Welcome to the official start of the summer season when we see the remarkable resilience of succulent plants in full survival mode. This does not mean that all succulents will be able to handle the extreme heat as well as we would presume. Most hardy semi-mature to mature cacti will do well with the direct sunlight exposure, especially those that have already been established in the ground for some time. Cacti and non-cacti such as Ferocactus, Echinocactus, Parodia, Agave, many Gymnocalycium, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Opuntias, some Aloe (aloe trees), most columnar/cereus genus, and some Euphorbias will thrive in this heat as it is their growing season where they will actively grow and continue to flower multiple times over the next 3-4 months. Please remember to water them intermittently throughout the summer. They will greatly appreciate the watering so they won’t look too shaggy and worn out from desiccation.
As for most non-cactus succulents, a good rule of thumb is you should avoid placing them in direct sunlight exposure. Give them some morning sun exposure or secure them under partial shaded coverings such as 50% shade clothes. The amount of water and fertilizer nourishment that each plant requires will depend on the specific genus and species. Please consult with other growers, hobbyists, nursery professionals to assist you with more information. Ask our seasoned members at the meeting for tips on growing your specific succulent.
Another great source for growing tips is at a cactus/succulent show and sale event. You already know about the CSSA annual event returning to the Huntington Garden the first weekend in July. Why stop there? Go to the biggest cactus/succulent show and sale event, AKA the Inter-City Cactus/Succulent Show and Sale. This will return to the L.A. County Arboretum in its full glory. Complete details for the plant show entry and plant sale is available on the club’s website. This show has the distinguished designation as the biggest cactus and succulent show/sale for the obvious reason- it’s huge!
Thank you everyone who brought some goody snacks/edibles to share during our meeting break. July has another reason to celebrate as it is the birthday for our very own Gates Cactus and Succulent Society. Please come to the meeting and share your laughs and memories of the club through the years. Happy 63rd birthday, Gates CSS! I’m sure Howard is looking down on us, joyous as he can be, knowing that the club will continue on for many more years in his honor.
See you at the July meeting,
Phuc Huynh
President, Gates Cactus and Succulent Society
Gates Cactus and Succulent Society 