The Timber Press Guide to Succulent Plants of the World (Book)
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The Timber Press Guide to Succulent Plants of the World: A Comprehensive Reference to More than 2000 Species By Fred Dortort
The plants are organized into 28 intuitively logical groups, such as succulent euphorbias, mesembryanthemums, bulbs, succulent trees, aloes, agaves, and haworthias. Each entry includes information on the plant's native habitat, its growth habits, and its horticultural potential. As useful to novice growers as to collectors and those with an existing interest in succulents, this will be the standard reference for years to come.
About the Author
Fred Dortort has grown succulent plants and cacti for over thirty years. He has studied and observed succulents in locations as diverse as Baja California, mainland Mexico, South Africa, Namibia, and the American Southwest. He lectures widely on succulent plants, has taught classes at the University of California Botanical Garden in Berkeley, and has written numberous articles for the Cactus and Succulent Journal, as well as for publications such as Pacific Horticulture and Garden. Fred lives in Berkeley, California.
Hardback, 344 pages ISBN: 9780881929959 (0881929956) Published by Timber Press
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Popular Questions
• Staff Answer
Shop Succulent Soil Here
Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.
IN POTS…
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• Staff Answer
Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.
Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.
• Staff Answer
Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.
Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength
• Staff Answer
Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.
HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS
- Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
- Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
- Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…
• Staff Answer
Different succulent varieties have different light needs. You can find the Recommended Light Conditions on each variety's page by scrolling down to the Product Details. We use four categories of recommended light, and some plants can thrive under a range of light conditions.
LOW INDOOR LIGHT
- Can grow indoors without direct sun.
- Placing outdoors in direct sun or on sunny window sills might cause dark burns.
- There are a limited number of succulent varieties that thrive in low light, notably Haworthia, Gasteria, Peperomia, and some Jade…
• Staff Answer
Many succulent varieties are only available seasonally because of their growing and propagation cycles. During the growing season, we can usually restock sets and trays weekly. Most individual plants will go in and out of stock through the seasons, but they are also restocked weekly when available. Thursday is usually the best day of the week for finding plants in stock. Spring and Summer are generally the best seasons for availability.
Any product that is out of stock has an "Email me when a product is back in stock" button (shown above). Click the button and enter your email to be notified when it's available again. If this button isn't appearing, the plant may have very recently sold out - check back after a short while and the button should appear.
• Staff Answer
35%-70% isopropyl alcohol works well for killing both mealybugs and spider mites. Spray the affected plant thoroughly, and keep spraying daily until you see no more evidence of pests. General pest prevention strategies include:
- Using very gritty succulent soil and pots with drainage holes
- Providing lots of sunlight and airflow
• Staff Answer
Plants with similar light needs tend to work well together in a container. When you're browsing our catalog, you can use the "Recommended Light Conditions" filter on the left of every category page to filter by the amount of sunlight you can provide. If this will be an outdoor container, you'll also want to filter by "Grow Zone (Hardiness)" and pick plants for your USDA Hardiness Zone. If this container will stay indoors year-round, head to our Indoor Succulents Category and then filter by "Low Indoor Light" or "Bright Indoor Light" accordingly.
• Staff Answer
It certainly can! Rot can spread from the roots to the leaves making them fall off OR root rot kills the roots so they cannot take in water and the leaves actually dry and fall off. Either way, check your roots. Be sure that you're using pots with drainage holes and gritty, well-draining soil. Grow them in lots of sun or on a sunny window sill. And only water after the soil is completely dry and the leaves start to feel limp (when in doubt, keep waiting).
• Staff Answer
1. Give Lots of Sunlight
Succulents require bright, direct light for photosynthesis and healthy growth. Ideal placement includes south-facing windows where they receive at least 4-6 hours of light per day. In dim environments, etiolation (stretching and fading) occurs as plants seek more light. Prevent this by:
2. Water Infrequently with the "Soak and Dry" Method… See full answer »
Succulents require bright, direct light for photosynthesis and healthy growth. Ideal placement includes south-facing windows where they receive at least 4-6 hours of light per day. In dim environments, etiolation (stretching and fading) occurs as plants seek more light. Prevent this by:
- Moving plants closer to a window.
- Using full-spectrum grow lights if natural light is insufficient.
2. Water Infrequently with the "Soak and Dry" Method… See full answer »
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