The Art of Nurturing Prickly Beauties
This is the concluding part of the two part series. The first part on Orchids can be found here. with generous inputs from Dr Madhusudan, Indo-American Hybrid Nursery.
Succulents and cacti offer a diverse palette of textures and forms that challenge our expectations of greenery. I remember being astonished when my friend showed me a
tray of Lithops - succulents that look like pebbles. For a fleeting moment, I thought I was being shown well-crafted pastries until I was told they were plants. That sense of wonder struck again when I learned that the locally called Brahma Kamala, known for its beautiful fragrant flowers is actually a cactus, Epiphyllum oxypetalum. It has numerous long, flat, leaf-like structures called cladodes from which the flowers bloom. Unlike typical cacti, it doesn't have spines. The sensational fragrant flowers open late in the evening and close in the morning. (Note: The original Brahma Kamala, Saussurea obvallata, belongs to the Asteraceae and is the state flower of Uttarakhand.)
These fascinating plants like the Lithops and Epiphyllum oxypetalum, are just a small sample of the diverse world of succulents and cacti. Cacti, primarily native to the Americas, are a specific family of succulents with unique features like areoles—structures from which their characteristic spines and flowers grow. While all cacti are succulents, the broader category of succulents extends far beyond cacti, with representatives found worldwide.
Both groups have evolved remarkable strategies to thrive in arid environments where rain might not fall for years, with their plump leaves and stems holding onto every drop of moisture. The spines serve as protection against thirsty animals and birds. When the rains finally arrive, these plants spring into action, drinking deeply and erupting in a brief but spectacular display of life and color.
If you are a beginner, understanding the importance of soil composition is important when growing succulents and cacti in containers. Be cautious with watering, as overwatering is a common pitfall. These plants prosper in well-draining, aerated mediums that prevent water-logging. A good potting mix consists of nutrient-rich soil combined with gravel and perlite in a 2:1:1 ratio. This combination promotes drainage and aeration while helping retain nutrients without accumulating moisture.
Succulents and cacti typically have shallow roots, so they do well in wide, shallow containers rather than deep pots. Before adding these plants to your collection, research their specific needs regarding sunlight, water, and dormant seasons. When planting directly in soil, choose a location that suits their sunlight requirements and is away from high-traffic areas. Cacti spines can be numerous and painful if touched, and some species produce harmful milky sap. Some succulents or cacti that can’t tolerate full sun may perform well under a shrub or in partially shaded areas.
Indoors, cacti and succulents flourish in a light, airy environment with proper ventilation. Place succulents and cacti in areas with indirect sunlight and good air circulation. Good airflow helps maintain the dry conditions these plants prefer and prevents potential issues caused by excess moisture. Protect them from air conditioners and extreme heat sources. Closed windows, especially during hot afternoons, can trap humidity, which these desert-adapted species poorly tolerate. Regular application of insecticide keeps pests like mealybugs and aphids at bay.
Cacti and succulents have distinct phases of activity and dormancy. The active period is characterized by new leaves and a more vibrant appearance, while dormancy is indicated by a halt in development. During their active phase, they require regular watering, pruning, and feeding with NPK fertilizer that has high phosphorous content. In dormancy, keep them in a sunny, airy place, while avoid watering, pruning, or fertilizing.
Different species have varied active periods, with some flourishing in warm months and others in cooler times. For example, cacti such as _Echinopsis, Mammillaria,_ and _Rebutia,_ and succulents such as _Aloe, Sedum,_ and _Haworthia _flower and grow actively in the warmer months, then enter dormancy during winter. Conversely, some cacti, including _Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus), Rhipsalidopsis (Easter Cactus), Ariocarpus,_ and succulents like _Kalanchoe, Aeonium,_ are dormant during the summer months and active in rainy and winter months.
The blooming of a cactus is a marvel to behold, as delicate beautiful flowers emerge from plants. It feels like there is a hidden gentleness within those harsh spines. To me, succulents and cacti are the ultimate optimists of the botanical world and serve as a powerful reminder of life's capacity to flourish even in the face of adversity. Until next time, Happy Gardening. This article originally appeared in Deccan Herald on 28th July 2024.
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