Grow
Cacti & Succulents
Cacti and succulents are popular because of their drought tolerance but also because their structural good looks are so well suited to modern gardens.
Guide to growing cacti & succulents:
- Most cacti grow in open, sunny positions protected from excess humidity.
- They prefer open, sandy, well-drained potting mix or soil.
- Some of the tree-dwelling epiphytic cacti (such as zygocactus) need semi-shade and more humidity.
- Epiphytic cacti are often grown in hanging baskets.
- Cactus growth slows down in cooler weather, and watering should be reduced during cool months.
- The term ‘succulent’ refers to a plant’s ability to store water.
- Succulents are very adaptable and will grow in a wide range of situations.
- Cacti and succulents tend to be slow growing.
- Fertilise cacti and succulents during the growing season with Thrive Liquid Concentrate Cacti & Succulent Plant Food.
- Most cacti benefit from an annual light dressing of Yates Dolomite Lime
Tips for potted cacti & succulents
- Pot into Thrive Cacti & Succulent Potting Mix to guarantee good drainage.
- Feed during growing season with Thrive Concentrate Cacti & Succulent Plant Food.
- When handling cacti wear gloves and use a loop of folded newspaper to grip and lift the plant.
- Handle gently – cacti are very susceptible to root damage.
- Mulch with a layer of gravel or quartz.
Pest control
- Mealybugs – these small, fluffy-coated sucking pests flourish in dry conditions. Treat with Confidor.
- Scale insects – spray with Conqueror Oil or Confidor. Avoid treating during hot weather.
Shopping list
- Thrive Liquid Concentrate Cacti & Succulent Plant Food
- Yates Dolomite
- Thrive Cacti & Succulent Potting Mix
- Confidor
- Conqueror Oil
| Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce watering as cold weather approaches. | Allow plants to dry out well between watering. | Fertilise plants in pots and containers. | Check for pests and diseases. |
Comments (6)
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This area is for general comments from the Yates Garden Club community. Questions posted here will not receive a reply from Yates. For specific gardening advice visit Ask an Expert
eva
Yates site member
20:30, 26 September 2009
what do i do for bromlias
Jane
Yates site member
13:52, 13 October 2009
I'd like some advise about my STAPELIA plant. It stopped flowering & now has- what I think are- seed pods on it. I'm not exactly sure though.
Virginia
Yates site member
18:06, 15 October 2011
I would just like to say,that cactus can also be moved by using thick pieces of styrofoam,the kind you get in packaging,it digs into the spikes easily and can be handeled well for repotting.Also i have used a rolled up towel formed into a loop just like the newspaper,mentioned in the tips above.Cacti can be difficult to move when very tall,two people are usually needed,using the above methods.
BRENDA
Yates site member
15:58, 22 October 2011
Recently planted a cytisus ( snow queen ) broom and hope you can tll me height and width of mature shrub
BRENDA
Yates site member
16:28, 22 October 2011
Think I will be referring to this site quite often.
Allison
Yates site member
16:15, 13 November 2011
Love my Cacti especially when they flower although its only for a short while.
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