Cacti & SucculentsSucculents are defined as any plant which has the natural ability to store water in it's roots or body. They usually have fattened leaves or thick stems that hold water in reserve for dry climactic conditions. Cacti are a type of succulent. Both cacti and other succulents are relatively easy care plants to grow, as they are very tolerant of neglect.
They have a dormant season when they rest, usually during winter months when daylight is short; and a growing season, when daylight hours and warmer temperatures trigger a growth response. Water according to the cycle they are in. If dormant, water sparingly, every few weeks and only enough to dampen the roots slightly. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, but only if they are receiving lots of daylight.
Also, fertilize only during the growing season, per instructions on the cacti fertilizer package. They prefer a formulation of 5-10-5 or a similar cactus fertilizer.
They will grow best in as much sunlight as you can give them, for instance a south facing windowsill, or you can place them outdoors in the summer. Most are not frost hardy; however, the prickly pear cactus is and will winter over in our hardiness zone(5-6).
There are a multitude of varieties available in the succulent plant species, from those varieties with thorns, to those without any prickly points to them. Check out a book on the many types at your local library, or online, or stop in to see Calico's selections at the greenhouse.
By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
They have a dormant season when they rest, usually during winter months when daylight is short; and a growing season, when daylight hours and warmer temperatures trigger a growth response. Water according to the cycle they are in. If dormant, water sparingly, every few weeks and only enough to dampen the roots slightly. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, but only if they are receiving lots of daylight.
Also, fertilize only during the growing season, per instructions on the cacti fertilizer package. They prefer a formulation of 5-10-5 or a similar cactus fertilizer.
They will grow best in as much sunlight as you can give them, for instance a south facing windowsill, or you can place them outdoors in the summer. Most are not frost hardy; however, the prickly pear cactus is and will winter over in our hardiness zone(5-6).
There are a multitude of varieties available in the succulent plant species, from those varieties with thorns, to those without any prickly points to them. Check out a book on the many types at your local library, or online, or stop in to see Calico's selections at the greenhouse.
By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
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