FOR NORTHWEST CONDITIONS
First, what makes a plant succulent? These plants come from hundreds of plant families, being found around the world, in just about any climate. The defining characteristic is their ability to store water for the dry spells, which kill many an ordinary plant. These plants also have the ability to carry on photosynthesis, even when pulled from the ground or cut to pieces. This mechanism, known as the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, or CAM cycle, literally allows a cutting to survive weeks or months of being uprooted.
This ability to survive also leads to a liability, the inability to transpire or breathe. Most plants have stomata or pores--for the release of water and absorption of oxygen--under their leaves. Cactus and succulents have reduced stomata. This means that the plant cannot rid itself of excess water easily, but instead must metabolize it--which it can only do when warm enough to initiate photosynthesis. This tells us what we need to know to ensure happy plants:
In a humid environment, as most of the Northwest is, the plants cannot handle a heavy, hard to drain soil. We use 70% aggregate (1/4 to 3/8 inch red lava or pumice) and 30% coco fiber in your soil mix. This does NOT include fine sand, which hold water, and certainly not peat moss!
All plants need water--but ours like to dry out between waterings! Let the plant dry out until a tester says there is no water left. When it is hot, water generously, when it is cold use a spray bottle. With Caudiciforms when it is hot water every 7-10 days and in the winter every 4-8 weeks.
All plants need food. Best results will be had if you feed every time you water in summer, with a 5-5-5 to 7-7-7 fertilizer. Light and heat are both necessary for good growth. Take a cue from the plant...if it has a soft green skin, it needs protection from the direct rays of the afternoon sun. These plants will scorch! However, if the first impression is of dense spination, this plant carries its own shade with it, and can stand full sun, even in the desert.
HOW TO GET YOUR CACTUS TO BLOOM--Cacti, like people, need a GOOD DIET and a REST PERIOD. Allow your cacti to REST for at least 2-3 months during the winter by putting them in good light and keeping them dry and cool (40-50 degrees) with good air circulation. During the rest of the year, water from the soil surface so it drains out the bottom of the pot. Feed during the growing period which is generally April through September A balanced (20-20-20) fertilizer or Miracle Grow at 1/4-1/2 strength every other watering is a GOOD DIET. Generally, water every 7-10 days when it is hot IF your plants are dry, except with epiphyllum (orchid cactus) they like to keep their roots moist. In winter water every 4-8 weeks after the rest period. Since the stomata of cacti open in the evening, watering and feeding as well as treating for pests should be done late afternoon or evening. One soil mixture is 2/3 pumice sifted + 1/3 potting soil.
LITHOPS--Lithops perform all of their needed functions solely on the juices stored for the winter months. They will send up new growth, in the form of new pairs of leaves, right through the center of the old leaf pairs. All in all, they are the very picture of an active growing plant. Do not be fooled; they absolutely expect NO outside help, certainly no water, and will die from fungal growth if they do get wet! When the old leaves are totally papery--that is, dry and brittle--and the side skin is wrinkled usually about May water thoroughly. Your conditions may be hotter or dryer, water about once a month except when it is very hot then twice a month until your plant flowers about September then stop watering.