In a heartwarming twist of fate, Hazel Hoelper, a devoted fan of legendary Philadelphia DJ Jerry Blavat, recently embarked on a mission to nurture a prized seven-foot euphorbia succulent that once graced Blavat’s home. As fate would have it, Hazel’s journey began with a chance Instagram post during a concert by Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top.
The post announced that a thrift store in East Kensington was selling the aforementioned towering succulent, which had belonged to the late Jerry Blavat. Instantly recognizing the significance of the plant, Hazel, 22, wasted no time sending a direct message to secure her claim on this botanical treasure.
Hazel’s adoration for Jerry Blavat, affectionately known as the Geator, had deep roots dating back to her childhood when she first encountered his radio broadcasts. Despite her family’s jesting that she was the “single Jerry Blavat fan” amidst a clan of Ben Vaughn enthusiasts, Hazel’s passion for both the Geator and plants was undeniable. The prospect of owning a majestic cactus previously owned by her beloved DJ was simply irresistible.
George Mathes, the proprietor of Thunderbird Salvage, played a pivotal role in rescuing the substantial African milk tree plant during a furniture removal job at Jerry Blavat’s residence in Society Hill Towers. Thunderbird Salvage subsequently listed the plant on Instagram for $500, with the hope of finding someone who cherished cacti and appreciated the memory of Jerry Blavat. (Eagle-eyed commenters on the post quickly corrected the classification, noting that the plant was, in fact, a succulent and not a cactus.)
Several days after her offer of $350 was accepted, Hazel embarked on a journey to Thunderbird Salvage. With utmost care, she wrapped the plant in bubble wrap and a cheetah-print blanket, placed it in the bed of a pickup truck, and transported it to her home in Feasterville.
However, the succulent, affectionately christened “Jerry,” required some rejuvenation before it could fully settle into its new home. Repotting was the first order of business, as Jerry was ensconced in an inadequately drained pot, which had led to overwatering.
Euphorbia succulents are renowned for their drought tolerance, as Hazel, an environmental science graduate, explained. These low-maintenance plants thrive in environments with minimal watering, indirect or direct light, temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees, and well-drained soil in pots with proper drainage.
Hazel skillfully repotted Jerry in a blue-green terra-cotta pot filled with succulent mix soil, sandpaper, and volcanic glass for enhanced drainage. She plans to be judicious with watering, emphasizing that succulents require minimal hydration, usually every four to six months, depending on temperature conditions.
Detecting scale insects on Jerry, Hazel and her family promptly addressed the infestation by employing rubbing alcohol to remove the pests. While a bit of corking, a natural occurrence as cacti age or due to overwatering, was noticed, Hazel remains vigilant, confident in her ability to care for her cherished succulent.
With Jerry now situated in a room with 16-foot ceilings, basking in sunlight, Hazel revels in the presence of this botanical treasure. The plant, once appearing massive in Blavat’s apartment, still commands attention, requiring observers to look upward in admiration.
As Jerry adjusts to its new surroundings, a piece of the plant now resides with Matt Melnick, an employee of Thunderbird Salvage, at his South Philly home. During the plant’s transition, a fragment broke off, which Hazel encouraged Melnick to keep. She provided him with a brief tutorial on succulent care, earning his admiration for her botanical expertise.
While the outcome of this succulent endeavor remains uncertain, Hazel holds hope that the fragment will flourish into another remarkable Blavat plant, a testament to her passion for both Jerry Blavat and the world of succulents.
