Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is an epiphytic cactus that opens its strong scented flowers for only one night, around the summer period. This cactus is classified as a night-blooming cereus, a group comprising several cacti with the same blooming behavior. Night-blooming cereus is a beautiful and unusual addition to any garden. I knew…
Grafting is a popular gardening technique of joining two different plants together to grow as one. It is commonly done to improve a plant’s growth rate, hardiness, and resistance to pests and diseases. Cactus grafting can be delicate but may be done for an important course. For example, a grower might graft a moon cactus…
During the winter months, many cacti plants go into a dormant state where they conserve energy in order to survive until conditions improve. In this state, the cactus may lose some of its stems, and its growth may slow or stop completely. While a moderate winter won’t harm the cactus, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures…
Whiteflies are common pests on indoor plants and they can also be found in greenhouses. The pests aren’t just a household nuisance but a threat to the plants. They feed on plant sap resulting in poor growth, less production of flowers and fruits, and even death of the plant. Like most houseplant pests, whiteflies can…
Cacti are incredibly hardy and easy to maintain as houseplants. One important requirement is to repot your cactus every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its pot. You can tell from the protruding roots through the drainage holes at the bottom of the planter or generally the poor health of the plant. Over…
Cacti are remarkably easy to care for in their right growth conditions. However, rot is a common problem in cactus plants which is caused by overwatering, poor soil drainage, fungal infections, or pest infestations. When a cactus starts rotting, it typically loses its vigor and may die in a couple of days. It is possible…
Aphids are common pests in gardens that feed by sucking the nutrient-rich sap, significantly weakening and distorting the plant. These pesky insects can enter a home through open windows, on cut flowers, or newly purchased indoor plants and become a threat to your houseplants. In most cases, aphids tend to hide in hard-to-reach areas of…
The totem pole cactus (Pachycereus schottii var. monstrosus) also known as the monstrous whisker cactus is a slow-growing cactus native to the desert regions of mainland Mexico, Sonora, and the Baja California peninsula of Mexico where they tend to grow in colonies on rocky hillsides. It is a spineless variant of the senita cactus (pachycereus…
The Silver Torch cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) also called Wooly Torch or the Snow Pole cactus is a columnar succulent native to mountainous regions of Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is abundant in its native habitat since it has no threats to its survival. Silver torch cacti have spectacular features that make them attractive plants…
The pincushion cactus is a member of the Mammillaria genus comprising over 200 species. They are native to various countries, including Mexico, the USA, The Caribbean, Honduras, Guatemala, and Colombia. Related species are the old lady cactus, the owl’s eye, and the fishhook cactus. Mammillaria is great cacti to add to your indoor plant collection….