Seeing as no cactus plant is the same, this houseplant is a unique, decorative way to add interest to your living space, whether it's perched on your windowsill or styled on a shelf. The name cactus official name Cactaceae is derived from the Greek word 'kaktos', which means 'spiky plant'. Native to the Americas a large territory in North and South America with a strong concentration in Mexico and typically found in areas subject to drought, cacti or cactuses are perfectly adapted to live in the intense heat and environment of the desert, which means they can most definitely survive the warm and dry conditions of a centrally heated home.
For plant lovers , a cactus is perfect for the less green-fingered as you only need to water moderately — in fact, it's actually better to underwater than it is to overwater.
Although slow-growing, a cactus plant is fairly self-sustaining as it stores moisture in its roots, leaves and stems, and so largely regulates its own food intake. Find out why there's a lot more to these striking houseplants than just their prickles!
No, if you've ever killed a cactus you are not alone. The easiest way is by over watering, poor drainage and using the wrong compost. Ordinary potting compost holds water well, which is a huge bonus for most plants, but not for cacti, as they need very good drainage. If you want to keep them alive it's best to use specialist cactus soil instead. A cactus can tolerate a warm and sunny spot in the summer, even outdoors on the patio or balcony.
But in winter the placement should be cooler and light. Cacti are all flowering plants, but some have more prominent blooms and there are a few, such as Mammillaria , Gymnocalycium and Parodia , that will flower quite easily with impressive, colourful displays. Cacti flower on fresh growth, so if your plant just sits there, unchanging year after year, it's very unlikely to flower. What you should do is to get the plant to follow its natural growth cycle. It needs to go dormant in winter and then wake up in spring.
So, put it somewhere dry and cold — but not dark — over winter, and stop watering all together. In spring give it as much sunshine as possible and start to water it. Remember, avoid over watering. The species that are most commonly sold are Echinocactus , Ferocactus , Gymnocalycium , Opuntia and Mamillaria. Moon cactus Gymnocalycium have very colourful tops, usually red or yellow. These aren't flowers so the colour is there all year round.
Bunny ears cactus Opuntia , also known as polka dot cactus, have spots of golden bristles against a green background so they look modern and geometric. And the spiny Pincushion cactus Mammillaria is easy to grow and has lovely little pink flowers.
Either with very thick gloves or use folded newspaper to loop around the top. Remove small spikes by sticking duct tape on them and then pulling it off, or by rolling an old pair of tights into a ball and rapidly rubbing this over the spot. The final fine spikes should be worked out using olive oil, advise the plant experts at Thejoyofplants.
Check that your cactus is free of mealybugs on both the plant itself the body and the root system. With its woolly white wax coating containing oval insects, it's one of the most common pests in cactuses, and difficult to get rid of. Additionally, red spider mite eight-legged insects that weave a delicate and dense web over the plant , aphids, scale insects and thrips can also occur.
Also, check for damage and that the root system is intact. If cacti have been kept too wet for a long time they may have rotted 'from the pot', which can also be caused by fungi and bacteria.
The green part — the actual stem — can then feel soft. What we usually think of as cacti are desert cacti, but there are also forest cacti without the bristles, however, please note that the range available as houseplants is quite small. The debate over what plants are succulents and what plants are cacti can be a confusing one. But this topic is a bit simpler to understand than some make it out to be. The most straightforward way to define these plants in relation to one another is to say that a cactus is one version of a succulent.
Succulents are plants that hold their water in their stems and leaves. Since cacti have this quality, that means they are part of the succulent family. In fact, it is fair to say that all cacti are a form of succulent, but not all succulents are cacti. Beyond that technical classification, what separates most cacti and succulents is differences in their physical appearance and their growing needs.
For instance, cacti often feature prominent thorns and usually have a stronger affinity for direct sunlight. Most people use succulents and cacti as indoor plants. The reason for this is that many regions are far too cold in the winter to allow these plants to survive outdoors.
Columnar cacti One thing about this type is that when you grow from the seed, they take years before blooming. How do you encourage blooming? Place them in the right temperatures If your cactus is to bloom, then you need to place it in the proper temperatures. Expose them to light During the growing season, you can keep your cacti outdoors to get enough sun and light.
Water appropriately As much as most of the cacti are drought-prone, they still need adequate water, especially the growing season for them to bloom. Use an appropriate fertilizer The only time you are allowed to use fertilizer is during the growing season.
Ensure you have a potting mix for the cactus. Can cactus be classified as a tree? Related Questions How long do cacti flowers last? Share on email. Share on print. Related stories. Can a Damaged Cactus Heal Itself? Along with being exceptionally resistant to harsh conditions and numerous weather elements, cacti have a unique feature: self-healing. It might seem impossible for a damaged cactus to turn healthy again, but in fact in some cases that is possible. This article will discuss what can be done when your cactus suffers damage.
Read More. Desert plants are unique. They have adapted to survive the harshest of conditions, and most of them have very different internal-workings than those that grow in other climates. It is easy to see how desert plants manage to survive with their thick, waxy skins, branches which grow downwards for shade, and their other ways of adapting to life in the desert.
Cephalocereus Senilis is commonly known as the Old Man cactus due to its long white hairs. Old Man cactus can be propagated from seeds or cuttings that should be rooted in fast-draining soil. The plant can grow both outdoors and indoors but it requires special care compared to other cactus species.
Cacti plants are not only great houseplants but also thrive when grown outdoors. However, great care needs to be observed when growing these succulents outdoors. Tropical plants are the desire of most people. Such inspirational plants can decorate your house or garden. In order to make them look more attractive, you need to pick the best place for planting. In this article, you will find some useful tips for having a perfect cactus garden.
What to do if Cactus Breaks? Experts Guide. Got your cactus plant broken and wondering what to do next? Struggling to find the right information that you need on fixing a broken cactus? Well, your dilemma ends here as we get into the nitty-gritty of this vexing problem. Whether you are a novice at gardening or consider yourself an experienced gardener, we will provide you with tips on how to fix your broken cactus and make it grow beautifully without w. Top 5 Desert cactus To Grow Indoors.
If you would like to decorate your home with something unusual, outstanding and exotic — growing desert plants might be a good option. In fact, some cacti are even beautifully fragrant and benefit from regular pruning. Bottom watering allows the roots to get stronger. The steps include filling a container with water, putting the pot in it, letting the plant to soak water and drain. Here are the full instructions.
The Prickly Pear Cactus is a very cool plant. Not only is it a culinary treasure, but it has some amazing health benefits as well. Cactus tuna contains many vitamins and minerals, protein, and fiber. Like all vegetables, cactus can also aid in weight loss and the maintenance of a healthy body.
When it comes to indoor succulents, positioning is everything. Before you settle on a given succulent, consider the spaces in your home to ensure they get the right conditions. Whether it is all about access to light or ease of care, get to understand how best to position your succulents in the house.
Succulents are some of the easiest plants to grow in the world. Branch out with these choices. With proper care, the bright pink blooms of a Christmas cactus will return year after year during the holiday season.
A Christmas cactus prefers a humid climate and requires more watering than other types. Here's everything you need to know about the holiday plant. This plant, nicknamed the "mother-in-law cushion" ouch! A barrel cactus can thrive with watering as infrequently as once every two to three months. Who knew a cactus could be whimsical? The varied stems resemble the turrets of a castle, making it the perfect addition to any whimsical garden. This slow-growing cactus can reach up to 6 feet in height.
Take note that the Fairy Castle Cactus rarely produces flowers—they're often sold with artificial blooms attached. Shop Fairy Castle Cactus. The Saguaro Cactus is native only to the Sonoran Desert and can live for years. Its slow growth rate about an inch per year for the first eight years of its life makes it possible to grow indoors. The star cactus also called sea urchin cactus or starfish cactus is a small plant, making it ideal for an indoor succulent garden. A yellow or white bloom is the show-stopper on this petite cactus.
Don't be fooled! The white "feathers" on this cactus look fluffy and soft, but they actually act as camouflage for the sharp spines that cover the surface. Shop Feather Cactus. The old lady cactus, a type of powder puff cactus, is covered with spines and white down, hence its name.
This easy-to-grow plant is a great choice for a beginner.
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