Knowledge Hub

Soil & Growing

Mixes, drainage, amendments and growing media.

6 articles

Featured · Aug 2026

Why Are Mesembs So Hard to Care For?

Mesembs are some of the most fascinating—and sometimes frustrating—succulents you can grow. From Lithops to Conophytum, these unusual plants have evolved around very specific cycles of water, light, and dormancy. Learn why mesembs can be difficult to grow and how understanding their natural habits can make them much easier to care for.

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Aug 2026 · 5 min read

The Art and Function of Top Dressing Cactus & Succulents

Top dressing can transform a simple potted cactus or succulent into a miniature landscape. Learn how to choose, mix, crush, and sift rocks, gravel, sand, clay, and other materials to create beautiful habitat-inspired plant displays.

Aug 2026 · 5 min read

Preparing a Cactus for a Shallow Bonsai Pot

Thinking about putting a cactus in a shallow pot? Learn how to prepare your cactus, handle the roots, choose the right soil and container, and create a beautiful bonsai-style display without compromising the health of the plant.

Aug 2026 · 5 min read

Choosing the Right Bonsai Pot for Cactus, Succulents & Caudex Plants

Bonsai pots aren't just for trees. Discover how the right ceramic pot can enhance cactus, succulents, and caudex plants while promoting healthy growth and creating stunning, natural displays.

Lithops growing naturally among quartz rocks in South Africa, where these remarkable living stone succulents have evolved to blend seamlessly into their desert habitat.

Aug 2026 · 5 min read

Genus Spotlight: Lithops

Lithops, or Living Stones, are among the world's most fascinating succulents. Learn how these remarkable plants survive in the wild, understand their unique growth cycle, and discover the care tips that will help them thrive in your collection.

Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Growing Caudiciform Plants: How and When to Raise the Caudex

Learn how to safely raise and expose the caudex of your favorite caudiciform plants over time. This guide explains why gradual lifting creates healthier, more natural-looking specimens and covers the best techniques, pot selection, and growing tips for plants like Adenium, Fockea, Dioscorea, Stephania, and more.