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If you are looking for a way to make your garden more interesting and unique, you should consider adding cacti and succulents.
These plants are relatively easy to grow and maintain and will give your garden an exotic, wild feel.
In this article, we will provide you with practical tips on how to grow and maintain cacti and succulents in your garden.
What are the advantages of growing cacti and succulents?
Cacti and succulents are low water consumption and easy to maintain. They are therefore an excellent option for those who want to enjoy beautiful plant decoration without having to spend a lot of time and effort on their maintenance.
In addition, their variety is very large, which allows you to choose between different flowers, leaves, shapes, and colors to create a unique and original environment. In addition, their growth is very slow, which means that their size can be easily controlled so that they do not take up too much space.
How to prepare the soil to grow cacti and succulents?
Cacti and succulents are very easy plants to grow, as they do not need rich soil. However, to help them grow well, it is important to prepare the soil properly.
The first thing to do is to mix the existing soil with fertilizer, to increase the nutrient content.
Next, you should add sand and gravel to the wetter areas to allow for better drainage. Make sure that organic matter is reduced and avoid using chemical fertilizers that could be harmful.
Once the soil is ready, it can be enriched with compost or organic matter to further improve its quality. This will allow the roots of the cacti and succulents to grow properly.
How much irrigation is needed to maintain them?
Cacti and succulents need a small amount of water to grow. They are known for their ability to survive prolonged periods of drought thanks to their water reserves. However, they must be watered regularly to ensure optimal growth.
- In summer, water your plants every 7 to 10 days.
- In winter, water your plants every 10 to 15 days.
- Check the soil before each watering.
- Water thoroughly when you see the soil starting to dry out.
Cacti and succulents are very sensitive to excess water. Therefore, it is important not to overwater.
The best way to tell if your plant needs to be watered is to check the color and texture of the soil. If the soil is slightly moist and dark in color, then your plant has enough water.
What are the appropriate pruning and dividing techniques?
Cacti and succulents do not need to be pruned very often. Pruning can be done if the plant becomes too large or to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
Pruning is usually done in late winter or early spring. The division is a method of propagating cacti and succulents.
It is convenient if you want to obtain several identical plants from one. This technique can be done by cutting the cactus into several pieces and replanting each piece in separate pots.
However, before dividing a cactus, you should make sure that the soil is well-drained and that the weather conditions are favorable for its growth. It is also important to choose the right tool to cut the cactus, to avoid any risk of injury.
Cacti and succulents can be wonderful additions to your garden. However, it’s important to grow and care for them properly to maximize their chances of thriving.
By taking into account the guidelines given in this article, you will be able to enjoy the unique and long-lasting beauty that these plants offer for a long time.
