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CACTUSSTORE.COM
CACTI
CARE INSTRUCTIONS |
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The care guidelines vary greatly upon the specific conditions
in your garden. The instructions for care in a hot, dry environment
like Phoenix is much different than the care instructions for cool,
damp locations. Generally, cacti and succulents like to be kept warm
and bright and the soil dry. Cacti are very tolerant of less than ideal
circumstances, but better conditions derive better results.
Planting Bare Root Cacti:
Upon receiving your plants, open boxes as soon as possible. If any damaged
roots are observed, trim with clean scissors before planting. Keep the
new plants somewhat dry until new roots start forming. This can take
a few days if hot or weeks or longer if dormant. During the shipping
process, some plants may become de-acclimated from their normal full
sun environment, and could burn if they are exposed too soon to extremely
hot sun.
Planting (unrooted)
Cuttings:
When you receive your cutting, allow it to dry 10 to 45 days before
planting. (Thick cuts and cool weather require a longer drying period).
To dry the wounds, leave the cutting in a shady, warm exposure, not
direct sun. Then plant it in DRY cactus potting soil and do not water
for another 10 - 45 days. After the cutting develops a root system it
is safe to start a light regular watering cycle. Always let the soil
dry out completely between applications of water. It is MUCH more likely
that a cutting will be killed by over watering than under watering.
Watering
It is difficult to provide precise rules pertaining to the watering
of cacti and succulents. Cacti should not be watered during their period
of dormancy, which occurs during the winter months. During winter, keep
cacti dry, especially if kept in an environment with a fairly low temperature.
Cacti must be watered during their active periods.
A typical watering schedule (if the plants are sheltered
from rain) might be: once in Jan, once in Feb, twice in March and 2
to 4 times monthly during the growing season, depending on the conditions.
Enough water should be given to soak all the soil in the
pot. Excess water should drain freely. During summer, occasional rain
showers will do no harm. Plants prefer rain to tap water. During a protracted
period of rain, however, cacti should be placed in a sheltered area.
Technically, water should be free of chlorine and alkaline
salts, but ordinary tap water will suffice. Chlorinated water and hard
water will leave white stains on the cacti, which is unsightly and does
block the stomata. (Pores)
Nutrients
Cacti and Succulents need regular feeding during their growing season
(Spring-Summer). They need a balanced range of minerals. Potassium (K)
to encourage flowers and fruit, Phosphorus (P) for good root growth,
and Nitrogen (N) for vigorous top-growth. Cacti also need other trace
elements. Any commercial houseplant fertilizer will do, but an ideal
ratio of nutrients is: 20% nitrogen, 20% potassium, 20% phosphorus,
and all of the other trace elements.
Light
Mature cacti and succulents grow well in a warm climate at a minimum
temperature of 61F (16C). Cacti usually need direct or filtered sunlight
to perform photosynthesis. Natural light can be supplemented by an artificial
light source such as fluorescent lighting.
Soil Mixture
Cacti have adapted to survive in rocky, sandy, or clay based soils,
with limited nutrients. However, the ideal soil or potting mixture will
draining rapidly and yet retain some moisture. Always use a gritty mixture,
pumice is great, to ensure correct drainage. Most cacti prefer a slightly
acidic soil.
Pots and Containers
Succulents and cacti do not require a great depth of soil. Make sure
that all containers have drainage holes. Line the bottoms with material
such as pottery shards or gravel before adding soil. When growing plants
together in one container, select plants with similar cultural needs
and growing seasons. Many slow-growing succulents do well when planted
with desert cacti.
Pest and Diseases
Cacti do resist pests and diseases, but can fall victim to mealy bug
and scale as well as numerous fungal and viral attacks. The remedy for
scale and mealy bugs are varied, but I find Malathion and Orthene with
a wetting agent to be very effective. Regards to fungal and viral attacks,
prevention is the best remedy. That is provide good growing conditions
and be on guard for excess moisture.
Fortunately desert plants are very tolerant to imperfect
conditions. Provide the range of correct conditions and the cactus will
do the rest. Happy gardening!
Glossary of Terms: Bare Root:
An established plant with roots; soil removed before shipping.
Cutting: A cutting from a parent plant. The cutting will
establish roots after it has been correctly planted.
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