FAQ's
GENERAL PLANT QUESTIONS
What to do When Plants Arrive? Carefully open your package of plants as soon as they arrive. If using a knife, be careful! We can’t be responsible for plants cut or damaged while opening the box. Gently lift the plants from the box, making sure to keep the plants upright. Next, carefully remove all the packing material. NOTE: many of our plants have sharp spines or thorns, use gloves, kitchen tongs or similar to help handle potentially spiny plants.
For potted green, leafy plants, place the pot in a tray, saucer or sink filled with 1-2in. of cool fresh water for 1-3 hrs. not to exceed 24hrs. Do this in a shaded location, not in full sun. Remove any damaged or broken stems at this time. If, after soaking for several hrs., the tips or leaves still show signs of wilt, discoloring or damage, cut the plant back by 1/2. This action will allow the plant to recover more quickly with less stress long-term.
For cuttings stand them upright, cut side down in a protected location. The box they arrived in works well. NOTE: We take cacti/succulent cuttings to order, so allow cuttings to scab over for 5-7 more days after they arrive, before potting or planting.
After plants are unpacked if you have any concerns or questions regarding their condition, please contact us asap. You can email photos and notes to us directly: happyvalleyplants@gmail.com, or simply use the Contact Us page on our website.
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 soon can I plant? Our plants are nursery grown in Arizona under ideal conditions, but shipping live plants can be stressful. Allow your plants to harden off or acclimate to their new location for 7-10 days prior to planting. Potted, leafy plants should be kept in filtered sun, up off the ground and away from strong wind. Keep plants adequately watered. For any bare root Agaves or cacti, they can be kept upright in a shallow, empty bowl or pot during their hardening off period. Some savvy gardeners will set their plants in the desired planting location about halfway through this hardening off period. It is beneficial to drape a piece of 50% shade cloth or burlap over plants that go into full sun, especially during spring or summer in hot climates, at least until they get rooted in. Even droubt-tolerant plants can sunburn!
After planting, how often should I water? Check the soil about an inch down. If it’s dry to the touch you should water. For plants in pots, apply enough water so that it comes out of the drain hole, just don’t let your plant ever sit in a tray of water, this can cause root rot. When in doubt, don’t water. Better for the plant to be a little dry than too wet.
Watering cont. - In Ground. Water plants thoroughly after planting. Plants need enough water to allow them to grow well, but how much to water depends on several factors such as soil composition, drainage, temperature, humidity, sunlight, wind, etc. Generally, Agaves, cacti, yuccas, and succulents, use more water during growth periods in spring through summer. Excess moisture in the root zone of these types of plants can cause root rot issues. Cold or hot water on the leaves can also cause damage. A good guideline is to check the water needs by feeling the soil once every 7-14 days. For green, leafy plants water every other day for the first 2 weeks, then every 3rd day for the next 2 weeks, every 4th day the next 2 weeks, and so on. This provides them the water thy need while growing new roots and becoming established but slowly weans them off. It takes about 6-8 weeks for new roots to start growing.
How do I take care of my new plant? Know the plant species and do some research from reputable sources prior to your purchase. Remember, WE are your best source of trustworthy information. If you have questions, email us. We are HAPPY to provide you with valuable advice, suggestions and gardening tips.
Don't forget to read all our Plant Care Blogs. And remember, there are no foolish questions, its only foolish to not ask!
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 do they need? Most of our Agaves, cacti, succulents and yucca plants prefer a location with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. They thrive in well-lit areas but should be protected from intense UV & direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day and during their establishment period.
How often to water? See additional notes on watering above. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly but infrequently. For containerized plants, when you water, apply water slowly & deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes, allowing the excess water drain away.
What kind of soil should I use? Use a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents. Look for our Premium Potting Soil - 1 Gallon Bag. It is perfectly blended for plant health and success. You can also amend regular potting soil with pumice, cinders, or perlite to help improve drainage. TIP: Always pre-moisten potting soil prior to planting for better soil-to-root contact and hydration.
What about in-ground planting? Achieve well-drained soil by amending native soils with appropriate materials such as cinders, perlite or pumice stone. For amending clay soils, use organic materials like peat moss, aged manure, or loose compost. Counterintuitively, avoid sand, pea gravel or rocks as these mixed with clay can create adobe, or a cement-like material that can make soil problems worse for Agaves, cacti, yuccas and succulents. Adobe is good for building bricks, but not for growing plants in. Know your USDA hardiness zone, and what plants will work well for you their. If you are not sure or have questions, please email us.
What type of container should I use? Choose containers with good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the roots. NEVER add rocks, or gravel at the bottom of you container, ONLY premium potting mix should be used. Pots made from terra-cotta or wood or plastic resin work well due to their breathable material. Glazed ceramic or metal are popular but typically hold moisture too long, can heat up the soil and provide lower gas exchange rates for the roots.
What kind of temperatures inside? Most of these plants generally prefer warm temperatures, but they can tolerate some fluctuations. Avoid exposing them to heavy drafts, extreme cold or frost. Read each plant description carefully prior to ordering, and if you are still unsure, just send us an email. We're happy to help.
Do these plants require humidity? No. Generally, these plants prefer low humidity, which is typical of their preferred habitats.
How often should I fertilize? Generally, Agaves, cacti, yucca, and succulents do not require much fertilization as long as the proper soil preparations were done. Fertilizing can be done to help cure any nutrient deficiency symptoms though, and this should be done during the growing season (spring and summer). Fertilize with a diluted, balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents. Typically, these are lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium. NOTE: Always read & 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 plant 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. Plant in the proper amount of sunlight, and ensure good air circulation around your plants to help prevent fungal diseases. Planting Agaves and cacti with a layer of pure pumice, perlite, or ground cinders between the plant and the soil is a good example of a simple fungal disease prevention measure anyone can do. Also, avoid getting the foliage, crown, or flesh wet.
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 1-2 years. When up-potting, the recommended guideline is to choose a container that is no more than 2 inches larger diameter than the original pot. TIP: Small root balls in large volumes of soil cause excess moisture issues and are typically problematic for Agaves, cacti, and many succulents.
CITRUS QUESTIONS
Can I Plant Citrus Trees Outside? Yes. In USDA zones 8, 9, 10-11, Citrus can be planted outdoors. In colder zones plant in containers for indoor/outdoor.
Location & Weather? A sunny, southern exposure is best. Plan for the tree’s ultimate size by giving it ample room. Avoid planting in lawns which receive frequent but shallow waterings. Use best judgment around walls - reflected heat can be beneficial in colder areas, but can produce summer sun scalding. Know your USDA plant zone. If forecasted temperatures are to dip below 32°F protect citrus from frost. Cover with a frost blanket, burlap or linen sheet.
Planting in the ground? Plant the root ball high so that when finished the top of the root ball is even with the natural soil grade, with all the top roots are covered by soil. Provide a generous watering basin and fill it completely. Keep the soil and mulch away from the base of the trunk. Water deeply about once per week, and adjust watering schedule depending on the location, soil and climate conditions as the tree matures.
Should I Check the Drainage? Yes. You can check the drainage of your soil by using this simple test: Dig a hole 30in. deep and fill it with water. The next day, refill the hole with water. Drainage is adequate for citrus if the water drops 2in. in 2 hours time. If it doesn’t, plant your tree in a raised bed or container.
Fertilizing? Use a complete citrus specific fertilizer. Generally, a NPK ratio of 6-3-3 for an organic type fertilizer is good. For a synthetic fertilizer look for a 13-10-4. The P & K should not exceed the percentage of N. Follow the manufacturers' recommended label instructions for amount and frequency.
Pruning? Citrus trees are best pruned from late winter to early spring, before they blossom. Regularly prune to remove erratic growth, dead wood or suckers, and to achieve a healthy, open canopy. Air and sunlight penetration are beneficial to good fruit production. For trees with a lifted canopy, white-washing the trunk helps reduce the risk of sunburnt bark and tree stress.
How do I pot my indoor citrus plant? Use a pot with numerous drainage holes. Upper roots should be just below the soil line. Use light, well-drained premium potting soil.. Avoid dense potting mixes with moisture holding additives.
What type of light does my citrus need indoors? Citrus trees require bright, direct light. Near your brightest window with trees receiving at least 6 hrs. of sun. Do not allow the leaves to touch the window, as they may burn. For darker spaces, utilize additional LED grow lights. Citrus trees grown in containers need more frequent fertilization since nutrients are washed through faster.
How often do I water? See the general guide above. Allow the soil dry out some before watering again. Ensure that enough water leaches through the root ball every time you water. Do this in a sink, tub or outside if the weather is conducive to it. Otherwise, use a large enough tray to catch the excess water, then empty that tray after the water drains.
Will my indoor citrus bare fruit? Without the bees or wind to help do the pollinating, you can transfer pollen by hand. Use a cotton swab, small soft craft paintbrush to gently dab the pollen from one flower to another flower. You can also pinch off one blossom and dab the face of that flower to the other flowers on the tree. NOTE: Mature trees produce more flowers than the number of eventual fruit, so blossom drop is normal. Immature trees usually drop all their blossoms. Sexual maturity happens gradually, with most trees producing only one to two fruits initially. As the tree becomes older and stronger year to year, they will set and hold more fruits to harvest.
Do You Have a Guarantee? Yes. Your satisfaction is important to us; therefore, we carefully choose, wrap and package our plants with care and consideration for their safe arrival. If there are any issues with the live plants you receive, please contact us right away (within 72hrs.) and we will do what we can to make it right.
Understand that live plants, just like produce, are perishable and should be handled appropriately after they are received. Printed instructions may have been included in the box. If not, we have provided detailed plant care, handling and planting instructions for you on our website. You will find these instructions under the Plant Care Blogs OR this FAQ's section. If you do not find the information you are looking for or need, just send us an email. We are always happy to help you.
A one-time refund or discount may be issued for plant items that fail to grow, provided that they have been properly planting and cared for. We must be notified within 90-days of receipt of the item. Only full-priced items are guaranteed. Any refund or discount is limited to the original cost of the item in question and never above that amount. Plants that fail to grow due to weather, neglect, disease or pest damage or other conditions beyond our control are not covered by this guarantee. We reserve the right to request photos of the plant or products in question or the potential return of any product deemed unsatisfactory, prior to approving any monetary adjustments. Shipping charges are never refundable.
Sidelines / Hard Goods Guarantee? Yes. Garden supplies are satisfaction guaranteed against materials and workmanship defects and may be returned for a replacement or refund within 30-days of receipt of the item/s. Shipping charges are not refundable.
Horticultural Help? If you need help or horticultural advice, please don't hesitate to contact us as soon as issues arise. Also, check out all our blogs and you may find the answers you are looking for. We are happy to provide suggestions, support and assistance to help you, help your plants/s. Remember, we are gardeners first, and have a breadth of knowledge and experience with all the plants we sell. Email us info and photos of your plant or garden problems at: happyvalleyplants@gmail.com
