Baby Toes

Baby Toes is a succulent that needs to have its soil completely dry between waterings. During the growing season (spring-summer), the soil should be checked every 1-2 weeks and only watered when it’s dry up to an inch deep. During the winter months when the plant is dormant, watering should be reduced to approximately once every 4-6 weeks. Baby Toes is particularly sensitive to over-watering and may very quickly develop root rot.

Baby Toes thrives best in bright indirect light and can tolerate some sun. Direct sun, however, can cause sunburn on the leaves. Because of its sensitivity to sunburn, it’s best to place it in an area with bright light and to keep an eye out for any bleaching of the leaves. If the leaves start to look faded, relocate the plant to a spot with less light.

Baby Toes prefers warm temperatures between 65-90°F (18-32°C). Any temperature much above or below this range can cause stress to the plant and lead to weaker growth or even die-off. When kept outdoors, it’s best to acclimatize it gradually to the weather since sudden changes can harm it.

Baby Toes is adapted to dry climates and prefers low humidity levels of around 35-40%. It can tolerate moderate levels of humidity, but if kept in a humid environment for extended periods of time the plant can develop root rot. Additionally, Baby Toes can tolerate temperatures down to 25°F (-4°C) when dry, however, prolonged exposure to those temperatures can cause it to sustain damage.

Baby Toes prefers a well-drained soil mix that enables effective drainage and aeration. It's best to use a potting mix specifically designed for cacti and succulent, since this can provide optimal conditions for the plant. Furthermore, the soil should be loosened up with small stones, coarse sand, or perlite to ensure adequate air circulation.

Baby Toes doesn't require much fertilization. During the growing season, it can be fed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month. Alternatively, a slow-release cactus fertilizer can be used at the start of the growing season. If any fertilizer touches the leaves, it should be rinsed off with plenty of water.

Baby Toes is usually quite resistant to pests, however, it can still be affected by mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and aphids. The presence of any of these insects can usually be detected by seeing their webbing on the underside of the leaves or by noticing patches of white, yellow, or brown spots on the plant. To remove any of these pests, dab them with alcohol using a cotton bud. If this is unsuccessful, proceed to use a pesticide such as insecticidal soap. Dilute the soap according to the package instructions and spray the entire plant. For persistent pests, it may be necessary to repeat the application.

Baby Toes doesn't need to be repotted very often. It grows well in small containers and can usually comfortably survive a few years before having to be repotted. When repotting is necessary, it should be done in early spring when new growth has begun. Use a pot that's slightly bigger than the previous one and make sure to use well-drained soil appropriate for succulents.

Baby Toes is typically a slow-growing succulent and does not require much pruning. If the plant does become overgrown, pruning can be done to remove old, leggy stems or leaves that are in bad condition. Pruning should be done with sterilized scissors and avoid cutting too close to the stem, as this can cause the plant to become susceptible to disease and rot. If pruning is done in the right way, it can help the plant maintain its unique form and also promote healthier growth.

For best results, mulching should be done when repotting Baby Toes. To prevent water loss and lock in moisture, use a thin layer of well-draining material such as small stones or sand. Avoid using thick layers as this can prevent air circulation and cause the root mass to become waterlogged.

Baby Toes is quite easy to propagate from stem cuttings. To do this, use a pair of sterile, sharp scissors to take cuttings from the stem just below a set of leaves. The cuttings should then be allowed to dry out on a paper towel for a few days. Once the cuttings have calloused over, they can be potted up in soil and watered regularly. The soil should be kept lightly moist while the cutting is establishing itself.

Baby Toes is a slow-growing variety and generally doesn't require any support. It's best to keep it in a location with bright indirect light and let it grow naturally in its own unique form. If the stems do begin to bend or look leggy, some form of support may be necessary. This can be done by inserting a stake along with the stem when repotting the plant.

Baby Toes requires a dormant period in the winter when its growth is at a minimum. During this time, reduce watering to once every month or two. Even with reduced watering, the soil should still be checked by sticking a finger into it to make sure it's completely dry before watering again.

Baby Toes is not toxic to pets, making it a safe houseplant. As with all houseplants, keep an eye on animals to make sure they don't chew on any part of the plant. Additionally, avoid contact with the sap as it can cause irritation on the skin or mouth.