Cactus – Plant

Planting and care

The cactus family (Cactaceae) is one of the most striking, distinctive, diversified and specialized groups in the plant kingdom. It includes about 2,000 species, and all of them are perennial and succulent.

Any large shallow pot can be used as an excellent pot for a cacti or succulent garden. You want to select plants all about the same size with similar care requirements. These plants all require a lot of light, so make sure the container you select fits near a window.

A layer of fine grit over the compost gives an attractive, yet, dry surface for the cacti in the pot.

You can place clean pebbles between the plants to increase the desert effect.

Caring for Cactus

• One of the most common problems when it comes to potted plants is fungal rot (also called root rot).
• Desert cacti are especially susceptible as they naturally require only a small amount of water compared to other plants.
• The best cure for rot is a preventative one: simply avoid over-watering in the first place.
• As a general rule, it s better to under-water than to over-water when it comes to cacti.

Typical uses of Cactus

Special features:

Culinary use:

• The stems of some cacti can be used as a source of food, either baked or eaten raw.
• Cactus fruit of some species are eaten raw, and also candied or preserved in jams.Ornamental use:
• They make excellent houseplants and many hardy varieties may be grown outside.