Felt Plant

The Felt Plant likes to be periodically watered every 1-2 weeks, depending on temperature and light. During the growing season, the soil should be kept slightly moist. During winter or the dry season, the soil should be allowed to almost completely dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, yellowing foliage, and even death. Avoid letting the soil get soggy and make sure the pot or planter it is in has good drainage.

The Felt Plant does best in bright direct light, but can tolerate a wide variety of lighting conditions including partial shade, full sun, and indoor fluorescent lighting. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn or fade, so it is best to place in a spot where it can receive bright light without being exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. If indoors, the best place to put your Felt Plant is in front of a south, east, or west facing window.

The Felt Plant prefers temperatures between 50 and 85°F (10-29°C). Keep away from extreme cold or heat, and make sure that the plant is not directly exposed to drafts or air conditioners. If the temperature is too low, the plant’s leaves may wilt and will eventually fall off.

The Felt Plant does not need high humidity levels to thrive, but it does benefit from some humidity. If you live in a dry climate you may need to mist the leaves of your Felt Plant occasionally, or use a humidifier to increase the humidity near the plant. However, if the humidity is too high, the plant can be prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot.

Felt Plants need a well-draining soil that is not too heavy or too light. A general cactus and succulent mix is ideal, or you can make your own with one part potting soil, one part sand, and one part perlite or pumice. Do not use soil from the yard, which can be too heavy and retain too much moisture.

Fertilize your Felt Plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer at half-strength. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal, but you can also use a fertilizer with higher nitrogen levels to encourage leaf growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause too much leaf growth and weaken the plant.

Felt Plants are fairly pest-resistant, but they can be prone to mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs can be identified by their cottony white or gray bugs and webbing on the undersides of the leaves. To get rid of mealybugs, spray the affected areas with a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water. Spider mites can also affect Felt Plants and can be identified by the webs they spin on the leaves. To get rid of mites, use a natural pesticide such as neem oil or use a spray of soapy water to knock them off the leaves.

Felt Plants should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the roots start to become pot-bound. A pot that is too small will not allow the roots enough space to grow, while a pot that is too large may cause the plant to become waterlogged and vulnerable to root rot. When repotting, choose a pot that is the same size or slightly larger than the old one, and use a well-draining potting mix. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes and do not add any soil amendments like fertilizer to the mix.

Prune your Felt Plant as necessary to maintain its shape, remove any dead or dying leaves, and clean up the plant's appearance. Prune as you would any other succulent, or, use basic grooming techniques such as pinching off any dead or overly large leaves. If you need to prune a large area of the plant, do so in small stages rather than one large pruning session to avoid shock.

When mulching your Felt Plant, use a coarse bark or gravel mulch to allow for good air circulation. A thin layer around the base of the plant will help keep weeds away, retain moisture, and help keep the roots cool in hot weather.

Felt Plants can easily be propagated from stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is in the spring when the plant is actively growing. To propagate from cuttings, snip off a short stem just below a node, making sure to leave a couple of leaves on the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Mist the cutting with water regularly and keep it in bright indirect light until it has taken root.

The Felt Plant can grow quite large and is somewhat top-heavy, so it may need some additional support or staking when it is young. Bamboo stakes or a trellis can help keep the plant upright and prevent it from toppling over.

Felt Plants should have a period of rest during winter when they are not actively growing and do not need as much water or fertilizer. During this period, keep the soil lightly moist and do not fertilize. The plant should start to resume active growth in late winter or early spring.

The Felt Plant is not toxic to pets, so it can be safely kept in homes with pets.