Suzy Schaefer's succulent garden in Rancho Santa Fe "saved our home," she told me (and national media)... Their garden of aloes, agaves, euphorbias and more---created by Suzy with the help of San Diego landscape architect Robert Dean---encircles the Southwest-style home, which is adjacent to a palm- and eucalyptus-filled canyon. Although it may seem absurd to allow succulents to be used as landscape plants, this is likely not necessary. There's plenty more that homeowners need to know in order to create a firewise landscape. You can find more tips and ideas in this post about succulent wedding favors. You need to ensure your Spear Head is receiving water only when it is needed. Before you water, make sure you check the soil moisture. To ensure your Saguaro receives enough water, inspect the Saguaro’s exterior pleats. You should ensure that the soil is at least 2 to 3 inches below its surface before adding more water.

The soil type for this particular plant is not important if it doesn't drain from the container. This is a good addition to those who want to plant some life into their homes, but don't have the time or desire to take care of the beautiful cactus. The time is right to transplant the succulent in its own pot once the baby plant has grown larger and the mother leave has withered. To prevent a cactus from drying out, be sure to carefully care for it when it is transplanted into a clay pot. The new Echeveria is easier to care for than the mother plant, as it is more resistant to pests and disease. They can be propagated easily with seeds, cuttings or offsets. Available agaves. aeoniums. elephant's food. jade. Ironically, "Sticks on Fire" are easy to propagate from pups and cuttings. 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. While it works for a number of pests, it's worth researching the specific pests to ensure that they are safe. Although some species may require extra care, others will thrive with little to no neglect. They like bright light and a well-draining mix. Some potting mixes contain lime to help balance pH in alkaline soils. Only use the amount you are going to use. Although it is possible to grow the African Milk Tree from seeds, it is not easy and can lead to unpredictable results. Although succulents can be used as firebreak plants in wildfire-prone regions, I don't intend to suggest that they are the only solution. Nor do I wish to profit from others suffering.

Newcomer said that succulents saved his home and business from a destructive wildfire that threatened his nursery 10 years ago. Don Newcomer is the owner of Serra Gardens. This succulent specialty nursery has been in Malibu 25 years. He will soon move south to Fallbrook because of business reasons. OR, SIMPLY MIX half of the bagged potting earth (from any garden center or nursery) with the pumice. Gary Lyons (curator of the Huntington Botanical Gardens’ desert collection in San Marino) is open about his desire that succulents be used as perimeter plants for homes in rural areas. 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 Home? 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, a San Diego designer, believes potted plants look better when placed on stands. She sometimes orders custom-made stands to enhance her succulent designs. Dr. Newton, a geriatrician that often has to deal with death-and-life situations, is not a sensationalist. This cactus pink flower, which can even be grown outside in colder environments, is very resilient. I've watched hundreds of Youtube videos to learn how to care and maintain cactus. I urge you to watch my two videos in which Camille shares her story and garden. Note: The horrible wildfires that decimated California in 2017 are a stark reminder about when my husband and me, as well as our two dogs, were evacuated in 2007. Three days of terrible weather left us wondering if we would ever be able to find a home. These plants have been vigorously growing since they were stem-cuts. The course was very informative and I feel confident that I know how to grow succulents.