Agave

Agave is one of the few succulents that can withstand South Carolina winters, and the Americana variety, or century plant, is often used in landscaping. These cacti can get as large as a VW bug and are very showy when they bloom – only once – and after ten to thirty years of growth.

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Most Popular Types

Century plant (Agave americana) – These agave typically flower after a decade of growth. The inflorescence, or flower stalk, can grow to 30 ft.

Queen Victoria – This chunky, rigid agave has spines at the tips and distinct white geometric lines along its thick stems.

Hedgehog Agave – Like a big spiky ball, these are cute as a hedgehog – but not as cuddly.

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Light

full sun

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Temperatures

The century plant is winter hardy to 22 degrees. Other agaves are less hardy, and we recommend protecting them at temperatures below 40 degrees.

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Watering

Outdoor agave do well when taking in water as it rains. Watering 1-2 times per month is sufficient for agave during dry spells or when placed in covered areas.

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Toxicity

Agave sap may cause skin irritation, and its spines can cause infection if a fragment remains under the skin. Agave is commonly distilled to make Mexcal such as tequila.

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Growth

The Americana agave can grow to a height of 12 ft, with an additional 30 ft of flower stalk. Others, such as the hedgehog agave grow to about 12 inches in diameter.

Most agave are monocarpic. Once it flowers, it will put out lots of pups, and then the main plant will die.

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Origin

Mexico and Caribbean

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Propagation

Agave grows offsets (pups) which can be cut from the main plant and rooted.

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Dormancy

Agave is winter dormant.

Agave Applanata

Agave Applanata has large blue-gray leaves.

Agave

Agave victoriae-reginae

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Aeonium

Aeoniums are one of our go-to succulents for direct sunlight. The glossy rosette-shaped leaves turn beautiful colors in the sun.

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Most Popular Types

Aeonium zwartkop or Black Rose has very dark leaves while A. kiwi has citrus-colored leaves when left in direct sunlight. A. arboreum has jumbo sized rosettes, and the bush can grow to 3 ft in containers.

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Light

Full to partial sun. Signs of too much sun are white or brown marks on the tips of the leaves.

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Temperatures

These plants like a Mediterranean climate – 65-75°F with mild humidity. Their growth season is late winter to early spring.

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Watering

Aeoniums store water in the stem, so the soil needs moist but not waterlogged.

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Toxicity

Non-toxic for humans and pets.

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Growth

It takes about 5 years for aeoniums to produce little bunches of flowers from the center of the rosette. Blooms typically appear in the winter and spring. Growth spurts occur in late winter and early spring, also.

Aeoniums are monocarpic, meaning the plant will die after flowering. Here’s a workaround: when you see a rosette that has flowered, clip the rosette from the stem. Pups will appear at the end of the stem, making the plant fuller.

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Origin

Canary Islands, Africa

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Propagation

It’s easy to propagate aeoniums from cuttings. Doing this in the spring during the growing season will be best for the plant. Remember to allow the cutting to callous over for a few days before potting it.

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Dormancy

Aeoniums have short dormancy periods in summer and early winter.

Aeonium

Aeonium Black Rose can turn very dark in direct sunlight.

Aeonium Sunburst

Aeonium Kiwi

Aeonium Kiwi will take on an orange hue in bright sunlight.

Aeonium Arboreum

Some Aeonium Arboreum have 18 inch rosettes and can grow to 5 feet when placed in a large enough pot.

Aeonium arboreum zwartkop black rose

This Aeonium black rose is one stem of a much larger bush.

Workshops at Growing Hobby

Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

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Adenium Desert Rose

Adenium | Desert Rose

The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a slow-growing plant, growing about 12 inches each year. Its flowers are stunning, and the caudex is ever so pudgy! Because of these reasons, the Adenium is often used as a bonsai.

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Most Popular Types

Adenium obesum or Desert Rose has been hybridized for color variation. You may see them in traditional reds and pinks, or in purple or even blue.

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Light

Full sun, with some protection from the hottest rays.

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Temperatures

The Adenium needs consistent warm temperatures, so it is typically grown indoors. It will suffer in temperatures lower than 50°F.

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Watering

In the summer, keep the soil moist but not saturated. In the winter, reduce watering to a minimal amount each month.

The Desert Rose is accustomed to a dry, hot climate.

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Toxicity

Very toxic. The sap from the Adenium has long been used on spearpoints of African big game hunters, as the liquid affects cardiac function.

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Growth

The Desert Rose can grow to 9 ft in height. Flowers may appear after 7-9 months of growth. This plant can live for centuries if kept in the right conditions.

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Origin

Africa, Middle East, and Madagascar

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Propagation

Propagating from seed doesn’t guarantee the same color flower as the parent plant. Propagating from cuttings does.

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Dormancy

Adenium will drop leaves in the fall and enter its winter dormant state. During this time, it doesn’t need much water or light. In the spring, reintroduce the plant to direct sunlight.

Workshops at Growing Hobby

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Echinopsis

Echinopsis are small in stature, but they produce large flowers.

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Most Popular Types

Easter Lily cactus (Echinopsis subdenudata), Peanut cactus (E. chamaecereus), Hedgehog (E. coccineus), and Rose Quartz Echinopsis are usually in stock at Growing Hobby.

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Light

Full sun

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Temperatures

Native to the mountains of South America, these cacti can withstand temperatures down to 20°F.

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Watering

Water infrequently, every 3-4 weeks if indoors, or weekly if kept outside.

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Toxicity

Non-toxic, but the spines are not too tasty.

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Growth

Echinopsis typically grow no taller than 6 inches.

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Origin

Mountainous regions of South America

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Propagation

From offsets

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Dormancy

Summer dormant

Echinopsis chamaecereus peanut cactus

Peanut cactus, echinopsis chamaecereus spreads quickly.

peanut cactus – Echinopsis chamacereus

Workshops at Growing Hobby

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Tillandsia

Tillandsia, or air plants, are a favorite for people looking for low-maintenance plants. They don’t even need soil. You can place them around your house where they get indirect light (even from fluorescent bulbs) and simply spritz them with water each week.

What’s most important to air plant health? Air. Once the plants are spritzed each week, make sure they have a chance to dry, particularly at the base of the plant. Glass terrariums with air plants are pretty, but the plants will need air circulation to remain healthy. If you see that your terrarium plant is looking tired, pull it out of the glass globe for a few days for it to breathe.

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Most Popular Types

Ionantha from Guatemala, Honduras, or Mexican are most common. Our favorite is the xerographica, a large wide-leafed ball of curiosity.

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Light

The natural habitat of tillandsias is the humid rainforests of Central and South America. As epiphytes, they hang from tree branches, taking nutrients from decaying materials, but they don’t harm the host tree. To mimic this habitat, you can hang them in your shady trees outside until temps drop to about 50 degrees. Then bring them in to take a spot on your windowsill or table.

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Temperatures

Air plants do well inside the house or hanging in trees outside. Once temps drop to 50 degrees, be sure to bring them in and place on a sunny windowsill.

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Watering

Spritz once a week, but take care to let the plant dry before placing it in a container.

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Toxicity

Non-toxic to animals or humans.

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Growth

Air plants are monocarpic, meaning they bloom only once. Typically, their blooms are stunning, lasting more than a month. The mother plant will then grow offsets, or pups. Once the pups can take care of themselves, the mother plant will slowly die off.

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Origin

The natural habitat of tillandsias is the humid rainforests of Central and South America.

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Propagation

Watch for pups growing on the side of the main air plant. When they get to at least 1/4 the size of the main plant, you can pop them off.

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Dormancy

Air plants are winter dormant.

tillandsia mix

Growing Hobby keeps a wide variety of air plants, or Tillandsia.

tillandsia ionantha guatemala

This Tillandsia ionantha is from Guatemala

Tillandsia xerographica

Tillandsia xerographica is a large scale air plant, reaching 15 inches in length when wet.

tillandsia bulbosa belize

This variety from Belize is the largest bulbosa variety of Tillandsia we’ve found.

tillandsia streptophylla

The Tillandsia streptophylla curls itself into an egg shape when it’s in low humidity.

tillandsia ionantha scaposa

The Tillandsia ionantha scaposa is a small compact air plant

tillandsia harrissii

This Tillandsia harrissii is a great filler for arrangements.

tillandsia funkiana

Tillandsia funkiana – We just love the name of this one!

tillandsia bulbosa guatemala

This bulbosa variety of air plant is native to Guatemala

tillandsia xerographica

Tillandsia xerographica is always a show-stopper. It looks great hanging from twine.

tillandsia baileyi

The baileyi variety of Tillandsia has a remarkable striped pattern.

Workshops at Growing Hobby

Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

Book A Workshop