Cacti and Succulents are one of the most diverse families of plants in the world.
Most originate from deserts so grow with little moisture, dry air and bright sunshine. They can tolerate both high Summer temperatures, and fairly cold Winter temperatures, as long as they are protected from excess moisture, or freezing frosts.
Succulent is a generic name for a multitude of plants that have similar characteristics, drought tolerance, and thick fleshy leaves.
Cacti are a specific family of plants that all share a defining ` areole `, a white bump, or node, which evolved to deter animals feeding on, and extracting the precious water content from the plant in its arid natural environment. These areoles generally produce spines, which give Cacti their prickliness.
Secrets of success:
Keep your plant happy by trying to recreate their natural habitat. During Winter months best kept cool at night, and in the Spring and Summer they love bright light and high temperatures. Although they can obviously tolerate full sun they can become faded, so give a little protection from concentrated rays.
Even though succulents are defined as needing little water, as they store it in their leaves and stems, they will not thrive with too little. In the growing season, Spring and Summer, water thoroughly, if possible use rain water, then allow to dry thoroughly before watering again.
While growing feed once a month using a specific succulent fertiliser. This helps to produce healthy growth and better flowering.
Aftercare:
During the Winter your plant will enter a rest period. Most desert dwellers can be left with little or no water. Plants that are kept outdoors will require some protection from excess wet, or freezing temperatures, so it`s best to move them to a dry, sheltered position
If your plant becomes extremely pot bound then re-pot in Spring, ready for the growing season. Firstly water the plant and allow to drain. Carefully remove the plant and place it in a slightly larger pot, using only free draining cacti and succulent compost.
Warnings:
Most cacti and succulents are considered non-toxic to pets or humans, although the sap of some can cause skin irritation, and others potentially can cause nausea if ingested. And beware of the spines.
Best practice is to treat as harmful and keep away from pets and children.
