Caring for Cacti and Succulents
Presenter: Nigel Ruck
Episode: 26 (3rd November 2007)
Cacti & succulents are an amazing group of plants and they have certainly become very popular in recent times, and for good reason. They are rippers of plants, are drought tolerant, low maintenance and stunning to look at.
They come from places like Mexico, Arizona and Africa, which experience very long dry periods for months on end, and to deal with these conditions they’ve had to develop the right equipment in order to survive. This comes by way of their special leaves, stems and roots, which can store water and nutrients, similar to camels who store water in their humps.
This doesn’t mean they don’t need watering, far from it, but they do like to dry out between drinks, and remember, over watering is the biggest cause of death for cacti & succulents. In many cases natural rain water is enough.
What’s also essential is good drainage, and for most species, plenty of full sun, so chose a suitable position, and raise the soil if need be, mixing in plenty of sand.
Where succulents work really well and are easy to grow is in pots. You can create some wonderful effects in pots, even in the smallest of spaces like tiny balconies or bright sunny window ledges. The same sort of place you might grow herbs.
When it comes to maintenance you’re in luck because there isn’t much. Basically remove any dead or diseased parts, water occasionally and to get the best from your plants fertilise with a specialist cacti & succulent fertiliser and even though they’re drought tolerant they’ll be better with regular watering.
Featured Product:
Thrive Concentrate Cacti & Succulent Plant Food
A fast acting, complete, liquid fertiliser ideal for feeding a wide range of cacti & succulents. Feeds through both the foliage and the roots. Specially formulated blend of nitrogen and potassium for healthy succulent foliage and beautiful flowers.
Episode: 26 (3rd November 2007)
Cacti & succulents are an amazing group of plants and they have certainly become very popular in recent times, and for good reason. They are rippers of plants, are drought tolerant, low maintenance and stunning to look at.
They come from places like Mexico, Arizona and Africa, which experience very long dry periods for months on end, and to deal with these conditions they’ve had to develop the right equipment in order to survive. This comes by way of their special leaves, stems and roots, which can store water and nutrients, similar to camels who store water in their humps.
This doesn’t mean they don’t need watering, far from it, but they do like to dry out between drinks, and remember, over watering is the biggest cause of death for cacti & succulents. In many cases natural rain water is enough.
What’s also essential is good drainage, and for most species, plenty of full sun, so chose a suitable position, and raise the soil if need be, mixing in plenty of sand.
Where succulents work really well and are easy to grow is in pots. You can create some wonderful effects in pots, even in the smallest of spaces like tiny balconies or bright sunny window ledges. The same sort of place you might grow herbs.
When it comes to maintenance you’re in luck because there isn’t much. Basically remove any dead or diseased parts, water occasionally and to get the best from your plants fertilise with a specialist cacti & succulent fertiliser and even though they’re drought tolerant they’ll be better with regular watering.
Featured Product:
Thrive Concentrate Cacti & Succulent Plant Food
A fast acting, complete, liquid fertiliser ideal for feeding a wide range of cacti & succulents. Feeds through both the foliage and the roots. Specially formulated blend of nitrogen and potassium for healthy succulent foliage and beautiful flowers.
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