Gardening with cactus & succulents is a fun and easy way to begin experimenting with plants. A quick look through Pinterest, Instagram or other home & garden publications will demonstrate the popularity of this large group of plants and the many ways they are being used in decorating our home interiors and urban landscapes.
Most cacti and succulents like bright light, but not all can tolerate intense, direct sunlight, especially in conjunction with high temperatures. As long as they are given proper lighting they are versatile and easy to care for. Because cacti and succulents usually grow very slowly, planting a small-scale desert scene for a sunny window can be a striking way to enjoy several compatible plants. A 13-inch dish garden could hold up to a dozen different cacti planted around artfully placed stones to conjure up images of the desert southwest.
Terrariums look great when planted with cactus and succulents; open-topped glass vessels are best since they don’t hold in much humidity. Living walls, eco-roofs and vertical gardens are all perfect applications for these water-savvy creatures. I have also seen them used as cut stems and beautifully woven into holiday greenery, garland, centerpieces and even bridal bouquets.
Buy a cactus potting mix specifically for succulents or mix your own with equal parts of commercial potting soil and coarse builder’s sand. It is best to plant into a container that has a drainage hole; if no hole it is imperative to water cautiously and conservatively and line the bottom of your container with horticultural charcoal. The key to watering cacti is restraint. Remember that some cacti are already 95% water. The best way to tell if cacti and other succulents are getting enough water is to look closely at them. They should be plump and well filled with water. If they seem slightly puckered, wet them more thoroughly each time, but always remove any standing water that drains through.
Do not water a newly repotted cactus or succulent immediately. Give it at least a week before you water unless you are repotting a very young plant. Then dampen the soil, but do not soak.
The incredible variety of whimsical and fantastic succulents and cactus makes choosing one, or even five, exquisite torture. While it is still fairly rainy and cold outside my outdoor gardening is mostly done in fits and spurts or in between downpours so I love to have fun indoor projects to keep my fingers in the soil.
We have a great selection indoor cactus and succulents in assorted shapes and sizes and our knowledgeable staff will help you select the best ones for your conditions. If you are looking for some fun home décor, a unique hostess gift, the perfect office plant or a crafty project for the weekend stop into one of our garden centers today for all your supplies.
Gardening with cactus & succulents is a fun and easy way to begin experimenting with plants. A quick look through Pinterest, Instagram or other home & garden publications will demonstrate the popularity of this large group of plants and the many ways they are being used in decorating our home interiors and urban landscapes.
Most cacti and succulents like bright light, but not all can tolerate intense, direct sunlight, especially in conjunction with high temperatures. As long as they are given proper lighting they are versatile and easy to care for. Because cacti and succulents usually grow very slowly, planting a small-scale desert scene for a sunny window can be a striking way to enjoy several compatible plants. A 13-inch dish garden could hold up to a dozen different cacti planted around artfully placed stones to conjure up images of the desert southwest.
Terrariums look great when planted with cactus and succulents; open-topped glass vessels are best since they don’t hold in much humidity. Living walls, eco-roofs and vertical gardens are all perfect applications for these water-savvy creatures. I have also seen them used as cut stems and beautifully woven into holiday greenery, garland, centerpieces and even bridal bouquets.
Buy a cactus potting mix specifically for succulents or mix your own with equal parts of commercial potting soil and coarse builder’s sand. It is best to plant into a container that has a drainage hole; if no hole it is imperative to water cautiously and conservatively and line the bottom of your container with horticultural charcoal. The key to watering cacti is restraint. Remember that some cacti are already 95% water. The best way to tell if cacti and other succulents are getting enough water is to look closely at them. They should be plump and well filled with water. If they seem slightly puckered, wet them more thoroughly each time, but always remove any standing water that drains through.
Do not water a newly repotted cactus or succulent immediately. Give it at least a week before you water unless you are repotting a very young plant. Then dampen the soil, but do not soak.
The incredible variety of whimsical and fantastic succulents and cactus makes choosing one, or even five, exquisite torture. While it is still fairly rainy and cold outside my outdoor gardening is mostly done in fits and spurts or in between downpours so I love to have fun indoor projects to keep my fingers in the soil.
We have a great selection indoor cactus and succulents in assorted shapes and sizes and our knowledgeable staff will help you select the best ones for your conditions. If you are looking for some fun home décor, a unique hostess gift, the perfect office plant or a crafty project for the weekend stop into one of our garden centers today for all your supplies.
