CULTIVATION
Most Cacti & Succulents are summer growing and therefore require watering and feeding during that time. A large proportion of Cacti will flower when quite small, particularly Mammillarias, Notocactus, Parodias, Rebutias and Gymnocalyciums.
Cacti, like most plants, need to be a certain age or size before they will flower but then with reasonable treatment, they will do so each year. Many of the above named plants do this when only 3-4 years old from seed in a 2.5 inch pot.
The other Succulents come from 22 different plant families and as such are more diverse in their requirements. Most require similar treatment to the cacti, however a small proportion of these plants are in fact winter growing or flowering. These should be lightly watered occasionally in winter.
Unfortunately light levels in this country are normally too low in winter to allow much natural growth. Growth made during these months will often be weak and slender.
There are probably well over 20,000 different plants that come within the scope of "Cacti & Succulents" and only a brief general guide can be given here. Much more information is included in the more specialised books on Cacti & Succulent plants (see books and CD's)
TEMPERATURE
Most of the plants are easy to grow and are quite tolerant of low temperatures if kept fairly dry. Like most plants they will benefit from good ventilation but not draughts.
LIGHT
These plants require a nice bright situation at all times and will grow happily in a south facing window.
WATERING
They should be well watered and fed during the Spring and Summer and then allowed to dry before watering again. During the autumn and winter months they should be kept dry, giving just enough water to stop them shriveling badly. These plants will rot easily if kept wet at low temperatures.
HUMIDITY
Most of these plants come from very arid areas and will benefit from a dry atmosphere.
FEEDING
Cacti and succulents are hungry plants and should be fed
regularly every 1-2 weeks during the spring and summer with a cactus food, such
as :
Cactigrow (75p per packet)
or one recommended for tomatoes at about half strength.
POTTING
Cacti and Succulents will do best in a well drained compost
containing about one third grit. Repot at least every two years.