From chaos and sky-high prices to a stable industry

"Prices were quite low in 1998 but rose to abnormally high levels three or four years ago. With mass production in Shandong, Fujian and Yunnan provinces, the market for succulents gradually settled back to something like normal."

The development of the internet and transport has also facilitated the import of many kinds of succulents.

As the number of varieties in China flourished, Cheng and her colleagues began to organize exhibitions. They staged the first China International Cactuses and Succulents Exhibition in 2004, inviting experts from southern African countries and South Korea to give talks and lessons on growing.

The exhibition has been held every three or four years, the fifth one last year particularly impressing Cheng.

"I had never imagined Chinese succulents' planters would ever become so professional."

Cheng and her team used to prepare all the exhibits, but for last years' exhibition, people brought their own well-grown succulents, attracting China and foreign experts' attention as well as praise.

Amateurs also have their websites and WeChat groups, and those who can afford it undertake tours to southern African countries and the United States.