FAQ's
GENERAL PLANT QUESTIONS
How do I unpack my new plant? By now, your box is open and hopefully you’ve been careful with a small knife. Sorry, but we can’t be responsible for plants cut in box opening.
How do I remove my new plant? Gently lift the plant from the box, keeping the plant upright. We pack our plants with TLC. In the event the shipping process was not kind, please let us know at happyvalleyplants.com/contactus.
Why doesn't my plant look like the picture in website? Plants are like people. No two are exactly the same. The website photos are merely a general visual guide to the particular species. While we strive for consistency in size and shape, your plant will have it's own unique characteristics, form and size.
How do I water my new plant? Our plants are shipped from Arizona, so it may have been a few days since the last drink of water. Give it a good soaking to refresh it.
When should I water? Stick your finger in the soil about an inch down. Water if it’s dry to the touch. Give enough water so that you see it come out of drain hole, just don’t let your plant ever sit in a tray of water, it could develop root rot. When in doubt, don’t water. Better for the plant to be a little dry than too wet.
What kind of water should I use? Room temperature water will keep your plants happy. Cold tap water can shock your plants. So we recommend refilling your watering can when you’re finished so it’s the perfect room temperature for the next time. If you live in an area that uses salt in a water softener, that could cause issues in time. If possible, collect rainwater or use filtered water.
How do I take care of my new plant? The internet is your friend. Know your species and do some research from reputable sources. We sell all sorts of plants and their care can be very different. For instance, agaves have totally different needs than citrus. So make sure you do a little online research to determine the most accurate care for your new growing friend.
When should I repot? Wait at least two weeks before transferring your new plant. This will give it time to acclimate to its new home.
AGAVE, CACTI & SUCCULENTS
Cacti, agave, and succulents are all types of desert plants that share some common care requirements due to their ability to store water in their leaves and stems. Here are some basic care instructions for these plants:
How much light should I give? Place these plants in a location with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. They thrive in well-lit areas but should be protected from intense, direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
When should I water? Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly but infrequently. When you water, do so deeply until water comes out of the drainage holes, then let the excess water drain away.
What kind of soil should I plant in? Use a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents. You can also amend regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
What type of container should I use? Choose containers with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
Can I plant my succulent, cacti or agave outside? Know your plant hardiness zone for your area and the zone requirements of your particular plant. In the USA, for example, agave and cacti can be found outside in all 50 states, but only a few species will survive colder weather.
What kind of temperatures inside? These plants generally prefer warm temperatures, but they can tolerate some fluctuations. Avoid exposing them to extreme cold or frost.
Do these plants require humidity? No. These plants prefer low humidity, which is typical of their desert habitat.
How often should I fertilize? During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize with a diluted, balanced, liquid fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.
Should I prune my succulent, cacti or agave? Remove any dead or damaged leaves by gently pulling them off at the base. This helps keep the plant healthy and prevents pests from finding a home in decaying parts.
How do keep pests and diseases away? Keep an eye out for signs of pests like mealybugs and scale insects. If you spot any, isolate the affected plant and treat it with an appropriate insecticide. Ensure good air circulation around your plants to prevent fungal diseases.
When should I repot my succulent, cacti or agave? Repot your cacti, agave, or succulents when they become root-bound or when the soil is old and depleted. This is typically done every couple of years.
CITRUS QUESTIONS
How do I plant my citrus outside?
Location & Weather. A sunny, wind-free southern exposure is best. Plan for the tree’s ultimate size by giving it ample room around. Avoid planting in lawns which receive frequent waterings. Use best judgment around walls - reflected heat can be beneficial in colder areas, but can produce sun scald in warmer climates. Know your USDA plant zone. If temperatures drop below 32 degrees, you’ll need to protect your citrus from frost bite with frost blankets.
Planting in the ground. Plant rootball high so that when finished it will be slightly above garden grade and upper roots are just below soil line. Provide a generous watering basin and fill it completely. Keep soil and lunch away from the base of the trunk. Water deeply weekly, more or less depending on your soil and climate conditions.
Drainage check. Dig a hole 30” deep and fill it with water. The next day, refill the hole with water. Drainage is good if water dros 2” in 2 hours. If it doesn’t, plant in a raised bed or container.
Fertilizing. Use a balanced citrus fertilizer with more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for amount and frequency. Either water soluble, granular or stakes. Yellow leaves can be a sign of lack of fertilizer or overly wet roots.
Pruning. Citrus trees are best pruned in early spring, before they blossom. Regularly prune to remove erratic growth or suckers and to achieve any desired shape. Pinching back tips of new growth will help trees round out.
How do I plant my citrus for an inside container?
Follow the guidance above for outdoor planting, with the following changes:
How do I pot my indoor citrus plant? Use a pot with numerous drainage holes. Never let plant sit in a tray of water. Upper roots should be just below the soil line. Use light, well-drained soil containing sand and/or vermiculite. Avoid dense potting mixes with moisture holding additives.
What kind of light does my citrus need indoors? The more the merrier! Southern exposure is best. Do not allow the leaves to touch the window, as they may burn. If your indoor citrus is not in a southern exposure, consider bringing in an additional grow lamp for lusher growth. Citrus in containers need more frequent fertilization since nutrients are washed away faster.
How often do I water? See the general guide above, but let the soil dry out a bit. Then give it a good soak.
Will my indoor citrus bare fruit? Without the bees to do the pollinating, you may have to help Mother Nature here. Us a cotton swap and gently rub the pollen tips from flower to flower, as a bee would travel from flower to flower.
