Cactus Gardens

Cacti are part of a larger group of plants called succulents and through time most cacti lost their leaves. Not having leaves is an advantage in the desert because spines don’t loose water to evaporation like leaves do. Furthermore, to protect themselves fro the hot desert sun many cacti types developed hair, spines, and waxy skin.

Types of Cacti: There are 2 basic categories of cactus:

• Sun – Desert Type Cacti
• Shade – Tropical Cacti

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Watering can be tricky because on the one hand cacti need water but they can also be over watered. Waterlogged soil can easily lead to rotting of the cactus roots. The cactus plant itself gives few clues that it is stressed for water (they are slow to show any stress on their systems until it’s too late).

A general rule is to water when the top few inches of soil is dry. This will change throughout the seasons as both heat and rain vary. Cacti need less water in the winter so provide just enough to keep the roots from drying out (this could end up being only once per month).

Most cacti prefer to live in normal soil conditions if a choice could be made. They are found many times monopolizing the desert scene because plants that might compete with them for space cannot survive the desert very well. In your own garden, cacti will do great in rich soil that is free draining because you are controlling the plants that would compete there. A good cactus soil mix for this type is mixing 2 parts peat based potting soil with 1 part coarse sand.

Temperatures – When temperatures are too hot or cold sun loving cacti will go dormant. When moving a cactus from the home to your garden do it slowly by first putting it in the shade. After a few weeks you can gradually move it into the direct sun as it adjust to a more direct sun.

Shade – Tropical Cacti:

This group of cacti would normally be found in more tropical areas of the world. They tend to thrive under conditions similar to other tropical plants. These cacti do not like intense sun but will grow very well under artificial lighting. Make sure they get approximately 12 hours of darkness in the winter months because this affects their flowering ability.

These shade loving cacti do not do into dormancy and will require more water throughout the year. In addition, they require more nutrients and should be fertilized more regularly than sun loving cacti. Shade Tropical type cacti tend to be less tolerant of temperature extremes and should be grown in well draining soils.

Planning & Site Location:

Soil that is porous is absolutely necessary so that surplus water can drain off easily but at the same time does not dry out too rapidly. The optimal place for your cactus garden is on a hill because you have extra drainage. Wherever you start your garden, plan for sun and well drained soil. The rest will be easy.

Digging & Constructing Cactus Garden:

The key thing here is to make sure your cacti will have proper drainage. If your garden is set on a hill this will be easier; if on flatter ground make sure the soil drains very well or your cacti will rot.

You should dig several inches into the soil to rid the site of weeds and give the cacti room to be planted. After digging you’ll put some kind of border around your garden like blocks, stones, or landscaping ties. This will hold your cactus soil which can be purchased or made of:

• 2 parts potting soil
• 2 parts sand
• 1 part gravel

After installing your border (up to 12 inches high), fill the entire area with your cacti soil mix.

Planting your Cacti:

First, find out which cacti can grow well in your region. Note: You’ll be able to have a cactus garden no mater where you live. If your temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit do this:

* During the warm weather season, plant your cacti in the ground still in their pots.

* When the weather gets cold lift your cacti out of the ground (pots and all) and bring them back inside until the seasons change again.

Maintaining your Cactus Garden:

Cactus are tough and resistant in the right conditions. If neglected or put into the wrong environment they will die just like any other plant or flower. One of the issues is that cacti will not show quick signs of stress like a plant that withers, leaves yellow and drop off. A cactus will look unaffected until it it’s sometimes too late.

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Additionally:

* Do not purchase cacti that have put on new growth while at the store because that growth never does well once transplanted to your garden.

* The ideal place to purchase a cactus is from a greenhouse whether it’s local or mail order. A greenhouse most mimics real conditions.

Pots & Containers:

The 2 basic types of pots are plastic or clay and they come in varying depths. Since most cacti have fibrous roots and do not require the full depth of a standard size pot. There is a chance that the deeper pots will retain too much water and be damaging to the cactus roots. Shallower pots like the one used for bonsai are perfect.

Recommended indoor potted cacti:

• Rebutia
• Euphorbia
• Prickly Pear
• Astrophytum
• Cheiridopsis
• Rose Pincushion
• Aloe Bellatula

Pest & Disease: Various problems may occur for your cacti including:

• Scale Insects
• Mealy Bugs
• Root Mealy Bugs
• Molds or rot (too much water)

There are insecticides and fungicides that can be used to control these if they occur.

Various Types of Cactus:

• Barrel Cactus
• Cholla Cactus
• Christmas Cactus
• Hedgehog Cactus
• Hybrid Cactus
• Mystery Cactus
• Night Blooming Cactus
• Pincushion Cactus
• Prickly Pear Cactus
• Saguaro Cactus
• Sunrise Cactus