Because there
are so many succulents and cactus, you should know something about
them before you shop for plants.
Study photographs
and information in books and online, then decide which plants
you want.
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS:
Good light
is essential for the best growth of succulents and cactus; therefore
it is wise to select plants according to your window space and
available natural light. Choose those kinds that can be expected
to succeed in the environments you can provide. Although optimum
conditions are always desirable, some plants will adjust to less-than-favorable
environments. In such situations your plants will not grow as
well or bloom as profusely as you might like, but they will survive.
Light affects the color of foliage and the formation of flower
buds. In sun, leaves have strong color and there is abundant bloom;
in dimmer light, plants are somewhat less colorful and flowering
may be sparse, if at all. Turn potted plants occasionally so that
light reaches all parts of the foliage evenly. The exception to
this is plants that are ready to bloom: Do not move them, as the
change in light can cause buds to drop. Jungle cacti, such as
the Christmas cactus or Epiphytic cacti, don't need quite as much
sun. They are accustomed to growing under trees or in tree canopies.
If cactus or succulent's new growth looks spindly, thin, or misshapen,
then it most definitely needs more light.
PLANTING OR REPOTTING:
Planting or
replanting a cactus need not be the hazardous task that the spines
suggest it might be. A folded newspaper works very nicely; with
this you can completely encircle the plant and lift it by holding
the folded paper ends, or you may find it easier to grasp the
plant with the folded paper between the plant and your hand. Heavy
work gloves will allow you to handle most kinds gently without
the spines penetrating to your hands. Kitchen tongs, too, can
be especially helpful; those which hinge at the center and are
operated like scissors are best. A newspaper "chute"or
large, narrow funnel is the simplest convenience for filling soil
in around the roots of a cactus you are repotting.
PROPAGATING:
It's easy
to propagate your favorite succulents and cacti; they are often
so prolific with offspring that in a short time you may find yourself
with a wonderful abundance. Even though you can buy nursery stock,
there is something satisfying about propagating your own plants.
Often rare or difficult species are nearly impossible to find,
so multiplying your choice plants becomes the simplest if not
the only means to obtain more of the same varieties. There is
little cost in propagating your own plants, and you do not need
special equipment. You can grow succulents and cactus from seed,
start them from cuttings, or graft them. Each method has different
advantages. Sowing seed is inexpensive and you get many plants.
The stock is generally clean and free of pests, and with certain
varieties the only way to be sure of having the true form is to
raise plants from seed. Taking cuttings for new plants is perhaps
the easiest and most popular method of propagation. There is no
waiting for months (or even years) for growth and bloom; some
species from cuttings make blooming- size plants in a few months.
Grafting plants is an exciting adventure in which you bring together
two plants to grow as one. Start seeds in spring or very early
summer so they will have a chance to grow before cold weather
starts.
PESTS:
It is a good
idea to check the plant for mealybugs and scales from time to
time. These tend to lurk in hard to see places, such as in the
rosette, around the base of the leaves, or on the underside of
the foliage. A cotton swap dipped in rubbing alcohol and carefully
applied to the mealybugs helps counter these. The best way to
prevent them is with proper air circulation / ventilation.
Neem oil is
a good product to use against pests; it is not man-made and doesn't
harm the environment. ('In India, the tree it comes from is variously
known as "Sacred Tree," "Heal All," "Nature's
Drugstore," "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea
for all diseases." Products made from neem tree have been
used in India for over two millennia for their medicinal properties:
Neem products have been observed to be anthelmintic, antifungal,
antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative.
Neem products are also used in selectively controlling pests in
plants. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic and Unani
medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease' - from
Wikipedia)
GROWTH AND DORMANCY:
Some cacti
/ succulents / bulbs 'shut down' during dormancy and appear dead.
The vines or leaves drop off or they stop growing. No need to
despair. Some are winter growers and some have other growth cycles.
Read as much as you can about your plant selection and water accordingly.
Most dormant plants need little to no water during dormancy. If
you succumb to the impulse to water them you may end up destroying
them. Err on the side of not watering.
WATERING:
Read up on
the requirements of your cacti / succulents and exotics. A good
idea is to create sections in your grow area grouping those that
require more water to those that require less. Good water is slightly
acidic. A steady diet of alkaline water causes cacti / succulents
/ etc. not to grow nearly as well. It is in fact detrimental to
their health in the long run. Rainwater is a good thing for plants;
if possible collect rainwater and save for watering. All plants
can be watered from above; in nature rain falls from above (even
in the desert). Avoid "blasting" tender seedlings but
rather mist with a spray bottle.
SOIL:
A good soil
contains a mix of standard 'cactus soil' along with perlite, gravel,
broken pot pieces and other well-draining materials. Pummice in
greater amounts (less soil mix) is perfect for most. Too much
sand can weigh down your soil and prevent good drainage. A good
idea is creating a layer of pebbles or small pot fragments at
the base of the pot before adding the soil mix. This allows for
water to filter out more quickly.
Overwatering
or keeping plants water-logged causes root rot; this is the #1
cause of death in plants. Look for pots that have adequate drain
holes.
You can use
top-dressing to enhace the look of a specimen and add unusual
rocks or shells or other well-sterilized material for visual appeal.
POTS:
Select a pot
that is not too large for your cacti; some prefer to be pot-bound.
A plant with large tap-root will require a deeper pot. Lithops
display nicely in shallower pots.