I have a problem!

9 years ago

I went in to a local hardware store today to pick up another bag of C&S soil to make some more gritty mix and I left with three new friends but no soil.... I was hoping to confirm the IDs on them, get care info and make sure I know how best to take care of them! I literally just bought them so I know I need to replant them into gritty mix but like I said, I forgot to get soil to make more. It also looks like they were just watered before I got there.

#1 he needs lots and lots of light to remain compact correct?

#3 I went back and read a thread on these guys I just want to make sure I have all the information right! Since it's putting out new leaves I shouldn't repot or water right now right? Once the new leaves are grown should I resume watering infrequently until next year if/when it flowers? Finally, it has three sets of leaves, is that normal/ okay?

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read my questions and help me! I'm still fairly new to this and I definitely wouldn't have any living plants if it wasn't for this forum and everyone's help!

Featured Answer

luci (CA, 9b)

9 years ago

#1's ID is correct: variegated string of buttons. With lots of light his edges will turn pink, and the pink color will spread inwards. If you're worried they've been overwatered due to less than ideal soil, you can check the roots for rot.

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Comments (7)

CasualSweater
Original Author
9 years ago
After a quick google I'm confused as to if the string of buttons is an upright 'bushy' plant or a prostrate/ hanging plant?
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mesembs
9 years ago
Don't sweat it if you don't have proper soil right now. They can wait for a bit :)

For the Pleiospilos (last one), definitely no water for a few weeks.
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CasualSweater
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you! I mostly put the comment on the soil in there to prevent any (caring) lectures on how they aren't in proper soil. How do I know when to start watering again?
mesembs
9 years ago
Hmm...

See how the leaves are nice and turgid (filled to the max with water)? When the plant looks like that, no water. Only water of the soil is dry, and the plant actually has a place to store the water without bursting. When it starts to shrink/wrinkle, then you know that a watering won't hurt it. These kind of succulents can have a large variety of watering frequencies. You could get by watering frequently (every couple of weeks), to basically never (a couple times a year). BUT.....

You also have to take into account the resting and growing periods. Right now, your plant is growing. You can tell by the new growth in the center. They will rest during the winter, and I'm not sure about spring and summer...

If you have any more questions, just ask!

You can find more info on Pleiospilos [here]. Also, [here] is the whole of the article.
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luci (CA, 9b)
9 years ago
I think string of buttons can start out vertical but if it gets very long, it may be hanging.
CasualSweater thanked luci (CA, 9b)
CasualSweater
Original Author
9 years ago
I went back today to pick up some soil and left with the soil and 4 new plants! Luckily they won't be available here very much longer! If anyone could help me out with an ID on my 'asstd aloe' I'd be very grateful!