Lil Spacecake

Lil Spacecake Care Guide

Bright, indirect light is ideal for this succulent.

Ideal spot: Place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, such as near a south or west-facing window.
Direct sunlight: It can tolerate some direct sunlight but too much may cause its leaves to scorch, resulting in brown or black spots.
Low light: While it can survive in lower light conditions, it won’t thrive and may become leggy and sparse.

🌞 Tip: For the best growth and to maintain its compact form, ensure the plant gets a few hours of bright, indirect light each day.

Watering should be done thoroughly but infrequently.

When to water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Typically, water once every 2–3 weeks, but this can vary depending on the season and your home’s humidity.
How often: In the growing season (spring and summer), you may need to water more frequently, while in fall and winter, reduce watering.
Watering tips: Be cautious not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. Always ensure the pot has drainage holes to let excess water escape.

💧 Tip: It’s better to underwater than overwater this plant, as it is drought-tolerant and will survive through short dry periods.

Warm temperatures and dry air are ideal for this succulent.

Ideal temperature: 18–24°C (65–75°F) is perfect. It can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures but should be kept away from temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Cold temperatures: Avoid placing it in areas that drop below 10°C (50°F) as it can be sensitive to frost.
Humidity: It prefers dry air and does well in normal household humidity. Too much moisture in the air can lead to rot, so keep it in a dry spot.

🌬️ Extra tip: If you live in a very humid climate, ensure the plant has good airflow to prevent moisture buildup around the leaves.

Well-draining soil is essential for the Lil Spacecake.

Best mix: A cactus or succulent potting mix is perfect. You can also mix in perlite or sand to ensure better drainage.
Drainage: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which could lead to root rot.

Fertilising is minimal but can help promote growth during the growing season.

Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength (e.g., 10-10-10).
Feeding schedule: Fertilise once a month during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
Pause feeding in fall and winter when the plant goes dormant.

🌱 Tip: Be careful not to over-fertilise, as this can cause the plant’s roots to burn or the plant to grow too quickly and become leggy.

Repotting should be done when the plant becomes root-bound or every 1–2 years.

When to repot: Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. If the soil starts to break down and lose its draining ability, it’s time to repot.
Best time to repot: Spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Pot size: Choose a pot that’s just 1–2 inches larger than the current one. This helps prevent water from sitting in the soil and causing root rot.

The Lil Spacecake doesn’t require much pruning.

Pruning: Prune it to remove any damaged or dead leaves, and if you want to maintain a compact shape, trim back leggy growth.
Shaping: Pruning can also help the plant grow in a fuller, bushier form by encouraging side branching.

✂️ Tip: Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Propagation is easy and can be done through leaf cuttings or offsets.

Leaf cuttings: Take a healthy leaf cutting with a bit of stem attached.
Let it callous: Allow the cutting to dry for a day or two until the cut edge callouses over to prevent rot.
Planting: Once calloused, plant the cutting in a well-draining succulent mix.
Watering: Water sparingly until roots develop. Once the plant is established, treat it like a mature plant.

🌱 Tip: You can also propagate by separating any offsets that may form at the base of the plant.

Problem	Symptoms	Fix
Overwatering	Yellow or mushy leaves, root rot	Let the soil dry out between waterings, ensure proper drainage
Underwatering	Wrinkled, shriveled leaves	Water thoroughly, but ensure the soil is well-draining
Leggy growth	Sparse, stretched-out stems	Increase light exposure, trim back any long stems to encourage new growth
Pests (rare)	Small holes in leaves, insects on the plant	Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap

Sun exposure: Ensure your Lil Spacecake gets plenty of bright, indirect light for vibrant growth.
Watering: Always check the soil before watering. It’s better to wait until it’s completely dry than to risk overwatering.
Handling: The leaves of the Lil Spacecake are relatively thick and can handle a little neglect, but they’re still sensitive to overwatering. Be gentle when handling the plant to avoid breaking the leaves.