Arizona Cactus Garden

China National Botanical Garden

Dounan Flower Market

Estufa Fria

Cactus Garden Inside A Chocolate Factory: Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden (Henderson, Nevada)

Huntington Desert Garden

Jardin des Plantes

Springs Preserve

Sydney Royal Botanic Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Volunteer Park Conservatory

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![Euphorbia Flanaganii (The Medusa’s Head)](/assets/blog/euphorbia-flanaganii/cover.jpg)

Euphorbia flanaganii, commonly known as "Medusa's Head," is a remarkable succulent native to South Africa. With its distinctive central caudex surrounded by serpentine, twisting green stems radiating outwards like tentacles, it makes an eye-catching centerpiece in any succulent collection.




## Why it is called Euphorbia Flanaganii?

The name **Euphorbia flanaganii** honors **R. Flanagan**, a plant collector who contributed to the study of South African succulents. Its common name, the **Medusa’s Head**, comes from its unique appearance: a central, round body with long, twisting stems resembling the serpentine hair of Medusa from Greek mythology.

## The Appearance of Euphorbia Flanaganii

### Leaves

Euphorbia flanaganii has small, reduced leaves that appear sparsely along the stems. The leaves are usually a muted green and fall off quickly, leaving the stems exposed, which helps the plant conserve water in its arid native habitat.

### Flowers

This succulent produces small, bright yellow-green flowers. While not particularly showy, the flowers are a charming bonus during its blooming period, usually in late winter to spring.

## How to Care for Euphorbia Flanaganii

### Light

Provide **full sun** to **partial shade**. Indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. Too little light can cause legginess, while too much direct sun in extremely hot climates may cause sunburn.

### Watering

Water **sparingly**, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. During winter dormancy, reduce watering even further.

### Soil

Use a **well-draining succulent or cactus mix**. Adding sand or perlite improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

### Temperature

Euphorbia flanaganii prefers **warm temperatures** between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Protect from frost, as temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant.

### Humidity

This succulent thrives in **low humidity**, typical of arid climates. High humidity can increase the risk of fungal infections.

### Fertilizing

Feed sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a **balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer**. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.

### Pruning

Trim any dead or damaged stems to maintain appearance and encourage healthy growth. Always wear gloves, as the sap is toxic and irritating to skin.

### Repotting

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Choose a **pot with drainage holes** to prevent water accumulation.

### Dormancy

Euphorbia flanaganii enters a **resting phase in winter**, slowing down growth. Reduce watering and avoid fertilizing during this period.

### Pests and Diseases

Watch for **mealybugs, spider mites, and fungal infections**. Promptly isolate affected plants and treat with appropriate insecticidal soap or fungicide.

## Is Euphorbia Flanaganii Toxic to Pets?

Yes. Like many Euphorbias, its **sap is toxic** if ingested and can cause **skin irritation**. Keep away from cats, dogs, and children.

## How to Propagate Euphorbia Flanaganii

Propagation is usually done via **cuttings**:

1. Wear gloves and take a healthy stem cutting.  
2. Allow the cutting to **callous** for a few days.  
3. Plant in **well-draining soil**.  
4. Water sparingly until roots establish.

## Where Can I Buy Euphorbia Flanaganii?

This succulent is available at **specialty succulent nurseries**, online stores like **Etsy**, and occasionally at **local plant shops**. Prices vary depending on size and rarity.


Euphorbia Flanaganii (The Medusa’s Head)


![Gymnocalycium mihanovichii "Crested"](/assets/blog/gymnocalycium-mihanovichii-crested/cover.jpeg)
*Gymnocalycium mihanovichii "Crested"*



---

## Why it is called *Gymnocalycium mihanovichii* 'Crested'?

The name *Gymnocalycium mihanovichii* refers to its genus (*Gymnocalycium*, meaning "naked calyx") and species, which honors the botanist J. Mihanovich. The term “crested” describes a rare growth mutation in which the cactus’s apical meristem (growth point) elongates into a fan shape rather than forming the usual rounded body. This unusual, sculptural growth makes it highly prized among collectors.

![Gymnocalycium mihanovichii "Crested"](/assets/blog/gymnocalycium-mihanovichii-crested/plant-2.jpeg)
*Gymnocalycium mihanovichii "Crested"*

---

## The Appearance of *Gymnocalycium mihanovichii* 'Crested'

### Leaves

As a cactus, it has no true leaves. Instead, it has ribbed, fan-shaped stems that twist and undulate, forming intricate crests. The skin is smooth and often green, purple, or even reddish depending on sun exposure.

![Gymnocalycium mihanovichii "Crested"](/assets/blog/gymnocalycium-mihanovichii-crested/plant-1.jpeg)
*Gymnocalycium mihanovichii "Crested"*

### Flowers

This cactus produces small, funnel-shaped blooms—usually pink, pale purple, or yellow—during the summer. The flowers emerge along the crest or at random points on the ridges, adding a delicate contrast to its bold form.

---

## How to Care for *Gymnocalycium mihanovichii* 'Crested'

### Light

Provide bright but indirect sunlight. Direct, harsh afternoon rays can scorch the plant, but too little light causes weak, stretched growth. A south- or east-facing window with sheer curtains works best.

### Watering

Water sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In winter, water even less, only when the plant begins to slightly wrinkle. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot.

### Soil

Use a cactus or succulent soil mix with added perlite, pumice, or coarse sand for improved drainage. Avoid heavy or compacted soils.

### Temperature

Thrives between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Protect from frost—temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant.

### Humidity

Prefers low humidity, similar to its native arid environments. Avoid placing it in bathrooms or terrariums with stagnant, moist air.

### Fertilizing

Feed with a diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring to early fall) about once a month. Do not fertilize in winter.

### Pruning

Pruning is rarely required, except to remove dried flowers or damaged tissue. Handle carefully to avoid harming the crest.

### Repotting

Repot every 2–3 years, or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a shallow pot with a drainage hole. Allow roots to dry for a day before repotting to prevent rot.

### Dormancy

In winter, the plant slows its growth. Reduce watering and withhold fertilizer during this period to mimic its natural rest cycle.

### Pests and Diseases

Watch out for mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Treat infestations promptly with isopropyl alcohol swabs or an insecticidal soap. Root rot is a risk if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.

---

## Is *Gymnocalycium mihanovichii* 'Crested' Toxic to Pets?

No. Like most cacti, it is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. However, its spines can cause physical injury if touched or chewed.

---

## How to Propagate *Gymnocalycium mihanovichii* 'Crested'

Propagation is usually done by cutting and grafting. Since crested forms are unstable on their own roots, they are often grafted onto hardy rootstock like *Hylocereus* or *Trichocereus*.

1. Use a sterile knife to remove a healthy crest section.
2. Place the cutting on a compatible cactus rootstock and secure it with rubber bands.
3. Keep in a bright, dry location until the graft takes and new growth appears.

---

## Where Can I Buy *Gymnocalycium mihanovichii* 'Crested'?

These rare cacti can be found at specialty succulent nurseries, cactus shows, online plant shops, or auction sites like Etsy and eBay. Prices vary widely depending on size and shape of the crest.

---


Gymnocalycium mihanovichii "Crested"


We visited Sydney in July 2025 to escape the summer sun in our part of the world. I accidentally discovered the Succulent Garden and was blown away by its beauty and how thoughtfully it was curated and maintained. I was also impressed by the fact that it’s a hidden gem—one that not many people seem to know about.

![Me at the Succulent Garden](/assets/blog/succulent-garden-inside-royal-botanic-garden-sydney/me-at-garden.jpeg)
*Me at the Succulent Garden*

Nestled within the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney lies a hidden gem: the *Succulent Garden*, a sculptural, sensory-rich oasis where art, history, and plant life converge.

---

## A Garden Rooted in History

What stands today was once the site of Australia’s first zoo — complete with Chinese deer, anteaters, monkeys, and even wandering tortoises until the late 1960s. In 1936, that story took a new turn when an unemployment relief-funded rockery emerged. Over the decades, it expanded, culminating in the present-day succulent display completed in 1983.

---

## Strange, Sculptural & Sun‑Lit

This garden presents an immersive loop through **geographical eco-zones**:

- **Old World (Africa):** Bright aloes, spiny euphorbias, and mysterious *Stapelia* dominate, their yellow and orange blooms basking in the morning sun.
- **New World (Americas):** Towering Joshua trees (*Yucca brevifolia*), dramatic agaves, majestic century plants (*Furcraea*), and statuesque cacti like the golden barrel bring a bold, architectural aesthetic.

In 2007, TV personality and landscape designer **Jamie Durie** added evocative rusted-metal sculptures that echo the rugged forms of the succulents, offering inspiration for gardeners and photographers alike.

![Plant 1](/assets/blog/succulent-garden-inside-royal-botanic-garden-sydney/plant-1.jpeg)

---

## Why It Captivates

- **Adaptation & Survival:** Every plant is a living testament to resilience—from thick waxy cuticles reducing water loss to spines that collect dew and deter predators.
- **Convergent Evolution:** Magnificent rosettes—like agaves and aloes—mirror each other across continents, despite diverging lineages over millions of years.
- **Sensory Delight:** The sculptural forms, vibrant palettes, and sun-warmed stones create a multisensory experience—perfect for warming up on cooler mornings.

![Plant 2](/assets/blog/succulent-garden-inside-royal-botanic-garden-sydney/plant-2.jpeg)

---

## Visitor Experience

- **Easy Exploration:** A gentle walk guides you past towering succulents—some reaching over eight feet—against a backdrop of the Sydney skyline and NSW State Herbarium.
- **Educational Opportunities:** Spot hairy leaves, thick spikes, and unusual forms. The garden encourages exploration through questions—think “Why do some succulents have hair?”
- **Photography & Inspiration:** The interplay of light, color, and geometric forms makes it a favorite for photographers and Instagrammers.

> "Sydney is good succulent climate … one of the reasons why I'm so reluctant to ever move. We're spoiled for plant choices here."  
> — A local succulent enthusiast

When I was there, there was a warning sign about plant thieves. Sigh. This is not the first incident of plant theft I've heard of in succulent gardens around the world. I hope people appreciate the beauty of these plants and leave them where they belong!

![stop-thief](/assets/blog/succulent-garden-inside-royal-botanic-garden-sydney/stop-thief.jpeg)
*Stop thief sign at the Succulent Garden in Royal Botanic Garden Sydney*

---

## Planning Your Visit

- **Best Time:** The garden is especially magical in **winter mornings** (low sun glinting off aloes) or during **spring-summer** when cacti bloom.
- **Nearby Delights:** Only a short wander away are the Calyx exhibits, Palm Grove, Trial Garden, and scenic spots like Mrs Macquarie’s Point.
- **Perks:** Entry is **free**—just bring sun protection and comfy shoes to meander among these captivating xerophytic forms.

---

## Final Thoughts

The **Succulent Garden** at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers far more than cacti and drought‑tolerant plants—it’s a microcosm of plant survival, creative landscape design, and botanical storytelling.

Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a photography lover, or just seeking a peaceful refuge in the city, the Succulent Garden promises something uniquely memorable.

Next time you're near Mrs Macquarie’s Road, pause and step into this sculptural, sun-warmed wonder.

The Succulent Garden Inside Royal Botanic Garden (Sydney, Australia)


![Hoodia gordonii on rock](/assets/blog/hoodia-gordonii/hoodia-gordonii-on-rock.jpg)
*Hoodia gordonii on rock.*

Hoodia Gordonii is a succulent plant native to the Kalahari Desert of southern Africa. For centuries, indigenous San people have used this remarkable plant as a natural appetite suppressant during long hunting expeditions. The plant's ability to suppress hunger and thirst has made it a subject of interest in modern weight management research.




## Why it is called Hoodia Gordonii?

Hoodia Gordonii is named after the San people of South Africa, who have used the plant for centuries for its appetite-suppressing properties.

## The Appearance of Hoodia Gordonii

### Leaves

Hoodia Gordonii has thick, fleshy leaves that are typically green to grey-green in color.

### Flowers

![Hoodia gordonii in bloom](/assets/blog/hoodia-gordonii/hoodia-gordonii-flowers.jpg)
*Hoodia gordonii in bloom.*

The flowers are star-shaped and can be purple or brown, often resembling a corpse flower.

![Hoodia gordonii before bloom](/assets/blog/hoodia-gordonii/hoodia-gordonii-before-bloom.jpg)
*Hoodia gordonii is such a striking plant, even before it blooms—the OG Ozempic. (Just kidding! Please don’t eat my hoodias. Even though Google seems fixated on its hunger-quelling reputation, it’s best enjoyed for its beauty and fragrant flowers.)*

## How to Care for Hoodia Gordonii

### Light

Hoodia requires full sunlight for optimal growth.

### Watering

Hoodia can survive with minimal water but still requires some for healthy growth. Underwatering can lead to wilting and brown spots, while overwatering can cause root rot. Many people mistakenly overwater their plants, thinking they are not providing enough moisture.
To maintain a healthy plant, water only when the soil is completely dry, soaking the soil thoroughly and allowing it to dry out again before the next watering.

### Soil

Choosing the right soil for your Namib desert plant is essential—think of it like finding the perfect outfit for a special occasion! To ensure your plant thrives, use [a specialized succulent potting mix](https://amzn.to/41eL9rQ). It’s crafted with five natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to support strong root development and healthy growth.


### Temperature

Ideal temperatures range from 70°F to 100°F (21°C to 38°C).

### Humidity

Hoodia prefers low humidity environments.

### Fertilizing

When fertilizing hoodia, less is more. Over-fertilizing can make the plant leggy and weak. A small dose of NPK fertilizer in spring, around 5-10-5 with more phosphorus than nitrogen, is perfect for supporting healthy growth. Opt for a natural fertilizer for the best results.

### Pruning

Prune dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth.

### Repotting

Repot every few years or when the plant outgrows its container.

### Dormancy

Hoodia goes dormant in the winter; reduce watering during this time.

### Pests and Diseases

Watch for mealybugs and root rot; treat promptly if detected.

## Is Hoodia Gordonii Toxic to Pets?

Hoodia Gordonii is considered non-toxic to pets.

## How to Propagate Hoodia Gordonii

Propagation is typically done through cuttings or seeds.

## Where Can I Buy Hoodia Gordonii?

Hoodia can be purchased at specialty plant nurseries or online.


Kalahari Cactus 'Hoodia gordonii'


Are you looking for crochet succulent ideas? If so, you've come to the right place! 

If succulents have been hard to grow, you might be interested in these crochet succulent ideas.

In this article, we'll explore some creative crochet amigurumi succulent ideas.


## Kit: Beginner Crochet Patterns from Amazon

My first ever crochet pattern was [a succulent pattern from Amazon](https://amzn.to/4iorrjB). I was so excited to find a crochet pattern for a succulent that I could grow indoors.

![Succulent Crochet Pattern](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/amazon.jpg)
*[The kit I bought from Amazon](https://amzn.to/4iorrjB)*

This kit is a great way to get started with crochet succulents. It has two pamphlets: one for the basic crochet stitches and one for the succulent patterns. From the kit, I got to learn the basic crochet stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet, magic loop!

Check out my first succulent crochet pattern using this kit!

![My Work](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/amazon-my-work.jpg)
*My first succulent crochet pattern*

## Website: Planet June

[Planet June](https://www.planetjune.com/) is a crochet pattern shop that sells crochet patterns for amigurumi and other crochet projects. I found the crocheter June also has [patterns for succulents](https://www.planetjune.com/blog/succulent-collection-crochet-patterns/).

![Planet June](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/planetjune.png)

## Book: Crocheted Succulents

I also found a book called [Crocheted Succulents](https://amzn.to/4f2deWB). This book has 25 crochet patterns for succulents.

![Book: Crocheted Succulents](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/crocheted-succulent.jpg)
*The book*

![Small cactus leaf pattern from the book](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/small-leaf.jpg)
*A small cactus leaf pattern from the book*

## Kit: Woobles Crochet

Woobles Crochet is a crochet pattern shop that sells crochet patterns for amigurumi and other crochet projects. I love Woobles, because they are designed to be beginner-friendly. The yarns are high quality and easy to work with. They are also a little expensive.

They have [succulent patterns](https://thewoobles.com/products/prickle-your-fancy-bundle).

![Woobles](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/woobles.png)
*The Woobles shop*

## Conclusion

I hope you found this article helpful! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Also, if you have any crochet succulent ideas, please share them with me!

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