Mountain Crest Gardens is a leading online nursery, widely recognized for its extensive collection of succulents. It provides a convenient way for plant enthusiasts to acquire a diverse range of these unique plants, serving a broad customer base.
Exploring Their Plant Selection
Mountain Crest Gardens specializes in a wide array of succulent varieties, catering to both novice and experienced collectors. Their offerings include popular genera such as Echeveria, known for their rosette shapes and vibrant colors, and various Sedum species, which often feature trailing or mounding habits. Sempervivum, commonly called “hens and chicks,” are also prominently featured, recognized for their hardiness and ability to produce numerous offsets. Crassula, encompassing a range of forms from small, delicate plants to larger, tree-like specimens like jade plants, further diversifies their selection.
Beyond live plants, Mountain Crest Gardens provides related products that support successful succulent cultivation. These include specialized growing supplies like appropriate soil mixes and fertilizers, which are formulated to meet the specific needs of succulents. They also offer various gardening tools designed for handling and maintaining these plants, along with decorative items such as pots and planters.
Why Choose Mountain Crest Gardens
Customers frequently choose Mountain Crest Gardens due to the consistent quality and health of their plants. Many reviews highlight that plants arrive in excellent condition, indicating careful cultivation. This focus on plant vitality helps ensure that new additions thrive in their new environments.
The company also demonstrates a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Their customer service receives positive feedback, with many appreciating the responsiveness and helpfulness when issues arise. This dedication to support, coupled with competitive pricing and a wide selection, contributes to a positive purchasing experience. As a family-owned business, Mountain Crest Gardens often garners appreciation for its personalized approach.
Ordering and Delivery
The online ordering process at Mountain Crest Gardens allows customers to easily browse and add plants and supplies to their cart. Once an order is placed, the nursery typically ships on Mondays and Tuesdays to prevent plants from sitting in transit over weekends. Expedited shipping options can facilitate quicker delivery, generally within three business days, while standard free shipping usually takes up to five business days.
Mountain Crest Gardens employs careful packaging techniques to ensure plants arrive safely. Plants are often protected with recyclable crinkle paper and packing peanuts, and fragile foliage may receive additional wrapping. Individual succulents are commonly shipped fully rooted in 2-inch plastic pots, with plants prepared on the drier side to minimize the risk of rot during transit. The company offers a 30-day quality guarantee, allowing customers to request replacements or refunds for plants broken or dead upon arrival, with photo evidence.
Caring for Your New Succulents
Upon receiving new succulents, providing appropriate light is important for their health. Most succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, ideally receiving at least six hours of light daily. A south-facing window often provides suitable conditions indoors, but intense afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, where plants stretch and become leggy as they search for more light, often with faded colors.
Correct watering is a key factor for succulent survival. The “soak and dry” method is widely recommended: thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to yellowing, soft leaves, and potential root rot. Conversely, underwatering can cause leaves to shrivel.
Proper soil drainage is also important for succulents. They require a well-draining soil mix, typically a specialized succulent or cactus blend, which often includes components like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to enhance aeration and prevent waterlogging. Standard potting soil retains too much moisture and can be detrimental. Succulents generally prefer temperate climates, with ideal temperatures ranging between 60°F and 80°F. Protecting them from frost and extreme heat helps maintain their vitality.