Cacti - Prickly Beauty That Never Fades

Cacti are plants that survive in extreme conditions. They know how to manage water perfectly, are resistant to large temperature fluctuations and also to the effects of solar radiation. The cactus body, compared to other plants, is able to collect water and then manage it economically during dry periods. Therefore, cacti are suitable even for beginner growers or for travelers who don't like throwing away plants after returning from vacation.

Cacti have a roughened skin with a small number of stomata on their surface compared to other plants. Their body consists of ribs covered with spines, which allow the plant, when exposed to drought for a longer period, to gradually shrink and thus reduce the surface area exposed to the sun. Cactus spines perform a protective function. They protect the plant from herbivorous animals that try to find any source of water in drought-stricken land. In addition to the body, cacti also collect water in their root structures. Many species of cacti have a root part (the so-called taproot) larger than the actual cactus body that the roots feed. Cacti are multiform plants; in tropical areas they grow on trees, solitary, branching at the base or at the top of the plant. Tree-like ones range from 1 cm to several meters.

Cacti are Found Mainly in America

Cacti have their homeland in America, where we find various variations of species and genera. They grow not only on the seashore but also high in the mountains - some species easily even at altitudes around 4000 m above sea level.

Well-known genera of cacti are found, besides North America, mainly in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Bolivia. In Europe, cacti found their second home only at the beginning of the 20th century, mainly as exotic decorations in the residences of the wealthiest inhabitants. True cactus cultivation began only when the first cactus growers managed to grow plants from seeds and didn't have to import them from their places of original occurrence.

What to Grow Cacti In

• Substrate

As a base for growing cacti, you can use commonly available garden substrate, though a substrate specifically designed for cacti is more suitable (suitable substrate for cacti). You can also mix the substrate yourself. Mix garden substrate (40%), peat (25%), some leca (20%), sand (10%) and fine gravel (5%). For cacti that need more nutritious soil for their development, adjust the substrate so that it contains less sand and gravel and more soil.

• Containers

Containers for growing cacti can be made from various materials. However, plastic containers with a sufficient number of drainage holes and a tray to collect excess water are most commonly used (suitable pots). Good drainage (drainage) is really important for cacti. The shape of the pot can be round or square. Some cactus growers prefer square pots over round ones because planting in a square pot maximizes the use of space on the growing site (greenhouse, cold frame or windowsill). In most cases, square pots measuring 4x4 cm, 5x5 cm, 6x6 cm up to 20x20 cm are used. The basic rule for choosing the right pot size for growing cacti is that it should be approximately 1 cm larger than the diameter of the plant. Then the cactus covers most of the substrate, which doesn't dry out as quickly. The cactus also roots faster and better, which is very significant and important for subsequent cactus growth.

Cacti and their growing conditions - heat, light, water

The optimal temperature for cactus growth is 18 - 35 °C. When growing them, it's important to avoid large temperature fluctuations, especially the difference between day and night. The first critical period for their growth is "three freezes". For some cactus species, this temperature fluctuation between day and night is actually an impulse to awaken to new life. The cactus growing period begins in spring in March or April, continues through summer and ends during autumn. The most beautiful period of the year for cacti are the months of May and June. Then the plants' heat requirements decrease down to freezing point (only for very few species).

For the healthy development of cactus plants, light is important, as it determines the quality of life for each one. For overwintering, it is advisable to move cacti to a dark place, and conversely, bring them to light in spring. Small plants need to be protected in spring from the strong force of solar radiation. Some cactus species are characterized by their green color, while others have red-brown, brown-purple, or red hues. This is their normal color, the intensity of which increases when the cactus plant is exposed to sunlight. Cacti grown indoors should be rotated regularly so that each side is exposed to the sun for approximately the same amount of time. Otherwise, the cactus may lean to one side or the growing tip may become deformed.

Water is also important for cacti. Growing cacti need watering at irregular intervals, especially in June, July, and August (this can be convenient for those of us who travel to the seaside during this time of year).

Over time, every cactus grower will discover what watering rhythm is suitable for their plants. The water used for watering should always be clean, settled, without any nutrients or chemical substances. Tap water needs to be left to stand so the chlorine can evaporate, as cacti don't like chlorine. Don't add fertilizer or any pest control products to the first watering, because it may happen that this substance doesn't break down in the plant body for a long time, and after possible slight drying, the chemicals become so concentrated that they burn the most delicate parts of the plant, especially the growing tip. Subsequent waterings can already contain a fertilizer solution, even at half the concentration recommended by the manufacturer.

Growing Cacti

The success of cactus cultivation also depends on seed quality. Cactus seeds are sown in winter or early spring into previously prepared sterile substrate. After sowing, we water the seeds and cover the entire container to achieve the optimal 30°C for the plants. Place the container with cactus seeds on a south or east-facing windowsill.

For cactus growers, daily checking of the planted seeds is important - whether they have enough water in the tray under the container, whether they have enough heat and if the temperature doesn't rise above 30°C, whether mold is forming on the substrate, etc. A month after sowing the seeds, their growth stagnates, so we can fertilize them for the first time.

Transplanting Cactus Seedlings

We start transplanting cacti when approximately 3 - 4 months have passed since germination (this varies depending on the species). At this point, we can be sure that our new cactus plant is not just a droplet of water wrapped in a membrane, but a small plant containing reserve substances that will allow it to survive the period until it roots again. The first step in transplanting is accustoming the seedlings to lower humidity. Place a matchstick under the lid of the seed tray for 1 - 2 days to air out the growing space. Then, for 3 - 4 days, raise the lid by at least a centimeter and continue this way until we reach approximately 5 cm height.

After this, the seedlings undergo a life test - leave the seedlings without water for 10 - 14 days so they stop their growth and begin to grow in width as well. They usually change color to a more intense green, wilt slightly, and their body becomes more solid.

Remove the seedlings from the pot using tweezers. Pull them out one by one from the dry substrate and immediately transplant them into prepared fresh dry substrate!!! (suitable substrate). Plant small cactus seedlings in rows so there is space between them for one fictitious seedling. Place the planted cactus plants in light shade - they must not be exposed to harsh sun yet, so they don't dry out due to their still non-functioning roots. After 7 - 14 days, water the plants for the first time. Within a few days, the cactus juniors should come alive and start growing before your eyes. Sometimes the growth of seedlings is so intensive that another transplanting is necessary within one year.

Cactus Pests

If we grow cactus plants from seeds, there is a significantly lower probability that they will suffer from diseases or be attacked by pests. You will also have real joy from your own plants. The most common pests that can attack cacti are mealybugs, scale insects, root nematodes, spider mites, etc. - see pests. There are several types of effective products against them, or it is advisable to look into their "natural" elimination. In some cases, it is necessary to isolate the infested plant from other plants.

Cacti for Beginners

A beginner cactus grower should focus on cultivating cactus species that will reliably survive, won't take up much space during the first years of cultivation, and most importantly, won't be demanding in care. For a start, it is most suitable to focus on one geographical area so that the cactus plants we grow have similar size and approximately the same cultivation requirements. The most rewarding plants for beginners are these species:

• from the genus Astrophytum

• from the genus Thelocactus

• from the genus Echinocereus

• from the genus Rebutia - remain compact for a long time, won't outgrow a 6 cm diameter pot. They bloom with white, yellow or red flowers at the base of the plant throughout the growing season. They are resistant to cultivation mistakes.

• from the genus Mammillaria - small varieties also occur that don't spread for a long time. They bloom with small straw-yellow, yellow to violet-red flowers in wreaths around the top of the plant. Their ripe fruits are typically red and can last on the plant for up to half a year.

• from the genus Frailea - mature plants are the size of a large nut, approximately 3 cm in diameter. They need higher temperatures for cultivation and can bloom as early as the second year with yellow self-pollinating flowers.

• from the genus Gymnocalycium - easy to grow, but reach larger dimensions

• from the genus Lobivia - bloom repeatedly with magnificent flowers, however each flower lasts only 1 day. The plants grow to larger dimensions.

Also try the undemanding Christmas cactus, caring for it is very easy ;)