Many years ago, I bought a small succulent plant – a Money plant(Crassula ovata). It was so small and cute – I thought they mistakenly sold me a large bonsai type plant despite the succulent leaves. When it started to grow – I was then convinced I was given the correct plant. It looks like this today.
I often tell my youngest that the plant is almost as old as she is – it is about 14 years old.
The Crassula ovata is commonly known as not only money plant or money tree but also jade plant or lucky plant. I bought this plant because I was told it was low maintenance – requiring little water and care. This is the trademark of succulents and it makes life easy while still beautifying any space it is in. I love the glossy jade green leaves of the money plant with the edges trimmed with red. However, the red trimming only occurred when the plant received a lot of sunlight.
For many years, I kept the plant in the same small pot. It received only water but I realized that its growth was hindered. However, I was afraid to change the pot after seeing a gigantic version which went all the way to the ceiling. Nevertheless, I decided to give the plant a slightly bigger pot. Then I placed the plant by the window to ensure it received adequate sunlight. I was amazed the first time the plant bore little white flowers.
As this was a while ago and this is my first time posting in this community - I do not have a photo. I will ensure that I make photos when it blooms again. The flowers were a clear indication that the plant was in the right place and getting enough care. I know the plant would thrive even more if I change the pot size - but for now I am happy with its growth and size.
Apparently every broken piece of the parent plant can grow into a new plant. I learnt by accident. I place most broken pieces in the soil of the plant and soon those pieces have roots and are firmly in place. With propagation being so easy, I am able to gift small plants to friends who hope that they will soon have a sturdy version like mine.
Another interesting succulent in my home is a flapjack, paddle plant or Kalanchoe tetraphylla.
The leaves are thick and light green and look a bit powdery. This is another easy plant to care - water is only needed when the soil dries out. Good drainage is also needed however. Ensure that it does not sit in water. The plant is growing quite tall and is about 30 cm. The leaves growing in a spiral around the stem are quite beautiful.
Three baby plants appeared and grew quite nicely in the pot. I removed them and decided to improvise. I use 75% potting mix with 25% wood chips (left over from orchids). The baby plants are looking quite healthy.
They’ve thrived outside in the summer weather, but I will place them inside during the winter. As you can see above, the parent plant already have more “babies” - I will do the same now that I know this transplanting method works. Soon I will have more baby paddle plants.
This Peacock echeveria
also known as the Mexican peacock echeveria or Echeveria peacockii is a family favorite. The rosette or lotus shape of the plant is aesthetically pleasing. The spoon shaped leaves with red trim and pointy tips are silvery blue-green and look powdery. When they no longer look powdery and the leaves become green-that is an indication that more sunlight is needed.
A healthy plant will produce flowers on a long stem; a gift to its owners for the good care it received.
Here the flowers of the Peacock echeveria stand beautifully in front of the paddle plant
My youngest wanted to start her own collection of cacti. She thought it would be fun and cool plants which are easy to care for. I told her to start with 4 plants. This is how they look at the moment.
They look beautiful in their own way but this is not the idea.
She asked me to give her another chance with new plants. I will - but I will also ask her to assist me with propagating new plants since now I have some experience. I’ll let you know how things go in a future post.
This is my first post in the 
All photos are my own and taken with an iPhone 6S
