Hello! I've just come from a busy nursery with many other plants. My environment has suddenly changed—the light, humidity, and airflow here are different. Please place me in a spot with very bright, indirect light for the first week or two. Avoid repotting me or placing me in direct, harsh sunlight immediately. This period allows me to adjust to my new surroundings without the added stress of photosynthesis at my maximum capacity. Think of it as my vacation to get over the jet lag from the nursery to your home.
After my acclimatization period, you might want to give me a new home. My most crucial need is excellent drainage. I despise having "wet feet." Choose a pot with ample drainage holes; a terracotta pot is ideal because it's porous and helps soil dry out faster. My soil must be gritty and fast-draining. A perfect mix for me is a specialty cactus and succulent potting soil amended with extra perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. This mimics my native, rocky terrain and prevents my caudex (my swollen trunk) and roots from sitting in moisture, which would quickly lead to fatal rot.
My watering needs are simple but strict. I am a drought-tolerant plant. During my active growing season (spring and summer), water me only when the soil is completely dry. Soak the soil thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes, then let all excess water drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of water. In the fall and winter, when I may go dormant and lose some leaves, I need even less water. You might only need to water me once a month or even less, just enough to prevent my roots from desiccating. When in doubt, it's always safer to underwater me than to overwater.
I am a sun-worshipper. Once acclimated, I crave at least six hours of direct, bright sunlight daily. A south or west-facing window is perfect for me indoors. During the warm summer months, I will thrive on a sunny patio or balcony. The more sun I receive, the more energy I have to produce my beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers. I also adore warmth. I grow best in temperatures between 65°F and 90°F (18°C - 32°C). I am very sensitive to cold and must be brought indoors well before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), as cold damage can be rapid and severe.
To support my growth and prolific blooming, I appreciate a gentle and regular feeding schedule. During my active growing season, feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, or use a fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents and cacti. Apply this every four to six weeks. Please do not fertilize me during the late fall and winter when I am dormant, as my roots are not actively seeking nutrients and the fertilizer could harm them.
