Monday, April 12, 2010

A Succulent Re-Do


My friend Annie had some ladies over for some terrarium making a couple of months ago.  It was delightful, we got our hands dirty and everyone walked away with a little green to brighten our dark Brooklyn apartments.

Unfortunately, I put a lid on my succulent terrarium. It just looked prettier that way, okay?  My little desert plants rotted away, one by one, with just a hint of moisture.  I recently opened the lid to see yellow round mold spores clumped on the soil.  YUCK.  So, I created a succulent arrangement to replace my terrarium, one I cannot put a lid on. I think I like it better.

 
How to make a succulent arrangements
(or, what I have learned along the way)
  • Put a layer of small stones at the bottom of your container, about one inch.
  • Line with a layer of charcoal, about a half inch.
  • Combine cactus soil and perlite, at a ratio of about 50/50.  You may elect to use sand. Even  the store bought cactus soil can be too moist.
  • Place your succulents as you'd like the arranged, bring soil over to bury the roots, keeping the roots fairly shallow. Press lightly.
  • Spritz with water when completed.
  • Let the soil dry out completely before watering.  Do not water often or the plants will rot.
  • Place near a nice, bright window.
  • Remove any rot immediately, as it will spread to the other plants.
  • Resist the urge to cover it, no matter how cute.

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