FAQs, Feature Photos & Contact Info

WELCOME TO AMBIE'S SUCCULENT BLOG!

Here are some links to quickly find the answers to my most commonly asked questions. :)

If you'd like to have your photo featured on my blog, read below!

Otherwise, CLICK HERE to be taken to my main homepage where you can find ALL my blog posts!



How do I propagate succulents?

- Leaf Cuttings -

- Plant Cuttings -

What type of soil should I use for succulents?

- Best Soil to Buy -

What type of succulent do I have?

I have a question I don't see an answer for?

Feel free to send me an email at: ambiessucculents@gmail.com

Please note: I AM NOT AN EXPERT! I am happy to try to help you, but I cannot guarantee I can. I am still fairly new to succulents myself, but I learn more every day. :)



HAVE YOUR SUCCULENT FEATURED ON MY BLOG!!

Have a succulent or cactus you would like to show off? Would you like to see it on my blog? Then follow these steps on Instagram to possibly have your photo chosen to be displayed on my blog!

1. Follow my instagram: www.instagram.com/ambiessucculents
2. Tag your succulent photos with the tag: #ambiessucculents
3. All photos must be original and taken by you!! But the succulents do not necessarily have to be your own. They could belong to someone you know, or one you saw at a nursery - but please no wild succulents because....
4. Succulent/Cactus photos MUST be labeled with the exact variety. An example would be "Aeonium Kiwi". If you write "Aeonium" only, the photo will not be selected. If this information is not included, your photo will NOT be chosen. DO NOT GUESS. If you do not know for sure, then please do not choose that succulent to be featured.
5. If your photo is chosen, I will credit your photo and include a link to your instagram on my blog.

Questions? Email me at ambiessucculents@gmail.com or contact me on my instagram!

What kind of soil should I buy?

Black Gold Cactus Soil

With succulents it is extremely important that you use a very fast draining soil. When I first started collecting succulents, I read that I could buy "any cactus soil" or that it would be extremely easy to make my own. But I've found that all the cactus soils in the stores are NOT made the same. And make my own soil? There are so many different recipes out there, and each one calls for so many different ingredients. Just doing research on the internet made my head spin and made me feel extremely overwhelmed. I'll just stick to buying soil for now.

So which soil should you buy? I personally use the Black Gold brand of Cactus Mix. Black Gold is a completely organic soil, and is extremely porous and fast draining. One thing I love about this soil is unlike most soils, even when it is damp, you can pick it up and the soil will just crumble apart as your sprinkle it through your hands. Black Gold states that their cactus mix "contains a balanced blend of perlite/pumice, earthworm castings and compost to encourage healthy growth while ensuring ample aeration and drainage that most cacti, bromeliads and succulents require to thrive."  I find Black Gold mix at Orchard Hardware Supply, but it may not be sold in all areas.

If Black Gold is not in your area, or you prefer to use a different brand or make your own, here is a huge tip to make sure the soil is right for your succulents:

The water should completely drain through your soil in 15 seconds. If you do not see any water coming out of the bottom drains in 15 seconds or less, the soil you are using is too dense and is retaining too much water.

In nature, succulents grow in rocky terrain or in the desert. The areas they grow in drain very quickly and do not retain moisture, and succulents have developed ways to survive in this environment. When the soil does not drain fast enough, this can lead to root rot, crown rot, or bugs. Also, the faster the soil drains, the less chance you have of over-watering your plants!! This is extremely important for those of us who are at risk of killing our plants because we 'love them too much'.

It took me a few different soil purchases* before I found the one I love, but once you find the right soil for your plants you will know immediately. And it will make all the difference to the happiness of your plants. :)

(*Note: The first soil I bought was Miracle Grow's brand of Cactus Soil and I recommend NOT using that soil. Miracle Grow's brand retains too much moisture and often stays overly damp for days at a time. I had to replant all of the succulents that were originally planted in the Miracle Grow's soil. I recommend staying away from that brand, at least until they figure out a better recipe for faster draining soil. )