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Tutorials

Step-by-step how-tos from the studio and bench.

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.

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

How to Choose the Right Pot Size for Your Cactus (A Complete Guide)

Choosing the right pot size is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of growing healthy cacti. A pot that's too large can hold excess moisture and increase the risk of root rot, while one that's too small can restrict healthy root growth. In this guide, you'll learn how to choose the perfect pot size for your cactus, why drainage and pot shape matter, and how the right combination of a handmade ceramic pot and a well-draining soil mix can help your plants thrive for years to come.

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.

Jun 2026 · 5 min read

The Biggest Myth About Watering Cactus (And How to Water Them Correctly)

Watering cactus doesn't have to be complicated. Learn when to water, how much water to give, and how to recognize the signs of too much or too little water.