My Strange California Tree Succulent in Iowa.....

by Emily Schwake
(Ames, Iowa, USA)

Hello! Just a few weeks back I found this plant in a quaint little store in California and I just HAD to HAVE IT. There was only one problem... I live in Iowa.

So, I loaded it up with me on the plane and now this beauty rests near a window in my place that receives the afternoon sun only. The front is still flourishing, but I am worried because the back "leaves" (whatever they actually are; succulent petals perhaps) are starting to yellow and "sulk".

I honestly have no idea how to take care of this plant and I was wondering if you could identify it for me and shoot me some advice.

I've been watering it only once a week. I have transplanted it from its original pot to this larger pot using "cactus" soil and a thin layer if small gravel on top.

It has been COLD here in Iowa (like -10 degrees Fahrenheit) so I'm worried maybe it's too cold along the window, or not receiving enough sun light, or should I water it more/less... what do you think?

How do I care for this silly plant of which I am extremely attached? To be honest, my house is FULL of little succulents of many types everywhere, some are growing like crazy, and some haven't changed at all since I've gotten them months ago... maybe I just need some more education.