Nolina

Nolina is a succulent and drought-tolerant, making failure to water appropriately one of the most common reasons why it dies. During the spring and summer months, the soil should be kept slightly moist, whereas during the winter, it should be allowed to dry out more. In all cases, you should water only when the soil feels dry to the touch and avoid over-watering.

Nolina requires plenty of light to grow well, but direct sunlight can burn the foliage. Some sun during the morning hours is ideal for direct light. If you’re growing your Nolina indoors you should consider providing it with indirect light from a window or placing it in a bright spot in the home. You can also move it outdoors during the summer months.

Nolina grows best between 50°F and 75°F (10°C - 24°C). Avoid keeping your Nolina in temperatures that exceed this range and keep in mind that Nolina can handle extreme heat in dry climates, due to their ability to hold onto moisture.

Nolina can tolerate long periods of dry air, but plant health and growth may be improved when there is increased humidity. Provide your Nolina with additional humidity by grouping it with other plants, misting it occasionally, or placing it in a saucer of pebbles and water.

Nolina thrives in a well-draining potting soil mix. When looking for a potting soil, choose something that has ingredients like perlite, pumice, and sand to help it stay airy and dry. Additions like pine bark, leaf mold, and compost can help to retain moisture and improve soil fertility.

Though Nolina does not need much in the way of fertilization, it may benefit from a light, balanced fertilizer occasionally. Use a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength once a month during the spring and summer months. You can also use an organic fertilizer during the summer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract.

Nolina can be affected by common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and red spider mites. To detect an infestation, check for webbing, white-speckled leaves, or spots on the underside of the leaves. To deal with an infestation, use an insecticidal soap or try a mix of mild dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and water (1 teaspoon of soap and 1 teaspoon of alcohol per quart of water). Spray on the affected area and reapply every few days or as needed.

Nolina should be repotted every two to three years during the spring season when the plant is in active growth. When repotting, choose a pot one-size larger than the current pot and be sure to use a well-draining potting soil.

When pruning your Nolina, it’s important to make sure that the wounds are clean and sterile since the plant can be prone to rot. Cut off dead or diseased tissue, and snip away leaves and stems that are too long when necessary. Avoid cutting too much off at one time.

Mulching is not necessary for Nolina but it can provide some extra protection for this succulent. If you do want to use mulch, use something organic like bark chips. These will help to retain some of the moisture in the soil and can provide the plant with nutrients.

Propagating Nolina is quite easy and can be done in a few steps. First, select a healthy stem from the main plant. Before you remove it, make sure to clean and sanitize your pruning shears or knife. Cut the stem and set in a warm area for a few days to allow the wound to dry and heal. Next, plant in a well draining potting mix and water sparingly. You can also dip the cut end into a hormone rooting powder to help it take root faster.

Nolina does not need any sort of support as it grows, and will stand alone with its trunk structure. If you have an especially tall plant that appears a bit top-heavy, you can use a stake to offer it some extra support.

In the winter months, Nolina will enter a resting period. The soil should be kept a bit drier than in other seasons and plants should be kept away from cold and damp areas. During this time, avoid over-watering or pruning.

Nolina is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans and can be safely enjoyed by all!