Work log: Keeping our succulents well maintained

We service many clients in downtown San Francisco. One of the stores we service has a variety of succulent arrangements that we designed and are regularly maintaining.

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Visiting the store once every couple of weeks, we find there are always a few dead or dying plants. However, there’s little worry when one or two succulents fade away earlier than anticipated, since the surviving plants will often fill in the void with their rapid growth.

The rest of the succulents are doing very well, and in some cases they’re doing a little too well, growing wildly and vigorously.

This rectangular arrangement (above) is a little over-grown. I am considering cutting the tallest plant half-way up its stalk, removing the lower leaves from the cutting, then replanting it in the same spot after tossing the base along with the existent roots.

Many succulent species will stretch out over time, making them look wild and scraggly.

In cases such as these I’ve been cutting stalks where they meet the soil, stripping the bottom of the stalks of their leaves, and then replanting them to see if they take. One I did a month ago is still green and full, I think it’s put out some new roots already.

I spent 15 minutes or so pulling out and replanting tiny individual stalks from this succulent arrangement that's growing wild.

A balanced and robust arrangement. This is what we aim for in our design and regular maintenance of our succulents.

There is one tiny propagation on a leaf that fell in the last two weeks. It had no help and simply sat dry until the tiny plant emerged. most the propagation i have at home are failing because i’m forgetting to neglect them… trying too hard.

Take away:

• Succulent arrangements can be managed and don’t necessarily need to be refreshed with new plants when they start looking shabby.

• Most succulents will produce new roots and continue to grow after being cut at the stalk and placing the cut end back in the soil.

• Succulents reproduce themselves quickly and easily. Keep an eye out for little baby succulents and place them where desired.