valleylynn said:Awesome Andrew. They look like they never made a trip across the US.
I look forward to the next photos.
valleylynn said:Wow Billy, that is a lot of semps you have in those photos. Please keep us up to date one how they grow for you, and how you do it.
By the way, here is a great big to ATP. So glad you found your way here. You will love it.
gg5 said:Welcome to ATP @billyperez600 Glad you found this website as there are many of us on here who love these plants!!! Having them in shade in your part of the country is probably a good idea! (somewhere with a bit of morning sunshine is also probably a good idea!) As you may know, these plants are not "great" in your zone, but it sounds like you are making it work!! I totally know what you mean about when to water and when not too!! I tend to over do the water with succulents because I see them looking "sad" or droopy, and right away I think - Oh it needs water!! Not necessarily! Although, during their growing spurts, I do notice that they are okay with more water!
Best to you on your growing!!
Cheers
twitcher said:You might want to try a really fast draining mixture for the semps. Morning sun, or sun that comes from a strong angle (not vertical) is likely the best. Also I've heard of people growing them outside, but under a rain shield. Think a carport with a roof, or an awning attached to the side of a building (but do not use those paper umbrellas that people put in drinks!).
I've grown some semps for two years now in just a pure mixture of chicken grit. Small gravel, mixed with course sand, would be what I would try there. Over time, the mixture will gradually pick up bits of dirt, leaves, etc that will provide some nutrients. I'm assuming that you are growing them in pots. If the pot is sitting on the ground, make sure water does not pool around it. I've also had a few plants sit in or under water for a few days without serious problems. They were, however, healthy plants when the problem occurred and they had a chance to dry out after.
Once the plants have established in their pot, they should do much better for you. Since your conditions are somewhat extreme, try to limit moving the plants, transplanting and propagation to the cooler times. During the heat and rainy seasons, just leave them alone, out of the rain if you can. Any injury when under that kind of stress could lead to problems. I'd find a way to get a rain shield going. Have you looked into hoop houses with plastic or a rain shedding shade cloth? Might be the easiest way to go.
Those of us in the colder climates also go through periods when the plants don't look too well, with dried up leaves or poor color, etc. Sometimes we are lucky and have snow cover, so we don't get to see and fret over them at that time.
valleylynn said:Neli, only time will tell which ones will do well for your growing conditions. Meanwhile it looks like you are doing a very good job of figuring out what will work in your area. The new plants are looking great. All ready I see them responding the your excellent care.
Just keep on doing what is working for you. And please keep us updated on how they are doing. It will be valuable information to those growing in similar conditions.
Most of us do not live in alpine areas, that is where sempervivum come from originally. Each of us has to figure out what works for our individual unique growing conditions. That said, I still find an occasional semp that won't take as much sun as some of the others in my collection. Same for our rainy season, some fly through with no damage, others struggle and rot.
ricos said:I am remembering something i heard about growing peonies in southern California.. ( Rather an absurd idea when you realize that the National Collection is in Minnesota.) But I heard that there were a few "addicts" who actually got Peonies to stay dormant long enough to flower by putting ice cubes on them every night for a period of time in the winter. I wonder if it would work to cool the semps down in really hot climates when it is super hot ??? If you were growing in chick grit or fine gravel the melted ice would not cause too much wet around the roots. Black plastic pots also make the root ball area very much hotter than clay or better yet hypertuffa pots.
Just some thoughts from someone who has only been to Florida once (in the winter) Take it with a grain of salt.