Cacti are generally hardy plants but are not ideal for a closed terrarium. However, you can get the desert theme on your tabletop by creating an open cactus terrarium. It’s no longer rocket science as long as you can provide proper airflow, well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and minimal watering. When choosing cacti for a…
When choosing a location for a plant, it is important to consider the amount and intensity of sunlight that the plant needs. Some plants, such as cacti, need direct sunlight to thrive while others prefer indirect sunlight. So, is the light through the window direct or indirect? Light through the window is considered indirect only…
Etiolation is a condition where a plant becomes stretched, pale, and weak due to insufficient light. Since cacti are desert plants adapted to bright sunny conditions, they typically get etiolated when they don’t receive adequate amounts of light. Light is an important source of energy for all green plants. It is used for the production…
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…