I was faced with a conundrum. With the California winter rains upon us, it has been continuously wet outside, and my succulents were getting very soggy. As I’ve previously mentioned, I live deep in a redwood forest with limited light. I do use LED grow lights that help tremendously, but since my cabin is less than 700 square feet, I’ve ran out of room for winter plant protection. I was getting overwhelmed with the fear of root rot, and I had an epiphany that has now become a reality. I considered an untapped resource: vacant greenhouse space at my work. Warm, dry, and bright greenhouse space.

I was a little heartbroken to take my plants away from their home, but I was comforted by the knowingness that they would be a lot better off in this space, at least just for the dark and dreary winter. So I loaded them carefully in my car and brought them to work with me! It’s like having a built-in preschool for your kids at your job. I’ve been visiting them on my lunch breaks.

Scouting the location.

Transporting my babies!

It took two trips in my tiny VDub Cabrio.

Day 1

After seeing how they’ve responded after only three weeks, they probably don’t ever want to move out! They’re so much happier!

At home, these succulents were soaking wet and some were starting to rot at the base. They also lost a lot of their vibrant colors due to being in an area with only part-sun. They weren’t yellow or dying by any means, and I wouldn’t even go so far as to say that they were unhealthy. They just weren’t performing at their optimum level. Even after only three weeks, I’ve noticed a lot of the vibrancy in their leaf color returning. The best example is on this Pachyveria glauca ‘Little Jewel’. I’m sure after more time goes by, the intensity of saturation will increase. I was actually amazed to see this great of a difference in such a short period of time.

Day 1

Vibrant colors just starting to return.

Another big difference I’ve noticed is the growth pattern of this Echeveria ‘Imbricata’. These cuttings were starting to stretch a little bit, but as soon as I brought them to the greenhouse, they have gone back to their normal rosette form at the top. I will propagate the heads off soon so the plant doesn’t remain deformed.

Though it feels like I may have an empty nest at home in the redwoods, I am happier knowing my plant babies are happier. For the record, I just did a headcount of my indoor houseplants remaining (not including the ones in my greenhouse or office), and the number is 104. Empty nest my ass.

Click here to read about exciting new color changes!

Echeveria ‘Imbricata’, fixed:

Echeveria ‘Imbricata’ head cuttings

~CRK.

If you enjoyed what you read and don’t ever want to miss a post, securely sign-up for my e-mail list here.