Saguaro Feliz: abril 2025

Here's who's selling what at the big biennial succulent convention (CSSA). Why you should go:

Top vendors will wow succulent enthusiasts from all over the world with perfectly grown, collectible plants and art pottery.
It's held in San Diego about once a decade. (Traveling? Here's what else to see in the area, succulently speaking.)
You needn't sign up for the convention to attend the sale. However, it IS the world’s preeminent cactus and succulent event for hobbyists of all levels!
It's OK to go to the sale and simply have a look. No need to buy.
The location is near downtown, the airport, and major freeways.
There's street parking. The hotel garage charges only $10/day.
You can ask Q's of celebrity experts and meet fellow aficionados, including yours truly. I'm going Saturday. If you're there too, you'd better say hello!

Above: In 2011, the last time the CSSA biennial convention met in San Diego, the Marriott Mission Valley enhanced its landscaping with colorful succulents. They liked them so much, they planted more.

Who's Selling What, When & Where

Location: Marriott Mission Valley, 8757 Rio San Diego Dr, (619) 692-3800. The sale's on the west lawn near the parking garage (there'll be signs). Volunteers are on hand to answer Qs, hold your purchases, and show where to load your car.

Sale Hours: Thurs April 24, 7:30 PM–10 PM (preview for convention attendees only); open to the public Fri-Sat April 25-26, 8 AM–6 PM; Sun April 27, 8 AM–3 PM.

Below: Renowned expert, grower, convention keynote speaker, and book author Steven Hammer likes to talk with his hands.

Among the two dozen vendors are...

Artisan Plants LLC (George Theodoris) -- Seed-grown haworthia hybrids.
Botanic Wonders (Al Klein, Anthony Neubauer) -- Caudiciforms and other "weird ones." See my YouTube video and the corresponding page of my site (includes plant gallery). The nursery is among those on tour.*
Fairview Plants (Josh Allen) -- Rare aloes, agaves, cycads. See my YouTube video and page with gallery.

Grow Margo (Rita Lunceford, above) -- Spiral cactus, Eulychnea castanea, Euphorbia abdelkuri, Aeonium 'Pink Witch'. SDCSS member Rita is the sales chair.
Hidden Agave (Jeremy Spath) -- Unusual agaves, variegates, crosses. Jeremy's an author, landscaper, hybridizer, nurseryman, and convention presenter. See my YouTube video (below) and page with gallery.

Kyle's Plants (Kyle Williams) -- Gymnos, mammillarias, copiapoa, parodia, etc.
LA Succulents (Kal Kaminer) -- Caudiciforms, astrophytums, lithops, more.
Pricker's (Rick Bjorklund) -- Rick is the delightful plant pro in my videos about Jodi's and Wanda's gardens (both on tour, as is Rick's*), and Palomar.
PW Plants (Peter Walkowiak) -- Euphorbias, cacti, rarities. Celebrity grower with countless show awards. See my video. Don't miss Peter's large adenias in bloom, on display. His nursery is among those on tour.*
Sphaeroid Institute (Steven Hammer, Oakes Austin) -- Lithops, conophytums, and other mesembs. See my YouTube video and corresponding page.