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The Plant Doctor: Writer gets to the root of cactus gardening

By Harvey Goodman

Cacti are succulents, essentially plants that contain tissue that can store water for long periods of time. In addition, this family of plants has other water-saving adaptations, including few leaf openings, called stomata, and a relatively thick skin, or epidermis, all of which make succulents (many of which are not cacti) superbly adapted for growth in hot, arid, often windy environments.Most cacti require at a minimum approximately six to eight hours of sunlight daily. That requirement is relatively easy to secure during the summer, either outdoors or in your home. During the winter, however, you will have to seek a southern exposure.Cacti do not grow very deep. Indeed, “deep” is really not in the lexicon for cacti. Even the largest rarely has root structures that are within 6 inches to 8 inches from the soil. This adaptation is important for desert plants because it allows them to absorb water near the surface, before evaporation in the hot arid environment allows the water to disappear into the atmosphere. One option for homeowners growing cacti is the careful use of containers. Raising cacti in pots requires a certain degree of skill, and the soil selected must have good drainage. Standard cactus mix is readily available. The blend is specially designed for maximum drainage.No cactus will survive if the root structure remains wet for more than a two- to three-hour period. Saucers that are 12 inches to 14 inches wide and about 4 inches deep allow for an ideal cactus garden. A layer of gravel in the bottom of the saucer will allow water to drain away from the plant.Your cactus garden should blend a variety of different cacti and other succulent arid plants. An imaginative placement of rocks throughout the garden will ensure a natural and pleasant appearance.In the desert, cacti have evolved to withstand periodic drought conditions. During these drought conditions, the cacti naturally shrivel as they gradually lose their stored water. Home growers should resist watering these plants between November and March, the period of time that the plants often remain dormant.During the spring or summer when blooms are sighted, cacti will welcome a drink once or twice a week. Remember, cacti have shallow roots. They will absorb the water at the surface. Over watering cacti is the most common reason for the loss of these plants.In most cases cacti get along with little or no supplemental fertilizer. In fact, overfertilizing will result in misshapen growth. Insect infestation is relatively rare out of doors. Mites and scales often occur on plants grown in greenhouses.Some cacti that are easily attainable and produce magnificent foliage include walking stick cholla, Hedgehog cactus, compass barrel cactus, fishhook barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear, to name a few. Varieties of each species will likely be found in most nurseries.Questions or concerns regarding gardening and houseplants can be addressed to the Plant Doctor at Harvey.Goodman@att.net.