Fairy Washboard

Fairy Washboard should be watered deeply, and then allowed to dry out completely before watering again. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water once every two weeks. In the fall and winter months, water about once a month. Over-watering and under-watering can both lead to the leaves becoming soft and shriveled, so pay attention to the plant's needs.

The Fairy washboard prefers bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate low light conditions. Avoid exposing the succulent to direct sun which may cause sunburn and bleaching. The plant can benefit from occasional direct sun during the winter months, but in the summer, keep it in bright, indirect light.

Fairy Washboard should be kept in temperatures between 65-85° Fahrenheit (18-30° Celsius), and away from cold drafts and extreme temperatures. It can also survive light frost temperature below 32 degrees F (0 degree Celsius).

Fairy Washboard does not have any special humidity requirements, and can tolerate low levels of humidity just fine. However, occasional misting with lukewarm water can provide additional humidity or beneficial for plants grown in drier climates.

The Fairy Washboard grows best in a loose, well-draining soil mix. A general succulent potting mix is ideal, but you can also mix cacti and succulent potting soil with perlite, or mix your own succulent mix. If creating your own succulent mix, be sure to use equal parts soil, perlite, and organic matter.

Fairy Washboard only needs to be fertilized lightly once a year. Choose a high quality cacti and succulent food with a balanced ratio of NPK (N-P-K). Water the soil thoroughly before applying the fertilizer, and dilute the fertilizer to about half of the suggested strength. Never apply fertilizer in the winter when the plant is resting. Fertilization can increase the risk of root rot or burns, and it is best to wait until the active growing season before applying.

The Fairy Washboard is generally very pest-resistant, but may be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. If the plant is attacked by pests, it's best to quarantine the afflicted plant and inspect it frequently for further signs of pests. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can be used to gently apply to the pests to kill them and avoid spreading them to the rest of the plants in the collection. If the infection persists, it may be beneficial to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap.

The Fairy Washboard does not like to be repotted very often. Generally, repotting should only be done every two to three years using a well-draining succulent potting mix. Before repotting, make sure to inspect the plant for signs of pests and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Replant the succulent carefully and water lightly, as overwatering can cause root rot.

Fairy Washboard does not require regular pruning and should only be pruned when necessary. If the plant needs to be pruned, take care to use clean sharp shears and avoid cutting off more than a third of the plant at one time. Pruning too much can damage the plant and lead to decreased health and aesthetics.

Mulching is not necessary for the Fairy Washboard, as the light and airy soil mix is enough to keep the succulent healthy. If desired, small amounts of mulch can be used to help keep the plant's humidity level constant.

Fairy Washboard propagates easily, both from stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate from stem cuttings, remove the lower leaves from a healthy stem and allow it to dry for 2 days. Plant the stem cutting in a loose, well-draining soil and keep it out of direct sun. Water when the soil is completely dry, and roots should begin to form within a few weeks. To propagate from leaf cuttings, use sharp, clean shears to remove individual leaves from the base of the plant. Allow the leaves to callous over for a few days before planting them in a well-draining soil. Keep it moist and in bright, indirect light, and the new plant should begin to develop roots in a few weeks.

Fairy Washboard does not require any additional support or staking. Its many fleshy leaves support the plant well, even after it has grown quite large though some growers may attach fishing line to the stem to keep the plant upright.

The Fairy washboard does not need a strict dormant period, but it should be allowed to rest in the winter months. Cut back on water and keep it in cooler temperatures until the weather warms in spring and the plant can resume active growth.

The Fairy Washboard is non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for homes with pets.