Growing cacti and other succulent plants can be an addictive pastime! Cacti are collectible and, like many of their succulent counterparts, are ideal for sunny windowsills.
Cacti are associated with deserts, and many thrive in Central and South America. Others come from as far north as Canada, and many are even native to the rainforests. Like Bromeliads, many cacti are epiphytes, and the forest-dwelling species grow over forest trees. Desert-dwelling cacti can survive for really long periods without rainfall. They get their moisture from dew or mist and store nutrients and moisture in their tissues.
The word "succulent" means "juicy." Succulent plants have leaves or stems filled with juices, stored water, and nutrients that support growth. These leaves enable the plant to withstand harsh conditions worldwide. Usually, these leaves have a glossy or leathery appearance, and the texture helps protect them from excessive moisture loss.
Storing moisture the way they do is what defines cacti as succulents. What makes a cactus a cactus is that they grow growths known as areoles. These are cushioned growing points that are technically compressed branches. Spines, "wool" flowers, and offsets grow from the areoles. Many succulents resemble cacti in every way, except that they do not grow spines. This is what makes a succulent a succulent and not a cactus. The plants do not have leaves in all but one genus of cacti, the Pereskia.
Cacti bodies are usually spherical or cylindrical. Opuntias have round, segmented stems, while Epiphyllums have stems resembling strap-shaped leaves. Many cacti have prominent spines, barbs, or bristles, and some have woolly hair. All cacti have spines. Even though they might be so small, they are insignificant. It is not always appreciated that all cacti flowers bloom regularly when well cared for.
Cacti and Succulents in the Home
Many succulent plants can be grown in your home, some of which are among the easiest plants to care for. They are great plants for beginners, but, as with any gardening or houseplant growing, you must know what you are doing and what you are dealing with to grow them well.
Cacti and succulents make a great display, from the beautiful Nopalxochia ackermannii (Disocactus ackermannii) and the large flowers of the Epiphyllums (Orchid Cactus) to the weird and wonderful Astrophytum asterias (Sea Urchin Cactus) or the hairy Cephalocereus senilis (Old Man Cactus). Unfortunately, these plants are not cultivated more often. They are undemanding and will withstand most maltreatment except for overindulgence. Overindulgence results in plants sitting around, dusty on people's windowsills, or mushy and rotting from overwatering. They also need bright light, fresh air, and a cool, dry winter rest.
Forest cacti tend to trail and have large flowers. This makes them perfect for individual displays in hanging baskets. The desert types have interesting shapes and textures and can be highlighted in a grouped display. Planting a group of succulents or cacti in a single larger bowl is highly effective. Larger plants, such as Aloes and Agaves, look best in their own pots.
Any large shallow pot can be used as an excellent pot for a cactus or succulent garden. Select plants of the same size with similar care requirements. These plants require ample light, so ensure your chosen container is placed near a window. A layer of fine grit on top of the compost provides an attractive yet dry surface for the cacti in the pot. You can place clean pebbles between the plants to increase the desert effect.
Some cacti look attractive in little pots all in a row. For example, mutant cultivars of Gymnocalycium mihanovichii are valuable in this regard because they have different-colored heads.
Caring for Cacti and Succulents
Most succulents and cacti require ample light. They are suitable for the sunniest spots in your home. If you install shelves by a sunny window, you will provide them with what they love. You want to be sure to turn the plants regularly to ensure all sides receive equal sunlight.
Every garden center offers a great selection of cacti and succulents you can grow at home. Like the forest-growing Schlumbergera x buckleyi (Christmas Cactus), some cacti are sold as seasonal or gift plants in department stores. It is best to buy cacti already in flower, as it takes years for this to occur. You should check them over and ensure they are sound, with no signs of rot, shriveling, or dry areas. They should be just the right size for their pot, and you should make sure that they are not exposed to drafts when you get them home.
If you purchase desert cacti, ensure they are planted in well-drained compost. They should be well watered with tepid water in spring and summer. However, the compost should be allowed to dry almost entirely in the winter months, especially if it is cool. This enables cacti to enter dormancy.
During periods of active growth, cacti should be fed about once every three weeks. You can use well-diluted tomato fertilizer for this purpose. Also, desert cacti like temperatures of 50ºF to 55ºF (10ºC to 13ºC) in the winter. You only need to repot desert cacti when the roots fill the pot.
Forest cacti are very different. They usually have beautiful hanging flowers that grow from the tips of segmented stems. These stems look like chains of fleshy leaves. They grow this way because they have been trained to grow over trees. They are used to shade, but they do need some bright light. They need lime-free, well-drained compost and should be misted with tepid, soft water. They can be kept at 50ºF to 55ºF (10ºC to 13ºC). Water them moderately, feed them weekly with a weak fertilizer after winter, and place them in a room with higher temperatures.
There are 50 or more plant families that can be considered succulents. They should be watered freely in the summer, but only when their compost becomes dry. In winter, they tolerate temperatures around 50°F (10 °C). You should fertilize with a well-diluted fertilizer every few weeks in summer, and they prefer fresh air rather than humidity.
Desert cacti, forest cacti, and succulents can all be grown together. They make stunning displays for your houseplant collection. They do not take much care, but you still need to know what they like and need.
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus