I have often wondered about the possibilities that espouse the planting of cacti with succulents. As an avid gardener with a penchant for variety, I like to club unlikely flowers together—hothouse roses with pink peppercorn orchids, gentians, and cornflowers, astors among trellises of bougainvillea. The effect is charming- one of casual disarray and seeming randomness. However, for the effective blooming of all these flowers, it requires careful forethought and meticulous planning.
Cacti and succulents, in conjunction, is an idea that has an easier resolution than one would imagine. Read on to know why.
Can cacti and succulents be planted together?
The short answer- Yes. Cacti and succulents belong to a similar typecast- both of them are plants habituated to grow in dry, arid regions of the globe. Both are known for their ability to store water in their tissues.
This behavior- the storage of moisture in leaves- gives both plants a glossy, leathery appearance. The containment of water causes the polish, while the leathery finish is a defense mechanism developed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Easy to care for and require not much space, cacti and succulents are ideal choices for sunny windowsills, little pots you can place on the entrance or the courtyard.
Also read:
How to care for cacti and succulents together
Before I tell you how you can go about collectively caring about these plants, let me introduce them to you first.
Cacti( singular: cactus) are traditionally natives of the desert- plants that have undergone evolution to withstand heat and the lack of rain. Not only do their tissues store water, but they also contain essential nutrients- held in reserve for when times are tough. Cacti also grow in rainforests.
Succulents are named so, after the word ‘juicy’- an indication of the fact that they, too, store water. The primary difference lies in the fact that all cacti grow spines, no matter how small. Succulents do not.
The spines are extensions of the plant, compressed branches that act as growth points. They are called areoles. Sometimes these bristles have a light layer of fuzz on them. Areoles can also grow flowers if the cactus in question happens to be the flowering kind.
Contrary to misplaced myths, cacti or succulents are not hard to grow. They prefer minimalism- adequate space, adequate light, and a cool winter for dormancy.
A frequent recommendation for beginners, these two plants allow for a considerable amount of creativity.
A sizeable shallow pot can house at least 4-5 plants, while in-built shelves close to a window can be the perfect display for a mix of different types. Little pots lined along a sill are always a good option.
Well-drained compost is imperative, especially if you are purchasing desert cacti. Remember to top it with a layer of fine gravel to simulate a desert environment—the same works for succulents.
You might also want to create barriers using pebbles for more efficient spacing and to avoid overlaps.
Summer months call for regular composting and watering. Naturally inclined to the sun, cacti and succulents thrive in warm weather.
If it happens to be a flowering variety, the blooming season ranges over these months. Remember to regulate the temperature of the water you use ( it must be just slightly warm).
If you are looking to purchase flowering cacti, invest in one that is already in bloom. To get a cactus to flower is no job for amateurs and often takes years. Check the plant you buy for signs of rot or premature aging.
Cacti are averse to cold winds, and you should keep it out of reach of drafts.
A distinction to be mindful of is the difference in compost requirements between desert cacti and forest cacti.
The former is well suited to tomato fertilizer. Remember to report once the plant outgrows its present container or when the roots start to climb out the edges.
Forest cacti are generally flowering plants and are accustomed to growth in the shade. They require lime-free, well-drained compost. Both kinds withstand winter temperatures of about 10 degrees celsius.
Succulents, on the other hand, should be watered when the compost is dry. Overwatering is kryptonite for these delicate plants, and you should avoid it. Succulents like dry air, and therefore you should not expose it to too much humidity.
Growing plants in the home is always a challenge. Plants usually grow out of doors, and a structured, landscaped environment is bound to feel unfamiliar territory at first.
The same holds for cacti and succulents, which have optimum growth in a particular soil type. Lucky for you, it is easy to recreate by oneself, with the aid of a few essential pointers.
- Never choose moist soil. Traditionally considered desert vegetation, cacti and succulents can have easy rotting in the presence of excess moisture.
- The soil in question should be able to drain quickly. Fertile, loamy soil ( the kind found in most gardens), if used, poses undeterred growth certain obstacles. If you happen to be using a clay pot or planter, remember to make holes at the base for adequate ventilation.
- Steer clear of fertilizers with a very high component of organic matter. These can clog the natural aeration process of the soil.
Another common mistake often made is crowding. On account of being smaller plants(except certain cacti), succulents and cacti are often mistaken for being plants that can make do with tight fits.
And while that is partially true, this is only a temporary arrangement bound to fail once the plants start fighting for soil and nutrients. It inevitably leads to death.
Make sure to space your plants prudently, allowing each space to grow. If you wish to have many plants in a single container, choose either a sufficiently large pot or create a multi-tiered arrangement.
Overwatering is a concern, but so is the lack of enough water. Misting suffices, on occasion, but there needs to be semi-regular watering for the plant to flourish.
Pro Tip: Boost plant growth by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to five gallons of water.
Related:
Conclusion
As the article will have already made abundantly care, growing a plant ( or a combination of plants) is a fine art mix of knowledge and care.
Plants have needs, and you have to cater to these needs. Remember to choose carefully, have patience and always be watchful on progress, however minor. The rest comes naturally.