If you, like me, forget to water your beloved house plants from time to time, then this article could be just for you. I suggest you adopt a cactus ... By definition this plant was designed by mother nature to withstand very long periods of drought and contrary to popular belief it can grow in a wide variety of climates. Some species are able to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
If you, like me, forget to water your beloved house plants from time to time, then this article could be just for you. I suggest you to adopt a cactus… By definition this plant was designed by mother nature for withstand very long periods of drought and contrary to popular belief it can grow in a wide variety of climates. Some species are able to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees.
Index
Did you know that cacti bloom?
Cacti are plants that can live for many years. In nature there are specimens of more than one hundred years of age. And it can take up to three years to see a cactus cutting bloom: but I assure you that the long wait will be rewarded. The flowers of this plant are of an unexpected beauty. One would never expect to see such beautiful and colorful ones on such "thorny" plants. Some cacti produce flowers that can be reminiscent of daisies, passionflower, and even hibiscus.
Where to set up your cactus garden
The first thing to do for start your cactus garden, Sara decide the exact spot where to place it. Once this is done, you can choose the species that best suit your environment. If you are not sure about the choice to make, go to a garden center where you will surely find who will be able to advise you for the best.
If you decide to create an indoor one, be sure to place the plants in a well-lit windowsill, with good exposure, perhaps to the south. Among the most suitable species to be grown indoors we remember Epiphyllum and GMyrtillocactus eometrizans. Remember to remember every two to three weeks change exposure to plants, turning them slightly on themselves, and thus preventing them from growing crooked.
If you live in an area that has a dry climate for most of the year you will be able to grow a wide range of fat plants in different types of soil. If, on the other hand, the climate that accompanies you throughout the year tends to be umido, we advise you to use gravel and sand as a substrate since they have a greater draining capacity that prevents the possible development of mold and root rot. The substrate to be used can consist of a mixture of soil from your garden, coarse gravel and finally a part of compost.
What is the right temperature for cacti?
For a correct flowering of the cacti they need one good day / night temperature range especially in the winter months. This is more complex though grow your own indoor plants or in a heated greenhouse, however you don't have to worry, there are some species that tolerate high temperatures very well all year round. For example, you could try Capricorne Astrophytum and Magnificus Notocactus.
Drainage and fertilization
As we have already said i cactus they need a excellent drainage. If you are growing your plants in pots make sure you have at least 4-5cm of soil and holes in the bottom for proper drainage. You can use vases of any material, each one will have its own characteristics.
Plants will go fertilize at least once a month possibly with a liquid fertilizer. The granular ones last longer but can cause growth problems in the following season due to the slow release.
When to water your cacti?
Deciding how much water your plants will need will be theseasonal humidity but we can generally say that it will be important water your cacti mainly in summer when the sun is very hot, allowing the soil to dry out completely between one watering and the other, which must have a frequency of Average delivery time. During the winter the plants will be kept dry and the water will only be given once a month. In autumn and spring, however, if the climate is cool, keep the soil dry otherwise water sparingly.
As for pests, cacti are generally quite hardy. Among the most common ones that can affect our plants we remember the scale insects, which we can fight with a solution composed of denatured alcohol and water.
By following these simple tips you can finally start your cactus gardenwhether they are on the windowsill of the bedroom or in the garden of your home.
Surely like any self-respecting adventure, there will be difficulties, but you will also receive many rewards.
Good growth at all.
Lorenzo DeRitis
