I planted alsteomerias(last year) next to the house in a bed that they are protected from the winter weather, gave them some seasoil compost this year and a soakerhose around them and they grew! Last year they were very wimpy barely nothing! I kinda ignored/gave up on them this year, and WOW! They were just THERE one day, it seemed!lol! Dear Hubby had moved the glad bulbs I was trying to dry out last winter...out into the rain and they all got soggy and moldy...grrr, so was pleasantly suprised when I saw this volunteer show up! It has about 2inches of gravel it travelled thru to get to the surface!!! Have done nothing to get it to grow...except tell dear hubby to not weedwack it down!ha! Thanks for all your nice comments, I do so enjoy this forum!

Hi Cari Jo, I came here because of my first Thanksgiving without my brother. I read your post and I would like you to know that I have many dreams of my brother too. Most times, I can only remember bits and pieces of it and I usually wake up both sad and angry...angry because I can't remember too much of the dream. Take care

Hi Leslie I am sure you haven't missed the Mark in Growing Japanese Maples for Future Generations. This is my 1st year and I have only started growing these from Seedlings the past 8 months or so.The Seeds were gathered in the month of October 2015 and then carefully planted into Seed trays shortly after There has been so much Guidance and advice from Forum Members,particularly Gardengal - Houzi & Miketann. A Few members will surely Chime in to your posts whatever the Enquiry Happy Gardening Stephen in the United Kingdom

Yes, I would repot them and if my plants, separately. If you want to keep some together, it is OK too. The rubbing off can't be totally helped, but try to handle by leaves as little as possible - try stem. If you have to grab a leaf, maybe just one (and same one if needed). Lots of ppl use 50/50 or 60/40 perlite/soil and it apparently works. I use grit, perlite & some turface for all succulents. IMO, turface & soil together in equal amounts is not necessary, turface holds some water. So for less-often watering, you could use more turface (I do not know about soil reducing porosity of turface). You really need to experiment a little in your exact conditions. Many succulents will like higher temps; acclimatizing them to full sun is important. If very hot where you are, keep them in dappled shade during hottest part of day. Good air circulation helps a lot too. Lights could be installed for plants on windowsills too (maybe a problem if renting, or if you don't want to look at them in your living area); you don't need the basement. But for few plants, desk lamp r 2 may work. Just get a good lightbulb (high kelvins). I take plants outside as soon as nighttime temps stay close to 50F....