Sun: Filtered sun to partial shade
Water: Typical water needs for a succulent
Temperature: Zone 10a from 30° F to 35° F (-1.1 ° C to 1.7° C) to Zone 11b from 45° F to 50° F (7.2° C to 10° C)
Winter Survival: Not cold hardy
Propagation: leaves, stem cuttings, seeds
Flower:
Flower Type: Yellow, pink, white or cream
Toxic: Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
Dormant: winter
Space Requirement: Indoors
Common Problems: Plants may rot if overwatered, pests
Where to buy Lepismium cruciforme?
Basc Care for Lepismium cruciforme
Watering
Regular watering period should be every 2 weeks
What you need to remember is that this type of succulents needs to be watered for every 2 weeks
Fertilizing
Only feed this succulent during its active growing seasons which means winter. Use the right fertilizer applied in the right amounts. Applying half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so is recommended for optimal results.
Do not fertilize during winter as the plant is dormant.
Sun & Location Requirements for "Hurricane Cactus"
Lepismium cruciforme prefers filtered sun to partial shade in order to thrive. This means that while they can tolerate some direct sunlight, it's best if they are placed somewhere with plenty of bright indirect light or out of the hot afternoon sun.
As per this succulent profile, it is only able to stay healthy when the environment temperature is above the range of zone 10a from 30° F to 35° F (-1.1 ° C to 1.7° C).
Lepismium cruciforme is not cold hardy and does not survive in freezing conditions. However, there are certain strategies that can be used to help the plant thrive despite the chill of winter. Proper drainage and insulation are essential for succulent X during periods of extreme cold. Placing a layer of mulch or gravel on the soil around the plant can also help keep it warm.
Any succulents in the group will only need minimal space to grow. You can place your pot at your table or window. Outdoors is also a nice idea to put your pot.
Lepismium cruciforme also benefits from some indirect light throughout the day as well, so make sure you give it enough space to soak up light without becoming too exposed to heat.
Propagation
Propagating succulents by leaves is a great way to grow new plants from existing ones. Simply cut off a few healthy leaves from the mother plant and place them on top of a potting mix. Water the soil regularly, keeping it moist but not soggy, and soon you'll have brand new succulents!
Propagating Lepismium cruciforme by stem cuttings is an easy and fun way to increase your collection of these unique houseplants. When propagating, it’s important to choose healthy stems from existing plants that are at least two inches long and have several leaves attached.
Propagating Lepismium cruciforme from seeds is a great way to produce new plants without relying on cuttings or divisions. It's important to look for healthy, dark and plump seeds that are slightly sticky when touched. The soil should be pre-mixed with well-draining potting mix, before evenly sowing the seeds and pressing them into the surface. To ensure successful germination, gentle misting of the soil should be done and placed in indirect light.
Toxicity
Lepismium cruciforme is not known to pose any significant health risks, as it is not considered to be toxic. However, it is best to keep the plant away from young children and pets, as they may ingest some of the parts of this plant that could contain toxins which can cause mild skin irritation.
Pests and Diseases
Lepismium cruciforme can be affected common pests and diseases like most of the other succulents such as mealybugs.
If you do spot any of pest signs, you can treat your succulent using below methods.
- Mealybugs: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
Besides that, to prevent serious health issues from happening, keep your succulent in a well-ventilated area and check it regularly for any signs of pests or health problems.