Succulents

What is a succulent? It’s any plant with large fleshy leaves, stems or roots. Succulents come from all parts of the world.  The term succulent is a “common name” and is
not an accurate scientific description of a class of plants.

Some rules to observe in caring for succulents:

  Light 

Young plants grow best shielded from direct sunlight. Older plants can tolerate direct sunlight but may also be grown under a light shade.  The color of the plant is a good guide as to whether sunlight should be decreased.  Brown spots indicate that the plant is getting sunburned and you should then move the plant to a more shaded area.  If new growth on the plant is pale green, the plant needs more light.  Move the plant closer to direct sunlight. Try turning the plants on a daily basis so all parts of the plant receive light.  Some succulents respond well to incandescent or fluorescent light.

  Water

  Since succulents come from arid regions, they don’t need as much water as other plants.  Water well at least once a week.  Do not water when the soil is moist, let the soil become dry. If the plant is over watered, it can become vulnerable to plant rot.  You can learn when to water your plant by letting the plant shrivel or go slightly limp, then watering the plant.

  Soil

Use a porous, easily drained soil. Try a half and half mixture of sand and potting mix. Perlite could be substituted  for sand.

 
  Fertilizer

Use a balanced fertilizer of equal parts Nitrogen, Phosphorous or Potassium. Apply about 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended amount.
Mari's Gardens recommends triple 14, 14-14-14 as a fertilizer for succulents.
     

Succulent links:
http://www.gardenguides.com/80055-care-succulent-plant.html
http://www.content4reprint.com/home/how-to-care-for-cacti-and-succulents...
Tips on caring for succulents from This Old House
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20288427,00.html
Types of Succulents
http://www.debraleebaldwin.com/SucculentInformation.htm
Succulent plant maintenance
http://www.ehow.com/video_4427042_succulent-plant-maintenance-introducti...
How to grow Cacti plants and Succulents video series
http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_4945_grow-cactus-succulent-plants.html

Ti Plant

Sunlight

    The Ti plant prefers bright but indirect sun.  It is preferable to have some shade when growing the Ti plant (3000 to 4500 foot candles).  On a summer day, the noon day sun gives off about 10,000 foot candles.  Certain types of Ti plants will burn when grown in full sunlight. The plant may be grown indoors but should be 3 to 5 feet from a sunny window.  The level of light received by the plant influences the appearance of  those Ti plants with multicolored leaves.

Water

    The plant requires high humidity levels so water frequently,  but do not overwater.  The soil should be moist.  If planted outdoors, the plant should be planted in areas with frequent rainfall.   Water about twice a week.  Avoid watering the plant with water that contains fluoride.  Air around the plant should be humid. If the plant is indoors, mist the air around the plant with a spray bottle daily. 
Soil
    The soil should provide good aeration with the ability to hold water.  The soil should be deep and acidic, a soil pH of 6.5 is preferred.  It does not grow well close to the ocean where it would be subject to salt spray.  Soil for the Ti plant should be well drained.

Fertilizer

One possible option is Gaviota Triple 16, used for palms, crop vegetables and general fertilization.  Triple 14, 14-14-14 could also be used.

Termperature

    Make sure the air temperature does not drop below 55 degrees farenheit.  Preferably, the plant should be in an area between 65 and 95 degrees Farenheit.

Pests

Some reported pests in Hawaii are fungus, which may be removed with Fore, and the New Zealand cane borer.  Maranthon insecticide has been shown to be an effective insecticide for this pest.  
Temperature, light and fertilizer control the intensity of the colors exhibited in the leaf.

Links to other articles on the Ti plant:
http://archives.starbulletin.com/1997/11/11/features/evergreen.html
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/higard/msg0818502714029.html
http://www.lilacfield.com/articles/31631-How-to-Care-for-a-TI-Plant.html
http://www.jaycjayc.com/cordyline-terminalis-ti-plant/

Adeniums

Sunlight

Can be grown in direct sunlight or in filtered sunlight.  Plants in 10 inch pots can be put in direct sunlight but plants in smaller pots  should be put in light shade. Plant requirements are about 5,000 to 8,000 foot candles. In cooler, cloudier areas, Adeniums should be put outside in direct sunlight.  Plants should be kept facing the same direction all summer (don’t rotate plants). 

Water

Can be watered daily during the summer, but needs little water during winter, the dormant season. Will lose leaves if overwatered.  In arid conditions, plants can be watered every day.  Otherwise 2-3 times a week watering should suffice.  Do not wet leaves.  Watering should be done lightly at first, then increasing to daily then every few days intervals.   Water should not be acidic. 
Use neutral to hard water.  If the soil is too wet, root rot will result.

Fertilizer

Use general houseplant fertilizer half strength once or twice a month. Mari's Gardens recommends triple 14,  14-14-14 as a fertizlier for adeniums.

Soil

Use water holding soil with good drainage.  ½ potting mixture or coarse sand or gravel and ½ Perlite is a good combination for this plant.
A thin layer of gravel on the top is suggested to keep moisture even and prevent soil erosion.  A pot with a drainage hole is suggested.

Temperature

Plants should be grown in 85 to 95 degree Farenheit environments.  With moderate to high humidity.

Links:
University of Wisconsin:
http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/features/indoor-tenderplants/des...
http://www.agricultureinformation.com/mag/?p=961
Adenium Problems explained by Tropica Nursery
http://www.tropicanursery.com/adenium/problems.htm
General discussion of Adenium by Tropica Nursery
http://www.tropicanursery.com/adenium/adenium.htm

A website dealing with Adeniums:
http://adenium.tucsoncactus.org/index.html
Ehow recommendations on the care of Adeniums
http://www.ehow.com/way_5799872_care-adenium-houseplant.html
Tips from the Gardening Guide
http://www.gardenguides.com/70361-care-adenium.html