where to buy baby toes plant finding the best source

Where to Buy a Baby Toes Plant Finding the Best Source

The adorably named baby toes plant, also known by its botanical name Fenestraria rhopalophylla, has become an increasingly popular houseplant and succulent garden addition. With their plump little leaf tips, these compact plants are perfect for beginners and plant parents who want unique greenery without fussy care. But where is the best place to buy a healthy baby toes plant? Here we will explore your options and provide tips for finding the ideal source.

Why Are Baby Toes Plants So Popular?

Native to the hot, arid regions of South Africa, baby toes plants have adapted to store water in their leaves and stems like most succulents. Their nickname comes from their stubby leaves stacked in pairs that resemble tiny baby toes. These petite plants stay under 3 inches tall, making them perfect as desk plants or mixed succulent containers.

In addition to being cute and compact, baby toes are also:

• Pet friendly – Non-toxic for cats and dogs if ingested

• Low maintenance – Only need water every 2-3 weeks

• Hard to kill – Tolerate neglect and bounces back easily

• Fun to watch – Leaf windows open and close with watering

• Unique look – Chubby leaves unlike any other succulent

It’s no wonder these little succulents have become so popular among plant collectors and beginners alike! Now let’s look at the best places to find your perfect plant.

Where to Buy a Baby Toes Plant

Baby toes plants have become widely available both online and in-person. Here are some of the best places to buy a healthy, vibrant baby toes succulent:

Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

Visiting your local independent nurseries is a great option to pick the exact plant and pot you want. Inspect it closely for any signs of pests, disease, or damage. Local stores often carry more uncommon varieties beyond the typical green.

Big Box Stores

Major chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s have increased their houseplant selections enormously. Look for plump leaves without signs of dehydration or crowding. Avoid any sitting in waterlogged soil.

Online Succulent Nurseries

Ordering online allows access to boutique growers with rare varieties. Reputable sellers like Mountain Crest Gardens package plants with care to avoid damage in transit. Look for vendors with strong guarantees.

Etsy Succulent Sellers

In addition to finished plants, Etsy offers baby toes seeds, cuttings, and starters to grow your own. Read reviews and check policies carefully when purchasing unrooted plants.

Subscription Boxes

Companies like Succulent Studios offer monthly subscriptions that deliver varieties like baby toes right to your door conveniently. This allows you to try more unusual types without leaving home.

Local Succulent Society Sales

Connecting with local succulent clubs and societies provides chances to buy plants and cuttings at great prices. These events often have the most unique varieties you won’t find anywhere else!

Each of these options has different benefits and considerations. Take into account things like price, specific variety, size, guarantees, and convenience when deciding where to make your baby toes purchase.

What to Look for When Buying a Baby Toes Plant

To ensure you end up with a healthy, thriving baby toes for your collection, keep an eye out for these signs of quality when buying:

• Compact growth under 3 inches tall

• Plump, firm finger-like leaves

• No signs of pests like webs, eggs, or bugs

• Leaves are clear without blemishes or scars

• Root system looks white and healthy

• Soil should be dry but plant looks hydrated

• Container has drainage holes

• No evidence of dead or dying foliage

Avoid plants that are rootbound, etiolated (stretched from insufficient sunlight), or sitting in wet soil. Also beware of signs ofcommon baby toes problems like:

• Yellow, wrinkled leaves (under-watered)

• Mushy translucent leaves (overwatered)

• White crusty coating on leaves (mealies or powdery mildew)

Your baby toes should look vibrant, compact, and healthy upon arrival. Don’t hesitate to contact the seller with any concerns about the condition of your plant.

Caring for Your New Baby Toes Plant

Once you’ve selected and brought home your new baby toes, be sure to get it off to the right start with proper care. Here are some tips for transitioning your new plant:

• Repot in fast-draining succulent/cactus soil if needed. Avoid regular potting mix.

• Select a container with drainage holes only 1-2 inches larger than the root ball.

• Slowly acclimate to increased sunlight over 7-14 days if needed to avoid sunburn.

• Let dry 5-7 days before initial watering to allow any roots damaged during transit to heal.

• Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom when soil is completely dry.

• Pour water directly into the soil around the base, avoiding wetting the leaves.

Follow these simple tips and your new baby toes will quickly settle in to thrive in its new home. Pay close attention in the first few weeks after repotting to ensure the watering needs are being properly met in your conditions. With the right care, your baby toes will soon be showing off cute, plump leaf tips.

Choosing the Right Variety of Baby Toes

While the typical baby toes plant has green leaves, there are a surprising number of different varieties available with unique colors and shapes. Consider choosing one of these special types for your collection:

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Red Tips’ – Leaves fade from deep burgundy to green.

Fenestraria aurantiaca – Rounder leaves with coppery orange and red tones.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Cristata’ – Leaves grow together into cresting waves.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Nana’ – Dwarf variety under an inch tall.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Bronze’ – Deep red-brown leaves with bright green tips.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Argenteo Marginata’ – Green leaves with thin white edges.

The most common is the plain green type, but branching out and trying a more unique variety can be fun. Be aware variegated and crested types sometimes require a bit more sunlight to maintain their coloring.

Troubleshooting Common Baby Toes Problems

Even if you select a perfect specimen, baby toes can occasionally develop issues, especially when getting established. Here’s how to tackle the most common baby toes problems:

• Wrinkled leaves – Increase watering frequency and quantity.

• Soft black leaves – Reduce watering and check roots for rot.

• Yellow lower leaves – Usually normal growth, but can indicate overwatering.

• White crusty coating – Use cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove mealybugs. Treat powdery mildew with antifungal spray.

• Stretched out growth – Slowly transition to brighter light over 7-14 days.

Catch problems early and adjust care accordingly if your plant shows these or other signs of distress. With the right troubleshooting and care regimen, your baby toes will thrive.

Caring for Baby Toes Plants Long-Term

While baby toes succulents are pretty hands-off plants, providing consistent proper care is important to keep them looking their best long-term. Follow these expert care tips:

• Water thoroughly only when soil is completely dry.

• Provide bright, indirect sunlight for best growth.

• Use fast-draining cactus/succulent potting mix.

• Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

• Prune any dead or dying leaves promptly.

• Repot every 2-3 years in spring as needed.

• Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with diluted balanced fertilizer.

• Keep away from pets as the leaves can cause GI upset if eaten.

Stick to these basic care guidelines and your baby toes will stay compact and adorable for years to come. Avoid overwatering and let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

The Perfect Addition to Any Collection

With their cute, stubby leaves, baby toes plants are perfect for anyone looking for a compact succulent that makes a statement. Their easygoing nature also makes them ideal for beginners just starting out with houseplants and gardening. We’ve covered where to find the ideal baby toes plant for your collection along with tips for selecting a healthy specimen and providing proper care.

Check local nurseries, big box stores, online sellers, and specialty succulent nurseries to have the best chance of finding both common and rare varieties. Look for signs of health like firm, plump leaves and avoid anything with pests, disease, or sitting in wet soil. Acclimate and troubleshoot promptly if any problems arise. By following the advice in this article, you’re sure to find the perfect baby toes plant to round out your succulent collection!