13 February

Succulent Replanting At Bedlam Farm

by Jon Katz

Today is Succulent Replanting Day at Bedlam Farm.

Maria is re-planting the score or so of succulents we now have scattered all over the house. It turns out Maria is a wonderful teacher, and she is teaching me so much about nature.

I never heard of these strange little plants with thick leaves who change colors and flower. They are not a part of my life and are all over the farmhouse.

Whenever I see one in a market, I buy some for Maria and bring them home.

They are fussy, they thrive in dry climates, and don’t like a lot of humidity.

They need sun and warmth and don’t like freezing. Succulents “blush” or change color when given a shock, such as sudden sunlight. When succulents lack water, they get dull and turn green.

When in full blush they range in color from pinks, oranges, and purples to almost black and red.

We rescued a bunch from a pet store lastel summer and Maria got hooked. These curious little plants are growing on me, I had fun watching Maria organize them, re-soil them with special soil, and know them. Each one got special treatment and placement.

One was in the house when we moved in, it was Florence Walrath’s and it has a place of honor in the living room.

This is a warm and lovely way to spend a freezing cold day in the Covid-19 era. I am knowing enough about succulents to talk about them and recognize them. I hope to help with their care.

I love learning about nature and I married the right person.

2 Comments

  1. I have hen and chicks planted outside amongst the rocks in my garden. If you don’t have any, they are pretty nice. I live in Iowa – cold winters here just like you – so you should have success with them. My other succulents are 2 Thanksgiving cactus. They live in a south bedroom this time of year. When the weather is nice, they live in the shade outside under the deck. They bloom around Thanksgiving time. Have a good week Jon and Maria!

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