Cacti are a type of succulent plants known their ability to survive in hot and dry conditions. They have unique and interesting shapes that makes gardeners and plant enthusiasts to love them. Holiday cacti in particular produces colcorful blooms around the winter holidays.
It is relatively easy to care for a cactus plant, but there are a few conditions you have to meet for them to thrive including:
Under right care, cacti are long-lived and low-maintenance plants that can add a unique touch to any indoor or outdoor space.
Below are a collection of posts exploring on care requirements for various cacti plants.
Cacti are known to survive in deserts where conditions are hot and dry. However, there are also species that are well-adapted to cold weather and can withstand frost without damage. These plants remain upbeat even when temperatures fall to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold hardy cacti have evolved features that help them withstand colder temperatures. Most…
The pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) also known as fire stick or milk bush is a small succulent tree native to semi-arid tropical climates of Africa and India. This plant releases toxic sap when bruised, which can cause skin irritation, eye pain, and a burning sensation in the mouth. Euphorbia tirucalli has smooth cylindrical stems with…
Cacti are native to arid and semi-arid regions, where water and other resources are scarce. Most desert cacti have spines that help reduce water loss from the plants. The sharp pines also protect against predators and sometimes stick on animals to help disperse the cactus seeds. Over time, some cactus species have evolved to lose…
Cacti are beautiful and unique plants that can add a touch of desert to any home. However, some cacti species contain toxic compounds that can be dangerous to pets and humans upon contact with the skin or when ingested. Most cacti evolved to grow spines or be poisonous as a way of survival. In arid…
The growth rate of cacti usually varies depending on various factors including the species, growing conditions, and care provided. Some species of cacti notably grow quite faster in ideal conditions, while others may take several years to show any significant increase in height or branching. Generally, cacti have adapted to a slow growth rate due…
Pumice and perlite are commonly used in making soilless growth media in combination with other organic ingredients like coco coir or peat moss. These coarse non-toxic mineral components are also added to most potting mixes to improve drainage, aeration, and moisture retention. Adding pumice or perlite to standard potting soil makes overwatering impossible. The porosity…
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…