Flowers and plants

Cactus and other succulents

This page contains following subjects:

• Introduction
• Care and handling
• Some popular species

Introduction

Succulents grow in many part of the world. The most important area are South Africa, Mexico, the  south west of the USA, Curaçao and the Andes mountains.

Important for cacti is the climate. They need some time very little rain. The plant is able to keep the water in special cells to survive a long dry period, we call this water collecting. Also the form is special adapted to the often difficult circumstances. As we can see they have often a globe form and they have very often no leaves. This is most important to prevent evaporation. Prickles or thick hear take place of the leaves. The surface of the plant become as small as possible by this adaption. Some varieties, like Lithops grow even partly under the ground. The plants are able to flower, but it will take sometimes many years before they will do it. The flower itself often is extremely beautiful.

By keeping succulents in the house we must be sure the plant will receive water deficient in lime. If not, they will rotten soon. It is best to give water in the growing time periodical. Keep them also some time more dry. In winter time most sorts will have a rest period. This means that we give them a place what is light, cold and dry. In spring time you will start very slowly to spray some water and a little later also you give some water on the pot. Eventually you repot the plant. Use special earth for this. When the plant is making buds you may not turn it or change place. When succulents are always to warm, have not enough fresh air or have a dark place, they will quickly have deformation. The form becomes very ugly. We advise also to use special food. This contains a special combination of nutrition. It is important because we may not stimulate the growing of the leaves. 

Christmas cactus Zygocactus truncatus or Schlumberiga russeliana is flowering in winter time. They need a warm place, much food and medium water.

Euphorbia have to stay also in winter time in a warm place. If not they will become brown spots.

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Last update of this page 23.05.2004