T-rex Plants Blog

Published weekly. Ish. You can also follow along on Instagram at @trexplants

How to Correct Lithops Growing Problems

When you're growing a plant that is a seasonal grower - one that only produces new growth once a year - it can be extremely hard to figure out how to correct weird growth that is less than "perfect". In Lithops, this is most often etiolation, but can include sun...

Is It Supposed to Look Like That or Is It Dying? How to Tell If Your Cactus Needs Water

Something I've been asked about often, via email, Instagram, and in person, is about when to water a cactus. How can you tell when your cactus is thirsty and needs water? They don't seem to do anything, so how do you know when it's the right time? If you've been...

Anthurium Ace of Spades – Highly Coveted and Gorgeous

In the COVID plant boom days, this particular Anthurium hybrid was one of the most highly coveted of all - and for good reason! It's a super dramatic plant, with rich, dark leaves and an almost iridescent shimmer to them. If you're building a dark-leaved plant...

Surprising(ly Stinky) Stapeliads

Originally printed in the February edition of the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society newsletter. Easy San Diego Growers The genus Stapelia hails mainly from South Africa, as many of our favorite succulent species do. They’re generally low-growing, spineless, and...

How to Germinate Anthurium magnificum Seeds

Continuing the theme of Anthurium magnificum this month, I also recently harvested my Anthurium's berries and successfully germinated the seeds! Most of what I've read about Anthuriums has said that they're not self-fertile, but this plant made two blooms that just...

Anthurium magnificum Bloom Cycle, Continued

Anthurium magnificum Bloom Cycle, Continued

Continuing the bloom cycle of my Anthurium magnificum, right around the end of the month the plant decided it was done with the female phase of the bloom cycle and it was time for pollen. You can see the previous photos of the inflorescence emerging and entering...

How to Arrange a Succulent Painting

How to Arrange a Succulent Painting

A recent project I wrapped up just in time for winter rains was the addition of this stone alligator to our front courtyard area. After a trip to Mexico for my brother's wedding, we picked this up on our drive home. I didn't have a plan for it, just a general idea of...

Care Diary: Myrtillocactus geometrizans and cultivars

The unmistakable, beautiful blue myrtle cactus: Myrtillocactus geometrizans! This species has spawned multiple cultivars, including the ever popular Booby Cactus, and is even commonly used as grafting stock due to how quickly they can grow. They're striking and...