As a succulent adapted to life under the shade of shrubs and rocks in South Africa, I do not appreciate harsh, direct sunlight. It can scorch my beautiful, dark green leaves, leaving unsightly brown marks. My white, zebra-like stripes are actually windows that allow light to penetrate deep into my leaf tissue, so I am efficient at photosynthesis even in lower light. A spot with bright, indirect light is perfect for me. An east or north-facing windowsill is often ideal. I will also thrive under artificial grow lights.
My care is most often failed through overzealous watering. I am a drought-tolerant plant, storing precious water in my thick, fleshy leaves. My roots are susceptible to rot if left sitting in wet soil. The "soak and dry" method is best. Water me thoroughly until water runs out of my pot's drainage hole, then allow my soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. In the warmer growing season (spring and summer), this might be every 2-3 weeks. In the dormant winter period, reduce watering to once a month or even less, just enough to prevent my leaves from shriveling.
My roots demand excellent drainage and aeration. A standard potting soil will hold too much moisture and lead to my demise. Please plant me in a specialized succulent or cactus mix. For even better health, you can amend this mix with additional perlite or pumice (up to 50%) to create a gritty, fast-draining environment. My pot must have a drainage hole. A terracotta pot is an excellent choice as it is porous and helps wick away excess moisture from the soil, further protecting my roots.
I enjoy room temperatures that are comfortable for you, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C). I am not cold-hardy and will suffer damage if exposed to temperatures near or below freezing. While I enjoy good air circulation, please keep me away from cold drafts from windows in winter and the direct blast of heating or air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature extremes can cause me stress.
I am a light feeder, adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soils. Over-fertilizing can harm my roots and cause leggy, weak growth. To support my health during my active growing season, you can feed me a diluted, balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. Apply it at half or quarter strength only once in the spring and once in the summer. I require no fertilizer at all during the fall and winter when my growth naturally slows down.
