Succulent Spotlight

By Alternativeeden @markngaz

So we've been pot crazy this year. And we've just featured lots of overall and combination shots on a couple of our more recent posts. Now let's take a closer at some of the occupants of those pots, the succulents. And as I focus the spotlight on them, once again feel free to be distracted by the pots...

Dyckia 'Morris Hobbs'


I 'almost' got into Dyckias, Puyas, and Hechtias, in a big way but before my interest really got going the viciousness of them (especially puyas) reigned on it. I almost got rid of this one but despite being neglected for a couple of years it did well. And when I was looking for a plant that would look great in this zinc planter (like a miniature stock tank) caught sight of it in the greenhouse they seemed a perfect match. It's persistence deserved to be rewarded by being repotted.

Fascicularia bicolor subsp. canaliculata

Aloe hybrid mix

A bottle caddy that had the same shade as the newly painted garden chairs. Drilled holes then presto!

Agave victoria reginae

One of my favorite pots in the lot, there were only two left when I spotted them. Wish there were more...

Aloe 'Green Sand'

This succulent should really be called 'Sand Paper' as it's very rough but it seemed perfect for this miniature urn.

Aloe brevifolia (white variegated)

Such a finicky succulent this one, I have already lost half of of the plants I acquired last year for reasons unbeknown. Hopefully this clump will do fine long term. Otherwise don't be surprised if this white elephant pot will have a different occupant in the future.

Aloe 'Flurry'

There are loads of aloe hybrids out there and a lot of them already look like each other with only the most subtle of differences. This one is a good performer though and bulked up quickly. As for the elephant pot, I adore them! There were plenty when I first spotted them but I don't know why I only got three (and only one white one!!). What was I thinking?? I want more!!

Aloe deltoideodonta x jucunda, A. 'Kelly Blue', A. 'Doren Black'

These three tiny aloes used to live in the conservatory but remained static there. Now it is out it is bulking and in no time I may have to separate them.

Aloe 'Goby'

Agave 'Shaka Zulu'

If you think this agave looks so similar to 'Blue Glow' it's because they are the same. It's just that Dutch decided that 'Shaka Zulu' is more catchy for the European market. Oh well! Whatever the name, it's a beautiful agave!

Echeveria 'Ruby Blush', E. 'Black Prince', E. affinis

One of my favorite succulent mix bowls at the moment, just love those dark and burgundy tinged leaves!

Echeveria purposorum and a munched Echeveria agavoides 'Taurus'

Slugs and snails seemed to have taken a particular liking for the Taurus. Never mind! I'm hoping the damage will be outgrown eventually.

Going through the photos made me realize that if I include all the ones I intend to highlight this will be a very photo intensive post. So will do another batch in a few days. But for now I'll leave you with the fabulous Aloe 'Sparkling Burgundy'...



Aloe 'Sparkling Burgundy'

Just love the rich color of this aloe!
Mark :-)