January 14, 2011

A Capsule of Cactus Care

(From The Cactus Plantation, Edwards, MS) 

Cacti come in many forms and sizes, but all are members of a family of plants called succulents, and all are native Americans. They were discovered with the Americas and in all probability were included in the first cargo that Columbus carried back to Spain. Succulents store water in their leaves, branches, and trunks for a “no rainy day”. The plants draw upon this reserve of water in dry times.

Due to their natural water tank storage ability, you need to be careful when watering. Many people have turned their lovely cactus into a small pile of mush by watering too often. Generally, we recommend that you water your cactus every week to ten days in the growing season (early spring to late fall), and only as needed in the dormant season. Your plant will go into a dormant stage with or without your approval.

Fertilize only lightly every other watering during the growing season and not at all in the dormant period. Use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen number to avoid the plant growing out of shape. A good soil mix that works well for succulents and cacti is equal parts of peat, sand, and regular potting soil. Good drainage is an absolute necessity.

Most cacti are subject to the three main types of pests - SUCKERS such as mealy bugs, aphids, scale, CHEWERS including cutworms, inchworms, snails, and slugs, ROTTERS like fungi and parasites. But may be treated by using pesticides or fungicides recommended by your garden center. Keeping your plants healthy is the greatest deterrent to pests and fungi.

Succulents love bright light but not all can take full sun. When purchasing greenhouse grown plants, even if they are sun lovers, you must remember to acclimate them if you want them in full sun. Tender loving care, and some people even say “soft conversation” helps your plants to grow healthy and strong. Just be sure you don’t overdo your loving care while holding your watering can. 


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