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Succulents • Cacti • Cactaceae
Over 2000 known species of Cactaceae have evolved in the arid regions of the Americas from Canada to Chili, and also in Africa. Moisture is at a premium in these hot and dry regions and the plants survived by adapting with thicker leaves and larger stems. These changes enable them to store greater amounts of water during periods of drought.
These succulents make excellent house, patio and landscape plants grown in well drained soil. The soil requirements are simple - mostly coarse sand and screened compost. When grown in containers, use clay pots which allow moisture to seep out the sides and quickly dry the soil. Use shallow saucers under your pots. Standing water can cause root rot.
Watering: The soil should dry out before adding water.
Fertilize with diluted fish emulsion. Add water at twice the amount recommended and apply twice as often as directed on the label. Blood Meal is also helpful.
Full sun is required for photosynthesis. Semi-shade can be tolerated during the hot summer season.
In colder climates succulents winter well in cool, protected areas in temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees. Water less during this period. Bud set and blossoms are more plentiful if wintered in this manner.
Propagate with stem cuttings during their active growth periods.
In arid climates like our Southwest, first check the surrounding landscape for the best adapted plants for your area.
Some of the most popular succulent families are: Euphorbia, Fig-marigold, Lily, Milkweed, Spurge, Stonecrop.
Common names of some favorites are: bird's-nest, Christmas cactus, donkey's tail, drunkard's dream, golden star, living rock, powder puff, string-of-beads.
 Several different types can be intermixed in a garden area or in containers using similar or contrasting colors. The unusual shapes, growth patterns and colors offer a varied palette for artistic experimentation.
Note:
The common names of these plants are many and sometimes odd and amusing which makes succulents even more interesting.
If you are already a collector the beauty and rare shapes are familiar to you. Those of you who are just starting your plant collections, we suggest more research is in order.
One very important tip for the cactus gardener: wear protective gloves when handling the spine varieties. |
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