Painted Lady

Painted Lady is drought-tolerant, so water sparingly during the summer. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, and reduce watering during winter. Make sure to water from the bottom—water the soil not the leaves.

Painted Lady thrives in bright indirect sunlight or full sun. Avoid direct sunlight while young, as the leaves might get sun burned. If planted outdoors, they can tolerate morning sun or afternoon shade. During winter, they prefer a bright environment.

This species prefers temperatures between 65 to 80°F (18-27°C). Painted Lady cannot tolerate extreme temperatures—especially higher than 90°F (32°C) or lower than 40°F (4°C).

This succulent does not require high humidity, but thrives in an environment that is slightly humid. Add a humidity tray and mist the plant regularly to achieve the desired humidity level.

Painted Lady prefers well-draining soil. Mix regular potting soil with coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to ensure proper drainage. For outdoor pots, create a blend of one part potting soil and one part perlite for better drainage.

Fertilize Painted Lady during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength and apply monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing as this may cause salt build-up in the soil, leading to root burn and other foliage problems. In the winter, stop fertilizing the plant until the next growing season.

Painted Lady is susceptible to common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Check the plant periodically for signs of pests. If you see any white, powdery mites, use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of aphids and mealybugs. Regularly monitor and inspect the plant to make sure there are no signs of infestation.

Painted Lady should be repotted every two years or when necessary. It is best to repot in the spring, when the plant is actively growing. To repot, gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in a new pot with fresh potting mix. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant and fit its root ball.

Painted Lady requires minimal pruning. The only pruning required is the removal of dead leaves or floral stems. When pruning, always use clean and sharp tools, and dispose of the trimmings immediately. Deadheading spent flowers will not only improve the look of the plant but also result in more blooms.

Mulching helps retain moisture and control weeds. Use wood chips, coarse sand, pine needles, and well-rotted organic matter or compost as mulch for Painted Lady.

Painted Lady can easily be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. Remove a stem or a few leaves from the parent plant and place them in dry potting soil. Water the cuttings occasionally until the roots start to form. Avoid over-watering as this might cause the stem or leaf to rot.

Since Painted Lady has a somewhat sprawling habit, it may need support or tying to stakes when grown in containers. Use moss or bark secured with twine to anchor the stems and keep them upright.

Painted Lady needs a short period of rest during the winter months. During this time, reduce water and stop fertilizing the plant. When spring comes, resume regular watering and fertilizing.

Painted Lady is not toxic to animals or humans, but its sap may cause skin irritations or an allergic reaction in some individuals.