Ellwood's Goldendrop

When it comes to watering, this succulent likes to be rather dry than too wet as it is susceptible to root rot. The best watering regime is to wait until the soil has been completely dry before watering. Make sure to thoroughly soak the potting soil and then let the soil completely dry again. It is important not to water the succulent when the soil is still moist and to refrain from overwatering as this will lead to many various diseases.

Ellwood's Goldendrop is one of those succulents that require a lot of direct sunlight in order to properly thrive. This succulent prefers a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and will do even better with a maximum of 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While this succulent does like sunlight, it should be noted that too much will burn its delicate leaves and can eventually cause them to die. When growing indoors, keep Ellwood's Goldendrop in a bright, sunny room with temperatures between 55 to 75°F and make sure to provide it with a full spectrum light.

This succulent prefers temperatures between 55-75°F (12.5-23.8°C). Any drastic fluctuations in temperature may cause irreparable damage.

This succulent prefers a relative humidity of 50-60%. Low humidity may cause the leaves of Ellwood's Goldendrop to become dry and brittle.

This succulent requires soil specifically designed for cacti and succulents. The potting mix should be light, airy and airy-draining. Be sure to include perlite and pumice or some type of coarse sand or small gravel for appropriate air circulation and drainage.

A cacti and succulent-specific fertilizer should be applied lightly to the plant in the spring every 6-8 weeks, until the plant is actively flowering. During the dormant season, reduce fertilization to every 8-12 weeks. Choose a liquid fertilizer and dilute it to about 1/4 strength before applying it to the soil. To avoid fertilizer burn, be sure to water the fertilizer into the soil thoroughly after application.

Some common pests that you may encounter with Ellwood's Goldendrop are spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. These pests feed off of the sap from the leaves of succulents and can cause significant damage if not treated in time. To get rid of the pests, you will need to physically pick them off the plant and then sponge the affected area with rubbing alcohol to kill any remaining eggs. If the infestation is particularly severe, you may need to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.

You should repot your Ellwood's Goldendrop every 2-3 years in order to provide fresh nutrients for the plant. When it comes to potting, select a lightweight pot that is at least 2 inches (5 cm) wider than the previous one. Make sure to use a well-draining succulent soil mixture and if the pot is too heavy, mix in some pumice or coarse sand for extra drainage.

Like most succulents, Ellwood's Goldendrop does not require too much pruning. If you do decide to prune, make sure to use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears and clean them with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning. Aim to remove dead and dry leaves only as pinching the growth will lead to stunted and misshaped leaves.

Mulching is not a necessary requirement for this succulent, however, if you wish to protect it further from intense sunlight or weeds, you can apply a thin layer of pebble mulch around the stem and leaves. A small amount of organic material such as coarse sand, decomposed granite, or pine needles is also suitable.

Ellwood's Goldendrop can be propagated by cuttings or by seed. Cuttings should be taken from the side of the plant with a sharp, clean pair of scissors. Cuttings should be planted 3-4″ deep in well-draining succulent soil. Water the cuttings thoroughly and be sure to keep the soil moist but not wet. To propagate by seed, you will need to obtain the seed from a supplier. Sow the seeds into sterile seed-starting mix. Place in an area with ample light and keep the soil moist but not wet.

Ellwood's Goldendrop is quite a sturdy succulent and does not require any type of support. If the plant begins to lean from one direction you can carefully use a spoon or other implement to gently manipulate it back into its upright position.

This succulent does not require a dormant period. Even so, it is recommended to withhold water for several weeks in the coldest winter months. Doing so will invigorate the plant and help it to thrive for the rest of its lifespan.

Ellwood's Goldendrop is not considered toxic to pets.