Cactus House Plants

The cactus family is a large one, ranging from the giants of Arizona that weigh several tons to button cactus the size of a penny. Many of them have adapted to hot, sunny, desert conditions, but others are native to the tropics and grow alongside the orchids in shade, high humidity, and organic materials. A collection of desert cacti can be novel and interesting and may require little care, but a proper location is important.

No plants are so light demanding as cacti. In poor light they may cling to life but gradually decline in vigor. Place them in the brightest window available in the home. Poor growth or death of desert cacti indoors usually results from overwatering if light is adequate. Starting in late March, water frequently enough that plants do not shovel from dryness or rot from too much water. Each watering should be thorough, but allow the soil to dry well between waterings. Gradually reduce the frequency of watering in late September to prepare for the winter dormant period.

Little water is needed during the dormant period, but apply enough to prevent excessive shriveling. Perfect drainage is one of the most important features of a soil mix for cacti. The proper mixture should be difficult to overwater, thereby reducing the danger of rots. Do not plant cacti in pure sand, however. A popular soil mixture for cacti is made from two parts coarse sand, two pans good garden soil, one part crushed flower pots or crushed soft bricks, and a part well decomposed leaf mold or peal moss.

Small quantities of coarse sand are available from some garden shops or pet stores. Avoid using building sand that is fine and tends to cake. After all danger of frost is past in late spring, cacti may be moved outdoors. Make the transition gradually, but finally locate them in a sunny place. They will need frequent watering and occasional, fertilization when active growth is taking place. Always maintain good drainage.

Do not submerge the pots in the flower garden. Not all cacti should be treated in this manner. Those with leaves or flat, leaf-like stems such as the Christmas cactus and orchid cacti, need rich soil. They like good light but in mid-summer should be given shade, especially during the afternoon. Normally they require more frequent watering than the desert types, and excessive drying may be harmful.

In the fall, watering should also he reduced to promote dormancy and the development of flower buds, Cool temperatures around 45 to 50 degrees during the resting stage also aid flower bud development in many cacti. When flowering begins, the amount of water supplied may be increased.

Houseplants for Dummies, by Larry Hodgson.