to that of coastal and southern California. Which mix is better?

Diana Clark of San Diego, who custom-makes potted plants for her succulent compositions, says that potted plant looks better on stands. Dr. Newton is an aging physician who has to deal often with death and life-and/or disability situations. This cactus is also quite hardy since it can be grown outside, even in colder climates. I have watched hundreds of Youtube videos about how to care for cactus. This has fueled my passion. I urge you to watch my two videos in which Camille shares her story and garden. Notice: The devastating wildfires in CA that struck 2017 reminded me of 2007 when my husband was evacuated with our dogs. Three days of terrible weather left us wondering if we would ever be able to find a home. I now have several of these plants that are vigorously growing, all from stem cuttings. After the course, I'm confident in my succulent gardening skills. I have even managed to keep one alive in non-draining containers!