Please understand, I am not a sun worshipper like many of my succulent cousins. In my native South Africa, I thrive tucked away beneath shrubs and rocks, protected from the harsh, direct sun. Place me in a spot with bright, but indirect, light. An east or north-facing windowsill is perfect. Too much direct sunlight, and my beautiful green flesh will scorch, turning an ugly white or brown. If I start to stretch out and become leggy, leaning desperately towards the light, it is a clear sign I need more of it. Find that sweet spot for me, and I will reward you with compact, vibrant growth.
My relationship with water is simple: I prefer neglect over over-attention. My plump, juicy leaves are designed to store water for long periods. The single greatest threat to my existence is soggy soil. You must let my potting mix dry out almost completely between waterings. In the warmer growing seasons of spring and fall, this might mean a drink every two to three weeks. In the deep sleep of winter, I may only need water once a month or even less. Always check the soil with your finger first. When you do water, do so thoroughly, allowing the excess to drain completely away. Never, ever let me sit in a saucer of water. Root rot is a silent, swift killer.
My roots need to breathe. They demand a home that is airy, gritty, and extremely well-draining. A standard potting soil will suffocate and drown me. Instead, plant me in a specialized cactus and succulent mix. For even better health, amend that mix with extra perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. This ensures water flows through quickly, preventing any dreaded dampness around my root system. My pot must have a drainage hole; this is non-negotiable. I am a slow grower and enjoy being slightly root-bound, so you will only need to repot me into a slightly larger home every two to three years.
I enjoy the same comfortable temperatures that you do. A typical room temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C) is ideal. While I can tolerate higher heat, I require protection from the intense midday sun that accompanies it. I am not cold-hardy. Temperatures dipping below 50°F (10°C) are dangerous for me. Keep me away from drafty windows in winter and away from blasting air vents, which can create arid, undesirable conditions. I do not require high humidity and am perfectly content in the dry air of a modern home.
If you care for me well, I may produce small offsets, often called "pups," around my base. This is how I naturally spread and grow. When these pups have a few leaves of their own and are a decent size, you can carefully remove them. Allow the wound to callous over for a day or two to prevent infection, and then plant them in their own small pot with the same gritty soil. This is the most rewarding way to create new generations of my kind, a gift from me to you for your excellent care.
