Rock Garden, Water Garden

UNIT 4 CACTI AND SUCCULENTS GARDEN and Indoor Garden

Structure
4.0 Objectives
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Natural Habitats of Cacti and Succulents for Garden
4.2.1 Desert plains Cacti and Succulents
4.2.2 Mountainous Deserts Cacti and Succulents
4.2.3 Jungles Cacti and Succulents
4.3 Essential Equipments and Material for Developing a Cacti and Succulents
Garden
4.3.1 Important Tools for Garden
4.3.2 Top- Dressing Material for Garden Plants of Cacti and Succulents
4.4 Essential Environmental Factors for Cacti and Succulents Garden
4.4.1 Light and Air
4.4.2 Temperature
4.4.3 Humidity
4.5 Growing Media / Soil for Cacti and Succulents Garden
4.5.1 Type of Soil Media for Cacti and Succulents
4.5.2 Top - Dressing Material for Garden Plants of Cacti and Succulents
4.6 Garden Settings for Cacti and Succulents
4.7 Plantation of Cacti and Succulents in Garden Beds
4.7.1 Creating a Desert look in the Garden
4.8 Cacti and Succulents Plants for Garden
4.8.1 Cacti
4.8.1.1 Cacti Type – 25 ft. and above Height
4.8.1.2 Cacti Type – 15 ft. to 24 ft. Height
4.8.1.3 Cacti Type – 5 ft. to 14 ft. Height
4.8.1.4 Cacti Type – 3 ft. to 5 ft. below Height
4.8.1.5 Cacti Type – 11 inches to 24 inches Height
4.8.1.6 Cacti Type – 1 inch to 10 inches Height
4.8.2 Succulents
4.8.2.1 Succulents Type – 15 ft. to 30 ft. Height
4.8.2.2 Succulents Type – 10 ft. to below 15 ft. Height
4.8.2.3 Succulents Type – 5 ft. to below 10 ft. Height
4.8.2.4 Succulents Type – 2 ft. to below 5 ft. Height
4.8.2.5 Succulents Type – 13 inches to 23 inches Height
4.8.2.6 Succulents Type – 1 inch to 12 inches Height
4.9 Maintenance of Cacti & Succulents Garden
4.9.1 Irrigation or Watering
4.9.2 Fertigation of Cacti and Succulents Garden
4.9.3 Handling of Cacti and Succulents
4.9.4 Pruning
4.9.5 Plant Hygiene 97
Landscaping 4.10 Propagation
4.10.1 Sexual Method of Propagation
4.10.2 Asexual Method of Propagation
4.10.2.1 By Cutting
4.10.2.2 By Division
4.10.2.3 By Grafting
4.11 Plants Problems / Enemies
4.11.1 Diseases of Cacti & Succulents
4.11.1.1 Basal and Root - Rot
4.11.1.2 Fungal Leaf Spots
4.11.1.3 Shooty Mold
4.11.1.4 Cork Scab
4.11.2 Insects, Pest of Cacti & Succulents
4.11.2.1 Mealy Bugs
4.11.2.2 Aphids
4.11.2.3 Scale
4.11.2.4 Spider Mites
4.11.2.5 Thrips
4.11.3 Cultural Damage of Cacti and Succulents
4.11.3.1 Cold Damage
4.11.3.2 Drought Damage
4.11.3.3 Scorch Damage
4.12 Let Us Sum Up
4.13 Key Words
4.14 Further References
4.15 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

4.0 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you will be in position to :
study Cacti and Succulents plants used in open garden development,
learn essential equipments and material for garden plantation,
discuss essential environment for Cacti & Succulent garden,
study land development and growing media for Cacti and Succulents garden,
discuss garden setting for Cacti and Succulent,
learn plantation methods of plants in the garden with Cacti & Succulents,
discuss cultural operations in Cacti & Succulent garden, and
learn protection method of garden plants of Cacti and Succulents from
enemies/ problems.

4.1 INTRODUCTION
Originally, Cacti grow only on the American continent. Succulents were in nature
to many region from Northern Europe to the Far-East. Most of them were
98 concentrated in southern and eastern Africa. Natural distribution, enabled Cacti
and Succulents to establish in new habitat across the world. Now these are Cacti and Succulents Garden
cultivated throughout the world.

Today, gardeners initiated in Cacti and Succulents as both, to develop open space
garden and as a indoor decoration garden. There are national Cactus and
Succulents societies in many countries. Botanist continue to discover new species
in the wild region. About indoor gardening you have studied in the previous unit
on Indoor Cacti and Succulents plants in detail. Here we will discuss to grow
Cacti and Succulent in the form of a garden in open space. It can be develop as
the open space garden, patios and Terraces gardens of your houses.

Impressive collection of Cacti and Succulents have been established in the form
of a garden, in various parts of the world, in both private gardens and botanical
gardens or institutions. Among the best known are the Huntington Botanical
Garden, in Callifornia; in Switzerland - collection in Zurich; the Palmengasten
in Frankfurt, Germany and the oldest collection at the Royal Botanical garden,
Kew. A collection of Cacti and Succulents has also been establish in Brisbane –
Australia.

There is a great scope to develop Cacti and Succulent garden in the open space,
if there is space to prepare a well drained bed. Even in cooler climate, a wide
variety of Cacti and Succulents plants can be sunk into the beds in pots during
the summer to give seasonal interest to the display.

4.2 NATURAL HABITATS OF CACTI AND

SUCCULENTS FOR GARDEN
Cacti and Succulents do not inhabit only conventional deserts. They have a rich
range of Habitat, from snow clad Alpine slopes and arid plains of Colorado,
plains to humid jungles in the Amazon basin. These plants grow in such conditions
where survival is very difficult; indeed their success partly depend o lack of
competition from other, less robust plant life. Looking at their habitates reveals
much about their evolution and cultural need which help us to develop Cacti and
Succulents gardens.

4.2.1 Desert Plains Cacti and Succulents

In harsh dry habitats, Cacti and Succulents reign unchallenged, during high
temperature, extremes of scorching days and freezing nights. Some cacti can
survive without water for years and live in true desert, which have less than 25
cm of rain fall in a year. Most grow in semi deserts Cacti and Succulents, which
receive sporadic rainfalls between drought. The semideserts areas have very poor
soil with little vegetation and rocky outcrops, rather than pure sand. Small plants
like haworthia, thrive occasional bush fire. Desert Cacti and Succulents have
capacity to store moisture and withstand in drought, by becoming dormant, and
start growing in favourable conditions. The knowledge of these plants help us to
develop Cacti and Succulents garden in dry areas where rain fall is less or less
water is available to irrigate the garden.

4.2.2 Mountainous Deserts Cacti and Succulents

In mountainous deserts, including screes and rocky slopes. The soil in these
region is often very thin, does not retain more water. It has a high mineral content 99
Landscaping that can be toxic to nonsucculent plants. In mountain desert only native Cacti
and Succulents survive. On high peaks, plants are expose the bright sunlight,
night temperature as low as – 4°F (-20°C), Fierce winds, and snow. Above cloud
layer some time there is no rain but the plants gain moisture from melting snow.
In such condition only small globular or creeper Cacti and Succulents can survive
in such condition, but lower down, where the scope has some shelter, columnar
Cacti and large Succulents can grow at such places. As such places, the cloud
left diffuses the harsh sun-light and provides some moisture to Cacti and
Succulents grown there. On dry overcast foot hills below the clouds, small cushion
type Cacti predominate. At such places where harse cold and bright sun, many
Cacti in such mountain regions have a dense coat of woolly spines and succulents
developed thick, waxy skins. Low - growing succulents also grow in many rocky
habitats in temperate regions.

Some simpervivum species colonize the Alpine part of Europe, and several species
of Sedum thrive in much of the Northeren Hemisphere. Even in the Galapagos
Island, the soil - less wastes of Lava rock, provide a home for Cacti such as
Brachy cereus nesiotieus. All these such type of information about the habits of
succulents and Cacti grow there, are very helpful to develop a Cacti & Succulent
garden in such type regions.

Cacti Garden on Mountain

4.2.3 Jungles Cacti and Succulents

Most of the Cacti and succulents grow in arid deserts and mountain areas, but
many species inhabit to grow in sub-tropical and tropical rain forests. These
forests are in central and South America, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Africa.
Here the climate is constantly hot and humid. The sunlight is filtered through a
thick tree canopy. Succulents and Cacti are amply provided with moisture from
the atmosphere and regular rain falls. Therefore Cacti and Succulents of such
region, have adapted, to survive in less light rather than water. Although, they
can survive in periods of drought. Such type of plants are best grown in humid
and light shaded areas of Cacti and Succulent gardens.
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Many jungle or forest Cacti such as Flamboyantly flowered Epiphyllum, some Cacti and Succulents Garden
succulents like ‘Hoya’ which grow in Northeastern Australia, are epithytes. The
anchor themselves to the stems of other plants or inhabit the upper branches of
trees where there is more light. Other species have scrambling or climbing habit.
This habit help them to grow over or through other plants toward the light.

Some succulents inhabit the gloom of the forest floor and some small Cacti such
as Gymnocalycium grow in broken shade of rainforest margins. All such type
informations are very helpful when we are selecting Cacti and Succulents to
develop a garden.

4.3 ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENTS AND MATERIAL

FOR DEVELOPING A CACTI AND
SUCCULENT GARDEN
Generally, gardening equipment is perfectly adequate for growing Cacti and
Succulents. High – quality tools are always worth because they are durable and
easy to use. A few items are invaluable for handling spiny cacti. Use thick gloves,
a paper Collar, a cloth wad. Remove any spines that do become embedded with
tweezers. Pat the skin with adhesive tape to strip out bristles, or soak the affected
part in hot soapy water.

4.3.1 Important Tools for Garden

There are several tools which are very useful to develop a garden. These important
tools are as follow:
i) All Purpose knife : This is useful for all cutting jobs except heavy pruning.
ii) Retractable - Blade knife : with its thin sharp blade, this is a good
alternative for grafting to all- purpose knife.
iii) Gloves : Leather gloves provide protection when handling spiny or thorny
plants.
iv) Dibber : It is used to mak holls in planting mixture when inserting seedlings
or cutting in the pot or garden beds.
v) Spoon : A large spoon makes a good mini-trowel for use in small space.
vi) Hand Hoe : It is useful for weeding in small areas and between closely
spaced plants.
vii) Widger : It is useful for lifting seedlings and cutting to avoid damaging
their roots.
viii) Wide - Bladed Trowel : It is used to dig in open raised beds, plant up large
containers or window boxes, and when mixing up planting mixes.
ix) Narrow - Bladed Trowel : The narrow blade make this trowel convenient
when digging between plat or in confined spaces.
x) Pruners or secateurs : It is used for pruning and taking cutting.
xi) Folding Pruning Saw : This is essential for pruning large plants of Cacti
and Succulents, especially at an awkward angle or in a confined space. The
blades fold the saw can fit easily into pocket.
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Landscaping xii) Brushes : A very fine paintbrush is essential for removing grit, dirt from
spiny cacti and succulents, without damaging them.
xiii) Plant Lables : Use lables to identified the plants in the garden. This is very
important when propagating.
xiv) Seed - Tray : Use for growing seedlings or rooting cuttings. This should
be 1½ - 2½ in (4-6 cm) deep to stop the potting mixture from drying out too
quickly.
xv) Minimum - Maximum Thermometer : For recording the highest and
lowest temperature. This type of thermometer can help to find the most
suitable site for a plant. It may also indicate why a plant has suffered some
types of damage.
xvi) Moisture Meter : The only accurate way to measure moisture contents
throughout a bed or container is with a meter. Water only when the meter
indicate that the soil is dry. Meter is essential whenever watering should be
kept to a minimum.
xvii) pH Testing Paper : It is used to test the pH of soil or water.

4.3.2 Top - Dressings Material for Garden Plants of Cacti and

Succulents
Any display of cactus and succulents in open or pots is enhanced by a top-dressing
that completely covers the soil. Top - dressings also reduce soil erosion and
water splash marks on the plants, retain moisture in the soil, and suppressed
weeds. Use a top - dressing in a size and colour appropriate to the bed or containers.
These materials are as follows :
i) Local Stone: It is best, for top- dressing.
ii) Pumice Stone.
iii) Pea-sized beach pebbles may also suitable.
iv) Do not use crushed line stone, which increases the soil’s alkalinity, because
the top-dressing must be inert.

4.4 ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

FOR CACTI AND SUCCULENTS GARDEN
Now we will discuss about essential factors which develop environment to grow
cacti and succulents in the garden. Many species of cacti and succulents have
their own specific requirement to grow. A part from the initial health of plants
and medium in which it is grown. The important requirements for proper growing
environment of plant is governed by light and air temperature and humidity.
Beside this soil media, water, fertigation etc are also important for their health
and attractive growth. These essential factor are described below :

4.4.1 Light and Air

Light play a very important role in the development of cacti and succulent garden.
Plant with the help of light is produced its food. The help of air from which they
absorb carbon dioxide and minerals with the help of water from soil and with the
102 help of these light carryout the important plant process of photosynthesis, which
produce food for the growth of the plants in the growing period. Therefore cacti Cacti and Succulents Garden
and succulents need more light level during growing period. Some cacti and
succulents can grow in low light, provided water and nutrient. These species are
survived but not flowered. Too-much sunlight is as bad as not enough light, for
some species to grow in the garden. It cause sun-burn damage to the plant on the
sunny side. The sun-stress of this kind can be remedial in pot by removing the
plant to less sunny place but in the ground it require temporarily covering it with
shaded cloth or muslin cloth or shaded agro-net. The amount of light level can
be measured by photographic light meter. The plants which require a maximum
amount of light level are – Labiata, Oraya, Oreacereus, Matucana, Sub-matucana,
Monadeniun, Euphorlia sp. etc.

4.4.2 Temperature
Most of the cacti and succulent can grow well in outside temperature. Temperature
play a dominant role and is indispensable to the great majority of flowering cacti
and succulent in open garden. In winter optimum temperature require around to
be 7°C or 8°C. In summer most of these plants require a range of temperature
from 35°C - 40°C as long as they have full ventilation. The temperature surround
the cacti and succulent garden can be measured by minimum and maxi-mum
thermometer.

4.4.3 Humidity
You known, Cacti and Succulents does not require regular humidity like other
ornamental plants. These plants require resting period and at this time they require
very low humidity and moisture. This period of more or less dryness has a definite
effects on the vegetative growth of the plant. To sum-up from the end of
September, the watering gradually be cut back, until only the occasional spraying
should be doe upto December to January. From late February onward a little
watering should be start and gradually increase to reach maximum upto the month
of July and August to increase the humidity. The humidity level in the gardener
can measure with the help of humidity meter.

4.5 GROWING MEDIA / SOIL FOR CACTI AND

SUCCULENTS GARDEN
Selection of growing media is extremely important. It is one of the essential
element for the successfully growing cacti and succulents in open garden. All
members of cacti and succulents need porous and well drained soil media. If
garden soil become water logged, the roots of these plants will rot and plant will
die soon. Always select reused ground to develop cacti and succulent garden and
use small gravel at the bottom of growing beets for drainage of water.

Most of the cacti and succulents need a slightly acedie soil media. The pH of the
garden beds should be in the range of 5 to 6.5. If the soil mixture of garden beds
is very acetic, add lime stone to make the soil less “Acidic”. It is express by
“pH” and represent by the number between 0 and 14, sowing the ratio of acidity
/ Alkalinity. A pH - 7 is neutral; between 0 to 7 pH, the acidity of soil increases;
between 7 to 14, the alkalinity increases. As a genial rules vegetative organism
survive in a ideal pH between 7 and 9. For cacti and succulents ideal pH is 5.5 to
6.5 to grow better both in the garden beds as well as in containers.
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Landscaping 4.5.1 Type of soil media for Cacti and Succulents
When cacti and succulents are grown in the open soil of garden beds, the extra
drainage be provided immediately below the roots in the cacti and succulents
beds, in the form of crushed crocks for proper drainage. The electric conductivity
(EC) of the soil in the garden beds should be less than one (1) for proper
cultivation.
Ideal soil medias to grow cacti and succulents in garden beds as well as in
containers are five types which are recommended by growers. Most basic cactus
and succulents compost have 25-50 % organic matter, combined with an inorganic
ingredient. This should be loose and well acrated, even when wet to prevent
water logging and root rot. A good succulent compost allow for easy root growth,
while holding less water than a typical house plant compost. Growers
recommended five types of media which are described below one by one.
i) One third sand (river send); one third well-rotted and sifted vegetable mould
/ leaf mould and one third sifted soil. It is good most of the Cacti and
Succulents.
ii) Equal part of garden loam, leaf-mould and sand, ½ part gril, a little granular
fertilizer if pH permit. This is suitable for Echinocereus. For Rubutia and
Lobia, the leaf mould may be reduce to ½ part, the other ½ part being made
up with peat.
iii) Equal part of Loam, leaf mould and sand with little fertilizer consist at most
entirely of Phosphates.
This type of media is good for Ephyllum, Schlumberger etc. for Rhipsales
type of cactus, fibrous peat be substituted for loam. Most of the succulent
like this type of media.
iv) Soil that is pre-dominatly inorganic : 3 part of sand : 2 part of garden Loam
: 1 part leafmould : 1 part grit.
This media is suitable for Echino cactus, and similar genera of Echinofossulo
– Cactus; Astro Phytum and Gymno - Calcium cactus may need loam reduce
to 1 part and leaf mould increase 2 part.
v) 2 part sea - sand, slightly fibrous garden loam free of unrotted organic meter
: 1 part a little granular fertilizer according to pH of media.
This media is suitable for – opuntia, cereus and similar generas of cacti;
Echinopsis and Mammillaria sp. of cacti. For selenicereus and Apora – cactus.
Most of the succulents like this type of media to develop cacti & succulent
garden.
Soil – based medias are good for both outdoor use and for containers to
grow cacti and succulents. A good mixture is 3 part of sterilized, fibrous
soil; one part of peat mass, and one part 6 mm washed grif, enriched with
balanced fertiliser.

4.5.2 Top - Dressing Materials for Garden Plants of Cacti and

Succulents
Any display is enhanced by a top-dressing that completely cover the soil. Topdress
also reduce soil erosion, conserver moisture and suppressed weeds. Top-dressing
material should be used according to the size and colour suitable to beds or
104 containers.
Local stone is best, although perlite, pumice, or Peat - sized beach pebbles may Cacti and Succulents Garden
also be suitable for top-dressing. Do not use crushed lime stone, which increase
the soil’s alkalinity, because the top-dressing must be inert.

4.6 GARDEN SETTINGS FOR CACTI AND

SUCCULENTS
There is a good scope to implement your imaginations free rein in the development
of an open garden of cacti and succulents. Especially, if there is space to prepare
well-drained beds. Even in cooler climates, a wide range of variety of plants
may be grown in open garden and tender plants can be sunk into the beds in pots
during summer to give seasonal look and display in the garden.

When you are grouping the plants in cacti and succulent garden, consider scale,
shape, texture and colour. If plants are large, shape and form are likely to be
most important and have the strongest impact. If the plants are smaller featured
should be grown in a raised beds to be viewed at close hand. The differences in
texture and colour should be more noticeable.

Plants should be combine in such a way that flower one after the other for
succession of colour. If flowering time of plants overlap, ensure that the colours
of the blooms complement each other. Also include species in plantation with
unusual forms and texture to provide year - round interest; for example, the
globular form, glossy skin and sharp spines of Gymnocalycium horsitti can be
contrasted with the candle like stems of Mammillaria elongata in golden and
comb like spines.

Cacti and succulents may also be grown with other plants, provided that all thrive
in the same condition. For example, the rich burgundy foliage of Euphorlia
amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’ creates a contrast to the plate like rosettes of “Aeonium
tabuliforme or a spreading carpet of evergreen Juniperus Squamata”.

Without a doubt, the most beautiful and attractive displays of succulent are well
planned in outdoor garden plantings. When succulents planted in the ground
expose to the elements cacti and succulents can take on an appearance that is not
otherwise possible. The benefits of growing cacti and succulents in the ground
are balanced, liabilities, however.

The gardener does have the certain control over the environment provides for
plants grown in the open garden. This must be taken into consideration before
the 1st succulent or cacti is ever put in the ground. To prevent water logging,
particularly in regions where high rainfall, in such region succulent can be
maintained in raised beds or planted on mounds formed of a well drained soil
media. In many gardens, a steep slope with sallow soil is all that many succulent
species require.

In order to preparation the garden site for plantation correctly, the selection of a
species for particular site should be done very carefully to grow in the garden.
This does not means only choosing those with the right tolerance for sum and for
temperature, they are expected to tolerate. You should select such species of
cacti and succulents which will grow well together for a longer period. By picking
the right species, the gardener will determine the amount of annual care that
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Landscaping must go into the planting of garden. The species selection will determine if the
planting is to be a long - term, low- maintenance display or a hand - on garden,
requiring thinning, as specimens begins to over - run each other and to maintain
its beauty.

Additionally, a covering of an old sheet or agro - shedding net will add several
degree of frost protection. Where winters are two severe, gardeners are forced to
move tender or semi-hardy plants to indoor or under polyhouse during the winter
months. Always grow such species which are suitable for a partial region or so.
Generally, these garden plants of cacti and succulents require minimum care
through the winter, infrequent watering and no fertilization.

4.7 PLANTATION OF CACTI AND SUCCULENTS

IN GARDEN BEDS
The cacti and succulents are generally planted in the spring season. Taller plants
should be planted on border or periphery of the garden. In this way these plants
can grow properly and develop their beauty. From border of the garden to path
corners simultaneously plant with smaller height of plant type, so that they will
not overlap to other. At extreme end near path border, spreading type of dwarf
species of cacti & succulents should be planted. This way each type plant will
be visible in the garden.

On raised ground beds, cactus planting with various species of cacti and succulents
appears most natural in the garden. This can be emphasized by the use of various
top dressing material and larger stones. Since succulent plants will tolerate
transplanting more often than other plants.

In well-drained soil and low rainfall areas, growers can plant cacti and succulents
in beds at ground level in the garden. In general cacti and succulents are planted
on raised beds which require more preparation. Depending on the desired look
and life expectancy of the beds, the sides can be developed from any number of
rock material. Brick, blocs of concrete, treated wood or mortared stone are most
common. Fill the raised beds of the garden that sit directly on the ground entirely
with the growing media or, if increase drainage is needed, put a lower layer of
gravel at the bottom. Now we will discuss plantation plan of Cacti and Succulents
as follows:

Cacti & Succulents Plantation in the Garden

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Narrow, tall-growing cacti like Opuntia and succulent like Sanseviaria are Cacti and Succulents Garden
good plants for narrow locations beds of the garden. However, care should
be taken not to position spiny plants in high traffic areas.
Leaf succulents like as Pachypodium sp., Adenium sp. and many other species
like Euphorlua, can provide the illusion of flush tropical greenery in the
garden, without the frequent watering required by non - succulent species
of plants.
The Blue colouring tall species of Pilosocereus - cactus look very attractive
in the centre of raised beds or mount and on border in a bright light. An
affords always be made to select plants will grow well in the amount of
light available.
An “Agave” americana medio - picta alba very effective in the garden for
colour contrast.
For display in a corner or against a wall, the taller plants should be planted
toward the back in the garden.
A group of Echinocereus or “Hedgebog cacti” so called because of the
hemispherical mounds look very attractive when planted in the front of the
semi -tall cacti species in the garden.
Opuntia or Prickly pear, provides the spread view and greenery in the garden,
while requiring less frequent watering. The choice of less spined species of
succulents is especially important for busy area of the garden.
The species of Agave, Opuntia and Dasylirion provide a relatively care -
free landscape in the garden. There species have also been selected for their
cold and sun hardiness to suite the climate and will require no additional
protection once established in the garden.
The yellow - flowered rosettes of Aeonium and Pink - flowered lampranthus
can be combined for effect in the mass planting. In plantings with relatively
fast -growing, spreading succulents, need occasional pruning. After several
years, the bed will become untidy and overgrown. This is the time to replant
a mass planting in the garden.
The choice of plants for a garden plantation with cacti and succulents, is
determined by the local climate and the amount of care provided by the
gardener. In the back ground on “Aloe” and Agave, provide a back drop for
smaller, busy species of Mesembryanthemum maceae and a large cluster of
“Aeonium”.
Succulents are often used as peripheral plants to create a oasis. The inner
plants are often non - succulent and occasionally quit bush. Drought hardy
and succulents species are selected for the middle areas. Some species of
succulents that require no additional water are selected for gardens where,
there is a shortage of water for irrigation.
When you are going to plant cacti or succulent in the garden, start with the
tallest one. At time of plantation remove each plant from its pot. When you
are going remove plant from plant, rap a strip of folded brown paper around
the stem of each cactus, to form a handle and gently lift the plant from its
pot. A hole is scoop out in the garden beds soil mixture, for each plant,
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Landscaping where you want to plant this cacti or succulent. Lower the plant into the
hole, make sure it is sitting at the same depth in the hole, as it was in its
nursery pot, spread out its roots and fill in around them with more mixture.
Once all the plants are in place in the garden beds, lightly firm the surface of
the planting mixture. Gently remove any planting mixture that has lodged
on the plants, spines or leaves with a fine soft brush. Position a few decorative
pebbles on top of the planting mixture and spoon on a layer of grift. Brush
the surface and spray it with water to wash the stone. Leave it for three-four
days, then it is watered lightly. Succulents are required light watering after
plantation while irrigate cacti after 3 to 5 days.

4.7.1 Creating a Dissert look in the Garden

Mainly from dry habitats, cacti and succulents after enormous scope for creating
desert-style displays with their diverse range of shapes, colour and texture. Try a
few small or slow-growing plants in a miniature dissert garden for a long - lasting
arrangements, that should be brightly lite possession in the garden. Most species
need very little water and are dormant during winter, make sure to choose plants
that are compatible in these respects. Take care to avoid overwatering the plants.
Once planted a desert garden, it will survive happily for several years.

Check Your Progress Exercise 1

Note : a) Space is given below for answers.
b) Compare your answer with that given at the end of the unit.
1) What are Jungle Cacti and Succulents ?
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2) What are essential equipments require to develop a Cacti & Succulent garden?
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3) What is the ideal range of pH require to grow Cacti and Succulents ?
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4) What is the time of plantation of Cacti and Succulent in the garden ?
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108 .......................................................................................................................
 Cacti and Succulents Garden
4.8 CACTI AND SUCCULENTS PLANTS FOR
GARDEN
We will categorized some cacti and succulent plants according to their height,
habit etc in the following way :

4.8.1 Cacti
4.8.1.1 Cacti type – 25 ft. & above Height
i) Cephalocerus senilis : Ht. - 50 ft.; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 4°C.
ii) Pereskia aculeate : Ht. - 30 ft.; spread - unlimited; min. temp. - 4°C; sented,
white, cream or rose colour flower in autumn.
iii) Cereus velidus : Ht. - 25 ft.; spread - 10 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; flower phikish,
white and summer flowering.
4.8.1.2 Cacti type – 15 ft. to 24 ft. Height
i) Cureus hildmannianurs V. mostrose : Ht. - 15 ft.; spread - 10 ft.; mini
temp.- 5°C; white flowers.
ii) Opuntia neoargentina : Ht. - 15 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; yellow
flower, in summer.
iii) Pachycereus schottii : Ht.- 20 ft.; spread - 8 ft.; min. temp. 10°C; cream to
dark pink flower in spring to summer.
iv) P. schottii v. Moustrose : Ht. - 20 ft.; spread - 8 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C.
v) Pilosocereus leucocephalus F. Palmeri : Ht. - 20 ft.; spread - 5 ft.; min.
temp.- 10°C, pale pink to white flowers.
vi) Weberbauerocereus johnsonii: Ht. - 20 ft.; spread - 6 ft.; mini. temp - 7°C;
white or Pale pink flower; golden spine.

Succulent Garden with Different Types

109
Landscaping 4.8.1.3 Cacti type – 5 ft. to 14 ft. Height
i) Oreocereus celsianus : Ht. - 10 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C; pink
flowers.
ii) Ferocactus cylindraceus : Ht. - 10 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C;
orange or yellow flower.
iii) Ferocactus latispinus : Ht. - 10 ft.; spread - 15 inch; min. temp. - 5°C;
creamy to purple flowers – in spring or autumn.
iv) Espostoa lanata : Ht. - 12 ft.; spread - 3 ft., min. temp. - 5°C; unpleasant
scented, white flowers.
v) Echinopsis deserticola : Ht. - 6 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp 7°C; pall pink
to white flowers appears in summer.
vi) Echinopsis scopulicola : Ht. - 6 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; flower
creamy white appears in summer.
vii) E. bachergii : Ht. - 9 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp - 5°C; red or purple
flowers produce in summer.
viii) Clustocactus strausii : Ht. - 10 ft.; spread - 6 ft.; min temp. - 5°C; Ecy -
catching silvery spines; Redish flowers appear in spring.
ix) C. brookeae : Ht. - 5 ft.; spread - unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; attractive
pale golden spines; flower redish – orange- in summer.
x) Cereus aethiops : Ht. - 10 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - 4°C; blue green
stem, black spines; purple-red flower in summer.

Cacti Garden Plantation

4.8.1.4 Cacti types – 3 ft. to 5 ft. below Height

i) Cleistocactus winteri : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 7°C;
short attractive golden spine, red to orange flowers from spring to summer.
ii) Echinopsis huascha : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread – unlimited; min. temp - 5°C; red or
110 golden colour flowers – in summer.
iii) E.colochlora : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; flower, Red Cacti and Succulents Garden
in colour appears in summer.
iv) Neoporteria curvispina : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread - 5 inch; min. temp. - 7°C;
v) N. subgibbosa : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread - 5 inch; min. temp. - 7°C; Redish pink
flowers, in autumn and spring.
vi) Opentia tunica : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread - 6 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; flower golden to
pink, populike in summer.
vii) Rhipsalis crispata : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 10°C; cream
colour flowers from spring to early summer.

4.8.1.5 Cacti type – 11 inches to 24 inches Height

i) Capiapoa coquimbana : Ht. - 18 inch; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C;
yellow flowers in spring and summer.
ii) Coryphantha clava : Ht. - 15 inch; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; golden
flowers in spring or summer.
iii) Ferocactus echidne : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 5°C;
yellow flower in spring or summer.
iv) Mammillaria pringlei : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C;
crimson flower in spring.
v) M. magnimamma : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; pale pink
or purple flower appears in spring.
vi) M. lomlycina : Ht. - 12 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp - 5°C; redish
pink flowers in spring or summer.
vii) Neoporteria clavata : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 5 inch; min. temp. - 7°C; pink
or purple flowers appears spring and Autumn.
viii) Parodia horstii: Ht. - 24 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 7°C.
ix) Schiumbergeratruncata : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - unlimited; min. temp. -
5°C; radish purple flowers in spring & Autumn.
x) S. hybrida : Ht. - 12 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; red flowers
in spring and autumn.

4.8.1.6 Cacti type – 1 inch to 10 inches Height

i) Thelo cactus bicolor : Ht. - 10 inch; spread - 5 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; red
and yellow spines, pint – purple flowers.
ii) T. stispinus : Ht. - 7 inch; spread - 10 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; Citrus -
scented, yellow flowers.
iii) T. rinconensis : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; white, pole
golden or pink flower.
iv) Stenocactus multicostatus : Ht. - 5 inch; spread - 5 inch; min. temp. - 5°C;
pole yellow to brown and slightly pink shad flowers in spring to summer.
v) Rebutia mentosa F. flavissini : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - 5 inch; min. temp. -
4°C; eye –catching magenta to carmine.
111
Landscaping vi) Rubutia arenacea : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - 8 inch; min. temp. - 7°C; golden
yellow flowers in spring.
vii) R. pastel pink: Ht. - 4 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 4°C; flower in
various shad of pink in spring.
viii) R. heliosa : Ht. - 3 inch; spread - 8 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; red- orange
flowers in spring.
ix) R. muscuta : Ht. - 3 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; white eye-
catering hair, attractive plant-body, Redis orange flower in spring some time
in autumn also.
x) Parodia chrysacanthion : Ht. - 8 inch; spread - 8 inch; min. temp. - 5°C;
attractive golden spine, small yellow flower in spring to summer.
xi) P. horstii : Ht. - 2 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 7°C; orange flower in
summer.
xii) Oroya peruviana : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - 8 inch; min. temp. - 10°C; orange
or red flower bud, yellow hingid, carmine to crimson flower.
xiii) Matucana intertexta : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - 8 inch; min. temp. - 10°C; red
or orange flower in spring and summer.
xiv) Melocactus salvadorenjis : Ht. - 5 inch; spread - 7 inch; min. temp. - 16°C;
pink to cerise flowers appear in summer.
xv) M. matazanus : Ht. - 5 inch; spread - 5 inch; min. temp. - 16°C.
xvi) Mammillaria sempervivi : Ht. - 8 inch; spread - 8 inch; min. temp. - 5°C;
yellow or white flowered in sprig.
xvii)M. ailmanniana : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; carmine –
pink flowers in spring.
xviii) Gymnocalycium mihanovichii “Red Top” : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 6 inch;
min. temp. – 10-16°C; light pink flower in spring.
xix) G. bruchii : Ht. - 5 inch; spread - 18 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; light pink
flower in spring.

Cacti Garden with small Types

112
xx) Ferocactus latispinus : Ht. - 10 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; Cacti and Succulents Garden
creamy to purple flowers in spring and autumn.
xxi) Echinopsis chamaecereus F. lutea : Ht. - 5 inch; spread - 10 inch; min.
temp. - 10°C; Red flowers in spring or summer.
xxii) Caryphantha pseudoechinus : Ht. - 7 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. -
5°C; attractive pale or red brown spine, violet - pink flowers in spring or
summer.
xxiii) Capiapoa hypogaea : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 15 inch; min. temp. - 7°C.

4.8.2 Succulents
4.8.2.1 Succulents type – 15 ft. to 30 ft. Height
i) Aloe ferox : Ht. - 15 ft.; spread - 16 ft.; min. temp. - 2°C; orange- red
blooms appears in spring.
ii) Aloe dichotoma : Ht. - 30 ft.; spread - 20 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; yellow
colour flower spicks appear in winter.
iii) Crassula ovata : Ht. - 15 ft.; spread - 5 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; white flowers
appears in late autumn.
iv) Pachypodium lamerei : Ht. - 20 ft.; spread - 6 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C; fragrant
flowers of white with sold throat in summer.
v) Jatropha cordata : Ht. - 30 ft.; spread - 12 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; flower in
summer.

5.8.2.2 Succulents type – 10 ft. to below 15 ft. Height

i) Kalanchoe beharensis : Ht. - 12 ft.; spread - 7 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; yellow
green flower appears in spring.
ii) Crassula ovata : Ht. - 15 ft.; spread - 5 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; white, cluster
of flower appears late autumn to mid. Winter.
iii) C.arborescens : Ht. - 10 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; pink flowers
appear in tale autumn.
iv) Aloe karasbergensis : Ht. - 12 ft.; spread - 12 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; pale
pink to staw herry – red flowers in summer.

4.8.2.3 Succulents type – 5 ft. to below 10 ft. Height

i) Agave americana Variegata : Ht. - 5 ft.; spread - 12 ft.; min. temp. -1°C;
creamy white fragrant flowers, appears in spring to rainy season on 6 to
25ft tall, flower stem.
ii) Aloe plicatilis : Ht. - 10 ft.; spread - 10 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; orange or red
colour flowers appears from spring to summer.
iii) Crassula arborescens : Ht. - 10 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; pink
flowers appears in late autumn.
iv) Cyphostemma juttae : Ht. - 6 ft.; spread - 12 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C; pink to
red flower appears in late spring.
v) Euphorbia grandialata : Ht. - 6 ft.; spread - 8 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C; petalless
flowers and coral red leaf bracts are produce in summer. 113
Landscaping vi) E.milli : Ht. - 6 ft.; spread - 5 ft.; min. temp. - 13°C; tiny white, gold, red,
rose or orange leaf bracts open in summer.
vii) Jatropha podagrica : Ht. - 5 ft.; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 13°C; scarlet
flowers appear from spring to summer regularly.
viii) Pachypodium namaquanum : Ht. - 5 ft.; spread - 9 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C;
small red-brown flowers appears in spring.
ix) P. rosulatum : Ht. - 5 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 13°C; canary yellow
flowers appears in late winter & early spring.
x) P.succulentum : Ht. - 5 ft.; spread - 6 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; small, trumpet –
shaped, white to crimson or pink flowers in spring & summer.
xi) Pedilanthus tithymaloides Veriegata : Ht. - 9 ft.; spread - 5 ft.; min. temp.
-13°C; greenish flowers and red to yellow bracts appear from summer to
autumn.
xii) Sedium frutecens : Ht. - 5 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; Tiny white
flowers in late spring.

4.8.2.4 Succulents type – 2 ft. to below 5 ft. Height

i) Adenium obesum: Ht. - 4 ft.; spread - 15 inch; min. temp. - 16°C; pink,
white or crimson flowers are produced from spring to autumn.
ii) Aeonium arboretum Atropurpureum : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp.
- 5°C; yellow flowers appears in late winter to spring.
iii) A. arboreum “Albovariegatum” : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. -
5°C; white, yellow or pink, red flowers appears in spring to autumn.
iv) A.arboeum “Schwartzkopt”: Ht. - 3 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C;
yellow & white or pink, red flowers appears in spring to autumn.
v) Agave parryi : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - °C; cluster of creamy
yellow flowers appears on a 12 ft. tall flower spike in spring to autumn.
vi) A. strica : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 5 ft.; min. temp. - 2°C; white flowers is
produced on spike in spring to autumn.
vii) Cotyledon undulata : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; Orange to
red flowers are produce on long stem in summer.
viii) Crassula tetragona : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; small
cluster of white flowers appears in autumn.
ix) Cryphostemma bainesii : Ht. - 2.5 ft.; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C;
tiny greenish yellow flower are born in cluster in spring.
x) Euphorbia neohumbertii: Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C;
small and green with red-tops, bracts appear in spring.
xi) E. horriada : Ht. - 4 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C; small purple leaf
bracts on upper ribs appears in summer.
xii) Gasteria fuscopunctata : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; dainty,
Pendent flowers of red-orange colour appear in spring.
xiii) Kalenchoe tomentosa : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; white,
114 yellow or orange flowers appears in spring.
xiv) K. kevensis : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; vivid pink flowers Cacti and Succulents Garden
appear in the spring season.
xv) K. tubiflora : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; cluster of
orange-red to purple flowers are produced in spring.
xvi) Lampranthus spectabilis : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 2°C;
white to purple flowers appear in spring.
xvii) L. aurantiacus : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; orange
flowers is produced is spring.
xviii) Manadenium lugardae : Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C;
creamy, pink flowers appear in spring or summer.
xix) Pachyphylum viridi: Ht. - 2 ft.; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; white
flower with wine-red petals in spring or early summer.
xx) Sansevieria trifasciata “Lauretii” : Ht. - 4 ft.; spread – unlimited; min.
temp. 13°C; pale green flowers appears in summer.
xxi) Senecio articulatus : Ht. - 3 ft.; spread - unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; flowers
are foul – smelling, cream colour, appear in autumn.

4.8.2.5 Succulents type – 13 inches to 23 inches Height

i) Agave pumila : Ht.- 15 inch; spread - 24 inch; min. temp. - 2°C.
ii) Dudleya brittoni : Ht. - 15 inch; spread - 30 inch; min. temp. - 10°C; masses
of pale yellow flowers appear in summer.
iii) Echeveria painted Lady : Ht. - 15 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp. -
5°C; Red blooms appear in summer.

4.8.2.6 Succulents type – 1 inch to 12 inches Height

i) Adomischus cooper : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C;
pale green flowers appear in summer.
ii) A. maculatus : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; pale to
dark gray – green flower in summer.
iii) Aeonium tabuliforme : Ht. - 2 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 5°C;
yellow flowers appear in summer.
iv) Agave utahensis : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 24 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; deep
green yellow bloom appear in summer.
v) A. parviflora : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 9 inch; min. temp. - 2°C; green flowers
on 4-6 ft. spike in summer.
vi) A. victorios - Reginae : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 24 inch, min. temp. - 2°C;
cream flowers on 2-3 ft. spike in summer.
vii) Aloe aristata : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 2°C; Orange – Red
flowers are born of 3 ft. stem, in spring.
viii) A. karasbergensis : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 7°C; Pale
pink to strawberry- red flowers on tall spike in summer.
ix) A. variegata : Ht. - 9 inch; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; salmon to scarlet
blooms appear in spring. 115
Landscaping x) Brachystema barberae : Ht. - 1 inch; spread - 8 inch; min. temp. - 10°C;
Scented, maroon to Chocolate colour flowers appear in spring and early
summer.
xi) Caralluma socotrana : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C; Star
shaped – purple to red flower appears in summer or autumn.
xii) Conophytum : Ht. - 1 inch; spread - 4 inch; min. temp. - 6°C; Daisy like
purple –pink flowers appear in autumn.
xiii) C. bilolum : Ht. - 3 inch; spread - 7 inch; min. temp. - 6°C; yellow or
copper - colour flower appear in summer.
xiv) Cotyledon ladismithensis : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 2 ft; min. temp. - 6°C;
mustard to greenish brown flower appear in summer.
xv) C. buchholziana : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 15 inch; min. temp. - 6°C; rust or
purple colour flowers appear in autumn.
xvi) Crassula schinidtii : Ht. - 4 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C;
bright pink to red flowers in late autumn.
xvii) C - falcata : Ht. - 9 inch, spread - 10 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; red to orange –
red flowers appear in late summer.
xviii) Dudleya hassei : Ht. - 9 inch; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 7°C; cluster of
white flowers born are 12 - inch spike, in pate winter.
xix) Echiveria tundellii : Ht. - 5 inch; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 2°C; brilliant
flame – red and yellow flowers appear in summer.
xx) E. elegans : Ht. - 3 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C; pale yellow
flowers appears in summer.
xxi) Euphorbia francoisii : Ht. - 5 inch; spread - 15 inch; min. temp. - 10°C;
yellow - green, kidney shape bracts appear in summer.
xxii) E. obesa : Ht. - 8 inch; spread - 5 inch; min. temp. - 10°C.
xxiii) Faucaria tuberculosa : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - 2 ft; min. temp. - 5°C; yellow
flowers appear in autumn.
xxiv) Gasteria armstrongii : Ht. - 9 inch; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C;
orange red flowers appears on spike in spring.
xxv)G.obtusa : Ht. - 8 inch, spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C; flower orange or red
on spike in spring.
xxvi) Gibbaeum velutinum : Ht. - 5 inch; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C;
flower white to lavender or red in colour appear in spring and some time in
autumn.
xxvii) Graptopetalum bellum : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - 30 inch; min. temp. -
10°C; pint to clear red flowers appears in spring.
xxviii) Graptoveria “Debbi” : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 2 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C;
orange- red flowers appear in late summer.
xxix) Howorthia pumila : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; white
flowers appears from spring to summer.

116
xxx) H. venosa : Ht. - 4 inch; spread - 12 inch; min. temp. - 5°C; white flowers Cacti and Succulents Garden
appear from spring to summer.
xxxi) Kalenchoe rhombopilosa : Ht. - 6 inch; spread - 15 inch; min. temp. -
7°C; greenish yellow flowers appears in spring.
xxxii) Lithops aucampiae : Ht. - 1 inch, spread - 9 inch; min. temp. - 2°C;
yellow daisy like flowers appear in early autumn.
xxxiii) L. salicola : Ht. - 2 inch; spread - 9 inch; min. temp. - 2°C; white daisy
like flowers appears in the early autumn.
xxxiv) Monadenium guentheri : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 4 ft.; min. temp. - 10°C;
long greenish white with purple spots in summer.
xxxv) Pachyphytum oviferum : Ht. - 6 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp. -
6°C; flowers with powdery, gray-green sepals and red petals appears in spring
and early summer.
xxxvi) Sedium kamschalicum : Ht. - 3 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp. -
35°C; golden or orange flowers appears in summer.
xxxvii) S. nussbaumeranum : Ht. - 9 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp. -
5°C; white flowers appears in spring.
xxxviii) Sempervivium “Emersonscriant” : Ht. - 1 inch; spread - 2 ft.; min.
temp. - 15°C; straw pink flowers appears in summers.
xxxix) Scenecio haworthii : Ht. - 12 inch; spread - 3 ft.; min. temp. - 5°C;
yellow daisy like flowers in spring & summer.
xl) Senecio stapeliiformis : Ht. - 6 inch; spread – unlimited; min. temp. - 5°C;
long-lasting scarlet flowers appear on short stalk in summer.

4.9 MAINTENANCE OF CACTI & SUCCULENT

GARDEN
There are several operations which will be carried out time to time for the
maintenance of garden and its proper development. These operations are described
below:

4.9.1 Irrigation or Watering

Watering to cacti and succulents is a very important part of operation. Never
overwater the cacti and succulents, it can cause roots rot and death of the plant.
Cacti and succulents do not require regular watering in all the season. Majority
of cacti need rest period during winter. During winter when they are on rest, they
should be left for a longer period as a month without water, if temperature is very
low in the garden. If your garden under slightly warmer place – irrigate the garden
very lightly after 15 to 20 day. All succulents are also required less water in
winter. Garden should be irrigated accordingly to the environmental temperature.
But it will be crude for cacti and succulents garden, if it will not irrigated properly
during the growing period of the garden plants i.e. from February to spraying.
The cacti and succulents need irrigation once or twice a day during growing
period. It will help proper growth.

117
Landscaping In July to September water the garden accordingly, need of the plants for good
growth. As and when, whether become cooler, reduce the watering slowly and
slowly till plants goes to resting periods. The water should be sufficient to soak
all by soil and excessive water should be drained out freely of the garden soil.

4.9.2 Fertigation of Cacti and Succulent Garden

Cacti and succulents are hungry plants and require regular feeding during the
growing season with a balance range of minerals. These fertilizers are Nitrogen
(N); for vigorous top-growth, potassium (K); to encourage flowers and fruit, and
Phosphorus (P); for good root growth. These are called major Nutrients. Beside
these all minor or trace, elements are also essential for proper growth of plants.

Fertilizers may be organic or inorganic and are available in granular, powder,

liquid or solid form. Some of the organic fertilizers such as seaweed are rich in
trace elements required for healthy growth; others can be deficient is some of the
trace elements. Therefore it is necessary to supplement such fertilizers with
extra minerals.

Cacti and succulent require feeding in two stages. Add a powder or granular
fertilizer to soil media at planting time or during the annual renovation of a
permanent bed or garden.

After this, apply either liquid or solid fertilizers throughout the growing season,
generally in spring and summer, to allow the plants new growth to ripen in autumn.

Cacti and succulents respond well to liquid fertilizers consist of 15 % nitrogen,

15 % potassium, 30 % phosphorus, and all the trace elements, used at half the
normal strength.

Fertilizers that a deficient in nitrogen cause stunted growth in cacti and succulents
after prolonged use. Which are overfed with nitrogen grow thin and do not flower
well, while succulents produce spindly growth.

Succulents Garden with Different types

4.9.3 Handling of Cacti and Succulents

Many opuntia species, some cacti etc. and some succulents, like Pachyphytum
species and Adromischus species, have segments and leaves which easily break
118 off if they are roughly handled. Handle them carefully. Some cacti and succulents
have a waxy coating on the leaves or stem which brush off when touched, leaving Cacti and Succulents Garden
permanent finger prints on leaves on stem. Gripping these plants by their base
will limit this. Many succulents, Euphorlia species, especially, have poisonous
or caustic sap. The gardeners should wear glover and eye protection when pruning
these plants. Wash off sap that does come in contact with the skin with alcohol,
followed by washing with soap and water. Tongs, heavy gloves, or a sleaves of
paper or thick fabric can be used to maintained these species.

4.9.4 Pruning
To look attractive and grow well, most succulents and some cacti, particularly
Epiphytes, benefit from some shaping and restriction to their growth by pruning
to make them bushier and more compact. The other utility of pruning is to remove
any unproductive growth which harm the vigor of the plant.
Prune shrilly succulents at the start of the growing season, winter - flowering
succulents in summer, and Epiphytic cacti such as Ephiphyllum after flowering.
Pruning tools are vary from knives to scissor, secateurs, or for the earnest job, a
pruning saw is used in the garden. These tools should be very sharp, so they will
cut the plant rather than crush the tissue. These told should also be kept clean
and sterilized, to avoid spreading bacteria infection and fungi or viruses diseases
at the time of pruning from one plant to another plant.
Cut back shrubby plant just above the shoot or outward facing bud. Some creeping
or mounding plants look healthier if old, foliage beneath the new growth is
removed. Cut back the longer stems of trailing plant that have outgrown their
hanging baskets to encourage new bushier growth near the base.
Eventually, plants that have been regularly pruned will become woody; use some
of the prunings to root as cuttings to develop new plant, to replace the old plant.

4.9.5 Plant Hygiene

Good hygiene maintains both the appearance and vigor of plants. Outdoor plants
of garden in hot areas with low rainfall tend to become dusty; clean spiny plants
with a soft brush or spray non hairy plants thoroughly with a hose or a mist –
sprayer. If the plants are very dirty, spray it with a teaspoon of liquid soap in 1
pint (600 ml) of water.
Dead head plants after flowering, unless they have decorative seedpods, and
remove unsightly foliage. To prevent disease cut out any damaged areas of cactus
stems with sharps pruners or a knife, leaving a smooth clean would surface that
can heal easily.
Remove the dead leaves or shoots which harbor posts and diseases. Pull of leaves
from rosette - shaped succulents or with thumb and forefinger, pinchout shoots
above the healthy joints. The leaves of succulents should be cleaned on regularly
intervals with thrive well and look more attractive and healthy in the garden.

4.10 PROPAGATION
There two type of propagation methods, sexual propagation by seed and Asexual
method of propagation, by vegetative part of the plant, clump division, in cacti
and succulents. 119
Landscaping 4.10.1 Sexual Method of Propagation
It is take place with help of seed. It is generally used to produced new types in
cacti & succulents. Many cacti and succulents cannot fertilize their own flowers.
To produce seed, pollination must be taken place from the flowers of one plant to
another. This is done in the outdoors cacti and succulent gardens by wind, insects,
bats or birds. If the two plants of same species results in new plants similar to the
parents and this type of seed in known as self seed.

To create new hybrid forms, transfer pollen from one flower of one species to the
bloom of a different species in the same genus. Before crossing it remove the all
the unripe stamens of flower to which you are going to pollinate. It is known as
female and from which you have taken pollen known as male parent and seed
produce by crossing to both is known as hybrid seed which give new types on
germination.

4.10.2 Asexual Method of Propagation

It takes place by the division of any part of the plants. Some methods given
below-

4.10.2.1 By Cutting

Cutting provide a quick and easy method of propagating cacti and succulents,
especially the hybrids, which do not produce similar off spring from seed. Most
of the plants can be increase by stem cutting of stem section, and some succulents
also produce from leaf cutting. The best time to take cutting is when a plant start
into active growth.
i) Leaf Cutting : Succulents such as Gasteria & some Howerthia root readily
from leaf cuttings. Put the cutting in pot containing potting mixture and
treated with any fungicide solution like. Captan or Bauistinu (1 %). The
leaves of succulent such as Crassula, Echiveria and Kalanchoe can also be
used for propagation.
ii) Stem Cutting or Section : Most succulents, except for Caudiciform species,
and many cacti, including Epiphytes species can be commercially propagated
from stem cutting and section of the stem. Very slow-growing plants are not
usually good subjects for sections because they tend to rot.
4.10.2.2 By Division

In this technique, a vigorous plant is divided into several pieces each of which
has either its on roots or growing points. It is simple and quick way to obtain
new plants of a good size. Cacti and Succulents both propagated by this method
in spring and summer.
i) Chimping Offsets : Succulents like Howarthia, Gasteria, Aloe, etc. and
some cacti such as Mammillia and Echinopsis etc are multiplied on
commercial scale in spring and summer.
ii) Offsets Tubers : Some succulents such as Senecio and Ceropegia have
tuberous roots and form offset tubers just below soil level. These can be
gently detached or separated with a knife and planted separately in pot with
potting mixture, these will produce new plants.
120
iii) Division of Rootstocks : Some Cacti and succulents like Sansevieria, species, Cacti and Succulents Garden
Aloe species, some Sedium etc are propagated by this method of root division
of clumps.

4.10.2.3 By Grafting

This methods is generally used in cacti for those species cannot develop proper
size on itself roots. When these cacti are grafted on root stock, they grow fast
and develop good size within one or two years which is not possible on self root.
It is taken place in spring and summer.

4.11 PLANTS PROBLEMS / ENEMIES

The most dangerous enemies of cacti and succulents are different type of diseases
that cause the stems and roots to decay in excessive humid condition. The other
problems of the plants are harmful insects and pests. Most of the insect, pest,
attack to cacti and succulents are similar to those of other ornamental and indoor
plants.

4.11.1 Diseases of Cacti and Succulents

The cacti and succulents suffer mainly by from fugal diseases. Fungal sports are
present in the atmosphere and attack plants in damp or humid / wet condition to
cacti and succulents due to the more irrigation in spring when new growth start
and in the dormancy period. The main diseases of these plants are discussed
below :

4.11.1.1 Basal and Root – Rot

In damp condition the fungus penetrate to the roots of cacti and succulents plants
very rapidly by from the skin into the tissue, turning then soft, black and causes
plant death.

Control :
i) Remove healthy branches of plants, treat it with fungicide and rooting
harmous, and plant it into new pot-mixture to develop root and new plant.
ii) The affected & dead part of the plant should be burn or dump in the soil
after treating it with fungicide.

4.11.1.2 Fungal Leaf Spots

Brown or gray spots appears on the leaves of Succulent plants and cause leaf
fall.

Control : Treat the plant with any fungicide like coper sulphate, Captan, Bavistin
etc. and remove all infected leaves of plant to dump them in deep soil or burn
them.

4.11.1.3 Shooty Mold

It is caused by the soil born fungus in very wet condition and damaged the plant,
specially seedling stage.
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Landscaping Control : Treat the soil & plant with systematic fungicide and discard the infected
seedling, to control the disease.

4.11.1.4 Corks Scab

The brown bark like spots develop near the base of stem of plants, are a result of
past disease damage or poor cultivation.

Control : Improve the growing conditions of the plants, the spots should not re-
appear and spraying with any fungicide in useful.

4.11.2 Insect, Pest of Cacti & Succulents

4.11.2.1 Mealy Bugs

It is very common for cacti & succulents and found scattered all over plant body
and suck the juee of the plant to harm it. If off season it rest in the soil.

Control : Spray with any insecticide like Metacystox, Rogor etc with light doses
help to control the insect. Soil drench with any strong systemic insecticide is
essential to control the insect.

4.11.2.2 Aphid

Small, brown, black bodies attack the tender part of the plants, leaf or flower etc.
& suck the shape of the plant, causing to it harm.

Control: Spray with any insecticide like, Melathion & Rogor etc.

4.11.2.3 Scale

Different type of brown in colour scale attack the different part of the plant and
damage its skin by sucking its shape to harm the plants.

Control : Spraying with pesticide and systemic insecticide to control it.

4.11.2.4 Spider Mites

These are pin head like bodies, attack cacti & succulents, forming dense webbing
over the plant & destroy the epidermis of the plant. Under sever attack plant can
die.

Control : Spraying with any miticide or dusting with sulphar, help to control it.

4.11.2.5 Thrips

It attack the appical part of the plants to destroy it growth & latter on attack on of
other tender parts like flower buds etc. It can move to other plant to harm.

Control : Spray with Rogor, Metacystoe, Malathion etc to control it. It require
regular spray with these insecticides till it over at intervals of 7-10 day.

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4.11.3 Cultural damage of Cacti and Succulents Cacti and Succulents Garden

4.11.3.1 Cold Damage

The cold temperature can effect stem, tip damage, scarring or even stem collapse
in succulents. Some time in too cold, affected areas of the plant rot.

Control : Increase temperature if possible by burning dry grass etc. and cut out
all the damaged parts of the plants and spray with any fungicide.

4.11.3.2 Drought Damage

If the plants are starved of water, leafy succulents shad their leaves, this start to
die back from the stem tips or shad their branches and ultimately die.

Control : Watering usually reverses this process of decling. Cacti shrink into
dormancy in a drought cut rejuvenate rapidly once watered.

4.11.3.3 Scorch Damage

Strong winds, or sudden bright sun-shine on dewy plants of cacti and succulents
can cause sunken brown patches where the tissue has collapsed.

Control : Harden them off in shading net, or protect them with fabric of flexible
mesh can control this problem.

Check Your Progress Exercise 2

Note : a) Space is given below for answers.
b) Compare your answer with that given at the end of the unit.
1) Name two Cacti each of more than 25 ft. and above, 15 to 24 ft. and 3 to 5 ft.
of height and succulent with 5 to 10 ft. height.
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
2) When Cacti in dormancy require heavy irrigation or less / no irrigation ?
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
3) When Cacti & Succulents require extra fertilizer ?
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................... 123
Landscaping 4) What are the Asexual method of Propagation ?
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
5) What are the problem or enemies harm the Succulents and Cacti ?
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................

4.12 LET US SUM UP

In this unit, you have studied about the development of Cacti and Succulent
gardens. We have discussed in detail in this unit all the essential environmental
factor to develop such garden, essential equipments and material require for these
gardens development. The planning of garden plantation and requirement of
different type cacti and succulents plants with their height, flowering time and
other habit, which are important to known before their plantation in the garden,
have been described in details. How you will maintained these garden and control
its day to day problems also have been discussed under this unit.

4.13 KEY WORDS

Xerophytes : The plants adapted to dry or desert condition to survive
are collectively known as “Xerophytes”.
Areole : This is actually a modified leaf bud, on a cactus from
which grow its spines, leaves, side shoots or flowers.
They are known as cushion like growing points on cacti.
Gloches : Little tufts of barbed bristles or hairs.
Epiphytes : Plants which grow up on another plant without living
as parasite, are known as Epiphytes.
Tissue : Complex of cell carrying out an identical function in an
organ.
Hybrid : When F1 seed produce by cross fertilization within two
species, this seed in known as hybrid seed or seed and
plants produce from these seed are known as Hybrid
plants.
Spine : A modified leaf, which can be needle like, barbed,
curved, hair like or bristly found in Cacti and Succulents.
124
Scion : A shoot or a bud or young plant which is use in Asexual Cacti and Succulents Garden
method of multiplication of plants for grafting on root
stock for propagation.
Rootstock : A vigorous plant used for grafting a scion under
vegetative propagation method.
pH : It is a Horticultural unit to measure Acidity or Alkalinity
of soil or water known as pH. pH-7 means neutral; below
pH-7 it is acidic and above pH-7 is alkaline texture of
soil or water.
EC : Electric conductivity of soil or water. Generally, plants
require for good growth EC=1.

4.14 FURTHER REFERENCES

1) Terry Hewitt : The complete book of cacti and succulents.
2) Dorling Kindersley : Pocket Encyclopedia of house plants.
3) Mariella Pizzetti : The Macdonald Encyclopedia of Cacti.
4) Miles Anderson: The world Enecyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents.

4.15 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

EXERCISES
Check Your Progress Exercise 1
1) The Cacti and Succulents which grow in such areas where sun light is filtered
through a thick tree canopy and are provided with moisture from atmosphere
and regular rainfall. These cacti and succulent in such region, have adopted,
to survive in less light rather than water and can also survive in period of
drought. Such Cacti and Succulents are known as jungle Cacti and
Succulents.
2) Essential equipment require to develop a Cacti and Succulents garden are –
all purpose knife, Retractable – Blade knife; Gloves; Dibber; spoon; Hand
Hoe; Widger; Wide – Bladed Trawel; Narrow – Bladed Trawel; Pruners or
Secateur, Folding pruning saw; Brushes; Plant lable; Seed – Tray; Minimum
– Maximum thermometer; Moisture meter and pH – Testing paper.
3) Ideal pH range for Cacti and Succulents is 5.0 to 6.5.
4) The best time to plant Cacti and Succulents in the garden is spring to summer.
Check Your Progress Exercise 2
1) Cacti and Succulent with height :
Cacti : 25 ft. – Cereus Velidus (25 ft.) and Perskia Aculeata (30 ft.).
15 to 24 ft. – Opentia neoargentina (15 ft.) and Pachy cereus
Schottii (20 ft.).
3 to 5 ft. – Cleistocactus winteri (3 ft.) and Opuntiatunica (3 ft.).
Succulents: 5 to 10 ft. – Euphorbia Grandialata (6 ft.) and Crassuala
arborescens (10ft) 125
Landscaping 2) Under dormancy condition Cacti require no water or very less water for
irrigation.
3) During active growth in spring and summer all cacti and succulents require
extra dose of fertilizer for better growth.
4) Asexual methods of propagation of cacti & succulents are – By stem Cutting;
By leaf cutting; By division of clump, roots or tubers and by grafting.
5) The problem or enemies harm the succulents and Cacti are – Aphids
(Greenfly), Mealy bugs, Scale, Spider Mites, Thrips and Whiteflies.

126