A Fantastic Story (Kalanchoe Fantastic)

Graptopetalum paraguayensis , or the “ghost plant”, is a great, trailing, wandering, ground cover. We love the colors that this plant brings out in a design, complementing the blues, pinks, and purples that so many of the gorgeous succulents have to offer. Each plant has its own unique coloring and shades to offer. It’s extreme hardiness and coloring make it an incredibly versatile plant. We’ve seen it used as a sprawling ground cover, mounding up and filling in entire planters, or for spot color in the smallest of arrangements. Something overlooked, or sometimes unknown about succulents, is that stress brings out their best color. It’s often a combination of factors that causes the stress and each succulents vibrance, but colder temperatures, less water, and more sun, are the big three factors that come into play. Most succulents, in full sun, in the winter, receiving just the right amount of water, will have the best color here in Southern California. With that being said, there is no “one size fits all” answer to bringing out the best color in each plant. Experiment, tweak, and enjoy playing with your succulents.

More Succulent Tips

Echeveria Mauna Loa

A showy hybrid of Echeveria Gibbiflora done by master Dick Wright, this particularly wavy and bumpy cultivar is named after a still active volcano in Hawaii. Mauna Loa, or “Long Mountain” in Hawaiian, is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and has erupted an average...

Kalanchoe Luciae (Thrysiflora)

The Flap Jack Kalanchoe has been misidentified for many years, and still often is, as Thrysiflora, but this vibrant, red edged cultivar is actually Luciae. First described in 1908 and while they both carry the signiture paddle shapped leaves, Luciae stands out from...

Tree Aloes – Aloe Thraskii

Aloe is an enormous genus containing well over 500 different species and it can be quiet overwhelming, but the beauty of this large genus, native to Africa, is that it is so vast. There are endless applications for aloes and one of the toughest things to do in a...

Blue Elf Aloe

Aloe Blue Elf is one of a few hundred aloes in cultivation today, however, it is one of few that is spineless. The soft tips of this aloe are wispy and gentle to the touch. So often a concern with succulents are their defensive spines. The majority of the succulents...

Mega-Tall Succulents You Can Use Instead of Accent Trees

It's no secret that we At OC Succulents love it when gorgeous succulents take center stage in local Orange County landscapes. Whether you're incorporating a barrel cactus as an accent piece, laying down some sedum as a lush groundcover, or draping some donkey tail...

Holiday Decorating with Houseplants

The great thing about holiday decorating with houseplants is that they still look stylish once February rolls in! Guests won’t be giving you the side-eye if you leave these decorations out well into spring.

Yucca Rostrata

Colors are fun to play with in the garden. Use the blue leaves of the Yucca Rostrata to transition to a blue hued garden. Focus on the Rostrata for a focal point, an Agave ‘Blue Glow’ or ‘Celsii Nova’ for medium height, and finish off with Sedum Clavatum and Turquoise...

How to Grow, Support, and Train Monstera Plants so They Grow Mega Tall

We’ve got some pretty nifty ideas for cleaning up and supporting your Monstera plants so they can reach all the way up to the ceiling and create a canopy of green!

Plants That Actually Talk Back 🌿

When it comes to choosing houseplants, there’s a common hesitation we hear all the time: “I want something unique… but I don’t want to accidentally kill it.” Totally fair. Many “boutique” plants look incredible—but can feel unpredictable. One day they’re thriving, the...

Contemporary Succulents

Contemporary gardens are becoming more and water wise and are more appealing for their easy-care. The gardens contain lots of stone, wood, and bold containers with architectural plants. The plants, not used as lushly, stand out even more. The clean lines of the...

Visit Us Today

Want to Learn more?

More Plant Parenting Advice

Visit Us Today

Want to Learn more?