It has now been 3 1/2 years since moving from Los Angeles to Indio Ca. The past 3 1/2 years have been both frustrating and invigorating. Learning how to cultivate both cactus and succulents in the extreme temps I have out here has been the biggest challenge. But I have learned the rules of watering don't apply here. Between the high temps, the winds , the very intense sun and the characteristics of clay pots I think I finally have things under control. For the first few years no matter what I did, any small succulent succumbed. So what I do now is during the extreme months of July, August and September, I move the smaller succulents, 4" and smaller pots inside to a grow area I set up in my office. For all the other plants. its 70% shade cloth and a more intense watering schedule. 4" and smaller it is every 3 days. larger every 4 days and the 12" and bigger pots every 5 days. All this depends on how hot it is and how much wind I get. The terracotta is porous enough to be affected by the winds. I have also learned to triple water. First will wet the outer part of the pot. Second time gets in closer to the root ball and the 3rd will actually get to the root ball. Location is playing a major part in how well everything grows. For example. The Ghost Euphorbia visible in the greenhouse shot were not doing well out side of the greenhouse. When I moved them to the top area of the greenhouse they started to thrive. I've moved quit a few plants out of the greenhouse and outside on shelves.
Hi KW.
I keep being told to switch from round clay to square plastic. The reason is the same always. Square pots take up less room. I keep telling them that a 3" round pot is the same size as a 3" square pot. I can see with your collection having terracotta is out of the question. 3 years ago. A simple greenhouse with 100 plants. Who would have know I'd be here now with 1400 plus plants. The collection is diversifying.
funny . Your collection looks good .