Angel's Braid

These succulents are members of the Crassulaceae family, which are known for needing less water than traditional house plants. You'll want to water Angel’s Braid once the soil becomes dry to the touch. Excessive watering can stifle the root system, so try to keep the soil relatively dry—especially during the colder months. If the foliage begins to pucker or shrink away from the stem, the plant is probably getting too little water.

In its native region, Angel’s Braid grows in rocky dessert locations or full sun, so it prefers lots of bright sunlight. Place your plant in a bright spot without direct sunlight; a few hours of full sun each day is best. If the light is too low, this succulent may stop blooming and its colors will begin to pale. In the winter months, it does best with bright, indirect light.

Angel’s Braid is comfortable growing from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18–24 °C), but this succulent prefers warmer temperatures in the summer months and cooler temperatures in the winter. Be sure to keep it away from drafts, air conditioning, and heating vents.

These succulents prefer low humidity. Average humidity levels are acceptable around 40-50%, but if levels become too high, the plant may become susceptible to fungus and leaf spot. To increase air circulation around your plant, you can brush off the tips of the leaves with a soft cloth, or set up a small fan in the room.

When planting Angel’s Braid, use a succulent potting mix with a good drainage. A mixture of one-third compost and two-thirds gravel, small rocks, or sand mixed with peat moss makes an excellent soil for succulents. If you choose to mix your own potting soil, make sure it is well-draining to prevent root rot.

Fertilize Angel’s Braid during the growing season with an all-purpose succulent and cactus fertilizer. Once every two months is plenty – too frequent fertilization could lead to an excess of nutrients, which can be toxic to the plant. It is also important to make sure the soil has been watered down before applying fertilizer, as too much fertilizer on dry soil can cause burning or even death of the plant.

Angel’s Braid is relatively pest-resistant, but some pests can attack your plant if the conditions are right. If your plant is getting too much or too little water, it may become vulnerable to insects such as mealybugs, scales, thrip or aphids. You should regularly inspect your plant and treat it with an insecticide or other pest control solution. Natural remedies such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps are also effective ways of managing infestations.

Angel’s Braid is an aggressive grower, so it may need to be repotted every two years or so, depending on the size of the pot. When it’s time to repot, the plant should be elevated slightly from the current pot to give it a new burst of energy. Choose a pot that's a few inches bigger than the old one and use a well-draining commercial succulent potting mix.

Angel’s Braid can benefit from timely pruning. Cut the top of the rosette off and leave a few inches of the stem—like pruning off the top of a pineapple. Make sure to use disinfected scissors or clippers to make the cut. If the main stem of the succulent begins to droop, it may be time to cut it at the base of the stem.

Mulching Angel’s Braid helps create an environment similar to its native environment, South Africa, and improves water retention in the soil. To properly mulch this succulent, use a small amount of re-hydrated gravel or cactus mulch to cover the surface of the soil around the plant's base.

Angel’s Braid can be easily propagated with leaf cuttings. Gently twist a leaf off the plant's stem and allow it to callous over for a few days. Then place the leaf in moist succulent and cactus soil and cover the dish with a plastic bag to increase humidity. Place in indirect light and keep the soil continually moist but not overly wet. New plants should start to grow within a few weeks.

Angels Braid can become top-heavy as it ages, so some kind of supportive staking is needed. A cedar stake works well since it’s naturally resistant to curly tips and insect damage.

Angel’s Braid benefits from a dry rest period in the winter months. During this resting period, water only when the soil is dry. Reduce watering and keep the plant in a cooler, darker place than the rest of the year, usually some where from 39˚ to 50˚F (4-10˚C).

No, Angel’s Braid is not toxic to pets, though it does have some sharp points and could cause a laceration or an ingested leaf could cause a mild stomach upset.