Calico cactus music5/6/2023 ![]() This succulent looks as you would imagine, based on its Greek myth-inspired common name – it has a central “head” with stems radiating out from it like snakes.Ĭlassified as Euphorbia caput-medusae (syn. ![]() Medusa’s head is a type of Euphorbia, a genus which includes both gopher flowers and poinsettias. However, a month-long, dry dormancy period is also recommended in late winter. This succulent prefers a potting medium that is rich but well-draining, and regular watering during the growing season – avoid letting plants dry out between waterings. haygarthii is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11. Outdoor specimens should be grown in part shade to shade, with more shade for locations with the hottest climates and weather. haygarthii will thrive with medium to bright indirect light. Whatever its mind-boggling blooms look like to you, this unusual succulent species is easy to care for. haygarthii has many other common names, including “wine-glass vine,” “parasol flower,” “bushman’s pipe,” and “snake creeper.” And its latest nickname, coined here by me, “Martian ray gun flower.” (Yes, I may have watched too many episodes of “The Twilight Zone” throughout my life.) Photo by Engeser, Wikimedia Commons, via CC BY-SA.Ĭ. Or rather, extraterrestrial lanterns that are secretly ray guns. The succulent stems of this species ( Ceropegia haygarthii ) feature flat, pale green leaves – and the real kicker, flowers that have to be seen to be believed.Īs its common name suggests, these flowers, white or cream-speckled with burgundy, may be described as looking like lanterns.īut I would suggest, perhaps it would be more apt to describe them as lanterns designed by extraterrestrials. This member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) has thick, fleshy, bluish-green stems, which have a trailing, climbing, and vining growth habit and can reach several feet in length, making this selection an excellent choice for a hanging basket. Lantern flower is quite unique among our selections. ![]() If you’d rather cultivate your green thumb than your sweet tooth, here’s a succulent jelly bean for you! You will find live jelly bean sedum available for purchase in two- or four-inch pots from the DH7 Enterprise Store via Amazon. These two species can be very difficult to tell apart, but unfortunately, their care needs differ. ![]() The other fishbone cactus is botanically classified as Selenicereus anthonyanus. If you’re thinking all this sounds great, but things seem a bit different from the fishbone cactus you are familiar with – different flower color, different light needs – I’m now going to throw a wrench into the works and let you know that there are at least two very similar-looking cacti species that go by the common name “fishbone cactus.” In fact, it produces edible fruit similar to the pitaya, the fruit of one of its close relatives. Outdoors, place this species in part shade – it can overwinter outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10b to 11b. Small specimens start with upright stems, but as stems grow longer, they eventually take on a pendant growth habit with each stem potentially growing several feet long, making fishbone cactus a first-rate option for hanging baskets.Īs a houseplant, fishbone cactus will thrive with medium to bright, indirect light – avoid direct sun. Photo via Zapyon, Wikimedia Commons, via CC BY-SA.įormerly classified as Epiphyllum anguliger, this species is also known as “zigzag cactus,” or “rickrack cactus” for its rickrack ribbon-shaped leaves. Ready to get on a first name basis with some sensational succulent candidates? Put on your name tag and take a quick glimpse at today’s participants:įishbone cactus ( D. I’ll also provide information on any particular light or humidity needs you’ll want to know about, so you can make sure you have the growing conditions it takes to make these succulents and cacti happy.įinally, I’ll offer tips on where to find a specimen of your own – as well as USDA Hardiness Zones for those considering growing these selections outdoors year round. And I’ll mention any spiny features you may want to be aware of. I’ll also cover whether each option is safe for homes with pets or small kids when research is available on toxicity. We’re going to do a meet and greet with 35 different plants, sorting our way through vines of succulent leaves and columns of trailing cacti, until you find the plants you’re looking for.įor each of these succulent or cacti selections, I’ll let you know what to expect in terms of foliage type, flowers, and size at maturity. So if you’re interested in scouting out your options for just that type of succulent cornucopia, you’ve come to the right place. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. ![]() We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. ![]()
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