I am a sun-worshipper by nature, a trait from my origins in South Africa. To thrive indoors, I need the brightest light you can provide. A south-facing window is my absolute favorite spot. Here, I receive several hours of direct, glorious sunlight each day, which keeps my stems stout and prevents me from becoming leggy and stretched out. An unobstructed east or west-facing window is my second choice, offering bright, indirect light for most of the day. If you notice my green leaves developing red or yellow tinges on the edges, do not be alarmed! This is called "sun stress" and is a sign I am very happy, producing protective pigments. Without enough light, my growth will be weak, spindly, and pale.
My relationship with water is simple: I prefer neglect over fuss. My thick, fleshy leaves and stems are designed to store water for long periods. The single most common reason my caretakers fail is by offering too much kindness with the watering can. You must always check my soil before watering. The best method is the "soak and dry" approach. Please wait until my soil is completely dry all the way to the bottom of the pot. You can check this by sticking your finger or a wooden chopstick deep into the soil. When it is dry, water me thoroughly until water runs freely out of the drainage hole at the bottom of my pot. Then, crucially, empty the saucer underneath and do not water me again until the soil is once again bone-dry. In the summer, this might be every 2-3 weeks; in the winter, when I am dormant, it may be only once a month or even less.
My roots demand a home that breathes and drains exceptionally well. Sitting in wet, dense soil will cause them to rot, which is a death sentence for me. Please plant me in a specific succulent or cactus potting mix. These blends are perfect as they contain materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand that create air pockets and allow water to drain away instantly. Equally important is my pot. It must have a drainage hole. Terracotta or clay pots are excellent choices because they are porous and allow water to evaporate from the sides, helping to keep my roots dry and healthy between drinks.
I am quite comfortable in the same temperatures you are. Average room temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C) are ideal for my growth. I can handle warmer temperatures, but I require a distinct winter rest period to set buds for future flowers. During the winter, please keep me in a cooler spot, around 50-55°F (10-13°C). This cooler period, combined with the naturally shorter days, is what will encourage me to produce my delicate, star-shaped pink or white flowers. I do not require high humidity; in fact, the dry air of a typical heated US home in winter suits me just fine.
I am not a heavy feeder. During my active growing season in the spring and summer, you can support my growth by feeding me a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, or by using a fertilizer formulated specifically for succulents. Please do this only once every 3-4 months. Over-fertilizing will cause weak, rapid growth that is susceptible to damage. Most importantly, you must stop feeding me entirely in the fall and winter. I am not growing during this time and any fertilizer will simply sit in my soil and potentially harm my roots.
