FAQ

Are cacti the same as succulents?

Did you know all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti? Succulents have a system for storing water in the leaves, stems, roots and arms and so are moisture packed. This allows them to survive quite a while without being watered.

I live outside the US.  Can I order plants from you?

Unfortunately we are only able to ship plants with the US. However, we CAN ship non-plant items such as pottery around the world!

How do I care for my cacti & succulents?

Every plant you order from us has care instructions listed on the description.  We recommend you review those carefully.  

Can you help me identify this cactus?

As much as we've always imagined what fun it would be to work behind the reference desk at the library, we have our hands pretty full in the greenhouse and cactus yards so you might have a better chance at a fast plant identification via a Google search. 

I live in a cold city!  Can I grow cacti and succulents here?

You can grow anything you are willing to care for. If you live in a place that experiences below freezing temperatures during the winter, you will need to bring your babies inside during the cold. You should also check the cactus or succulent you're thinking of adding to your collection to confirm what zone it prefers.  And if you order during your winter months, always include a heat pack with your order.

When will my order ship?

We try to ship within 2-3 days, sometimes sooner.  One reviewer even said our shipping speed was "freaky fast!"  We don't ship plants on Fridays or Saturdays to avoid your plant sitting in the box an extra day.  If you are worried about the transit, we recommend you choose a faster shipping speed such as Priority Mail rather than Ground Advantage.

Will my plant look exactly like the photo shown?

This all depends on what and WHEN you order.  Plants are living things and like you (hopefully) always growing and changing.  If our photos are taken in summer and you order in winter, then the color will not be as it was in summer.  It may be in bloom in the photo but not now.  Your plant may have grown since the photo was taken.  Unlike many nurseries, we try very hard to show photographs of the exact specimen and include dimensions at the time of the photo.  If the plant you buy does not specifically say that it is the "exact specimen" it will be similar to the one shown in the photos.  In its growing season, a plant may have leaves and in the dormant season, no leaves.  While in transit, leaves my fall.  You probably know all of these things as most of you are collectors, but those are the details.

Does the pot in the photo come with the plant?

No pot ever comes with the plant.  We do have a large collection of handmade pots as well as other pots.  You can order just the plant or just the pot or both (if available) but the plant will not come potted in any way as this creates a risk of damaging the plant. 

Should I water my plant when it arrives and I pot it up?

Yes!  We recommend that you do.  After establishing your plant, follow the normal care instructions for that plant.  

What if my plant dies?

We are very careful to only send out healthy plants.  Once a plant leaves us, it's up to you to keep it alive.  The most common reason that cacti (or even succulents) die is overwatering.  While this may seem counter-intuitive, it's actually true.  It's very important to water the soil, NOT the plant.  Cacti can not be allowed to sit in water.  If you notice the base turning brown, the plant has been overwatered.  Be sure and check the care instructions for water, light and circulation when you receive your plant.  

Can I order a gift and ship to an address different than my billing address?

Yes you can!  We also have gift cards available that are perfect for the holidays! 

Where do you get your plants?

Our specimens and handmade pottery are sourced from around the world and some of them we grow ourselves.  We have been working extensively with our vendors for years to insure premium specimens, some of the most rare in their respective genera.

Where are you located and can I come visit?

We are located in Los Angeles, California and at this time we are not accepting reservations.  If we do have an event, we will let our subscribers know first.  So be sure and subscribe to our mailing list!