Organic Gardening Tips and Methods Propagation Routine care Cacti and other Succulents need little maintenance in order to thrive, but they must have adequate light, warmth and ventilation, feed and water as appropriate for the particular species, and check regularly for signs of disease or pests, re-pot plants in containers as soon as they out-grow them to prevent them from becoming pot-bound. The Right Environment; Place Cacti and other Succulent in a position that is appropriate to their cultural needs, most species need to be in full-sun, although some prefer to be situated in dappled-shade, the maximum day time temperature in spring and summer should be 27-30 degrees C (81-86 degrees F) and the night time temperature o 13-19 degrees C (55-66 degrees F). During the dormant season, most plants should be kept at a temperature of at least 7-10 degrees C (45-50 degrees F), although species originating from the tropics and equatorial regions may require a warmer environment with a minimum temperature range of 13-19 degrees C (55-66 degrees F). Ventilation; Although good ventilation is essential, Cacti and other Succulents should not be exposed to draughts, for plants grown in a greenhouse/glasshouse, it may become necessary to use blinds or to apply propriety shading paint to the outside of the glass, if ventilation is insufficient to keep the temperature below 27-30 degrees C (81-86 degrees F), if the temperature is exceptionally hot, watering the greenhouse/glasshouse floor will help to reduce the temperature, plants grown in the open may need some shade to protect them in conditions of extreme heat. Watering and Feeding Water only when the plants are in active growth (not during their rest period/the dormant season) for most Cacti and other Succulents this is in summer, but Epiphytes and other Succulents from forested areas bloom principally between late autumn and early spring, in the dormant season, do not water unless temperatures remain high, and then only enough to prevent complete dehydration. Watering; During the growing season, moisten the soil or potting-compost thoroughly with water allowing it to almost dry-out before watering again, provided that the plants are grown in a free-draining medium, surplus moisture will drain away quickly, water early in the day or late in the evening, as the plants may scorch if they are covered in water-droplets in bright sunshine, alternatively, plants that are grown in pots may be watered by placing the container in a shallow pan of water so that the water permeates the compost but does not touch the stems or leaves, remove the container from the water to drain as soon as the surface of the compost appears moist, the plants will rot if left in standing in water, Epiphytic plants and those that need shaded conditions should be kept moist but not wet, an occasional, light moist-spray maintains a reasonable level of humidity. Feeding; During the growing season, feed Cacti and other Succulents to help maintain healthy, vigorous growth and to encourage flowering, several proprietary fertilizers are available but a standard, well balanced liquid fertilizer containing all the major nutrients is satisfactory, apply every two to three weeks during the growing season, never apply a fertilizer when a plant is dormant or the soil is dry, because this may damage the stems and foliage. Hygiene; Cacti and other Succulents may need occasional cleaning, as dust accumulates on the leaves or between the spines, during the growing season, house plants may be sprayed lightly with water, Succulents in the greenhouse/glasshouse or garden may be hosed down carefully, provided that they are not in direct sun. Pests and Diseases; Check Cacti and other Succulents routinely for pests and disease, the most prevalent pests are mealy-bugs, scale-insects, red spider-mite, root mealy-bugs and sciarid-flies, diseases of Cacti and Succulents are rare, although poor cultural conditions of excess nitrogen in the soil may encourage the development of black-rot, which principally affects Epiphytic Cacti and Stapelia, the plants become disfigured and may die, there is no treatment, so if it appears that a plant is likely to die as a result of infection, take healthy shoots or sections as cuttings and grow them on to replace the diseased plant. Re-Potting; Cacti and other Succulents should be re-potted as soon as the roots reach the sides of their pots, usually every two to three years for fast growing species, re-pot slower-growing plants every three to four years, even if they have not yet out-grown their pot, carefully remove the plant from its original container, inspect the roots, looking for signs of pests or disease and treat if appropriate, cut out any roots that are dehydrated or dead and dust the remainder with fungicide, choose a new container one size larger than the original, and re-pot in fresh compost, ensuring the planting depth is the same. Note; All information given is within the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) guidelines.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 23:06:56 +0000
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