If you’ve always wanted a garden, but don’t have the time to spend watering and weeding a flowerbed, then a cactus garden may be just the right alternative for you. Cacti require little to no water or fertilizer, are immune to insect infestation, and can be grown indoors in containers with beautiful results.
To create a beautiful indoor cactus garden, you will need the following materials:
– Heavy gardening gloves
– Several small colorful cacti plants
– A low, flat bottom pot (preferably made from clay or terra cotta)
– Porous potting soil
– Decorative gravel
One of the most important aspects of a cactus garden, is the container you’ll use. Take your time when searching for the right sized pot. Don’t get anything that is too deep;, as shallow containers work best. As the picture I have displayed shows, you want something that will be just large enough for the cacti, and not leave much extra room. I like to use terra cotta or clay pots, because they simulate a natural rugged environment.
Once you have your pot, place a small amount of soil (about an inch or two) at the bottom of the pot. Be sure to use porous soil, which can be purchased at a gardening or home improvement store, like Lowe’s. Porous soil is simply a potting mix that contains gritty material that aids in water drainage. The cactus plant does not respond well to sitting in water, which is why it’s important to use the porous soil that will help draw water away.
The cacti you have selected should be small, and of varying height. (To see helpful photos of varying cacti types, go to this website) While wearing your heavy gardening gloves, lift the tallest cactus out of it’s container and place it inside the new pot. Dig you finger into the soil to make room for the plant. Put the cactus in the hole, and press the soil around the bottom to hold it in place. Make another hole beside it, and plant the next tallest cactus in place. Continue this process until all the cacti are in their desired position.
Now that you have all the cacti in place, fill in the space with decorative gravel. The importance of the gravel is that it aids in keeping moisture away from the plants. In place of gravel, you could also use rock, sand, or pebbles. Whatever you decide to use as your filler, you should select a color that is neutral and wont take away from the beautiful coloring in the cacti themselves.
Caring for your cactus garden:
Too much water will kill cactus. Thus you can safely go several weeks without giving them water. The plants are drought survivors, and thrive in dry environments, so be sure to give them lots of direct or indirect sunlight. If one side of the container is more exposed to the sun than the other, turn the container once a week to insure that all the cacti receive equal amounts of sunlight. If you notice that the cacti are beginning to lean to one side, you may want to consider moving the plant to a different area, as this is an indicator that some of the cacti are searching for light.
** To read more from this author, CLICK HERE.
SOURCES:
Personal knowledge and experience
http://www.cactuslimon.com
http://www.tucsongardener.com/Year02/Fall2002/cactusdishgarden.htm
