Cacti & succulents

Cacti and Succulents

James dispels the myths about the so-called 'unkillable plants'. Learn how to grow thriving cacti and succulents.

Lesson Summary

• Cacti and succulents are relatively easy to kill unless certain rules are followed.
• They all originate in very dry areas of the world and have evolved to grow in these environments by having thick leathery leaves and fleshy bodies.
• The most common cause of houseplant deaths is overwatering.
• Cacti and succulents must be allowed to completely dry out between waterings.
• Their potting media should be dry and dusty before you need to water it again.
• Indoors they require exceptionally bright light.
• The best place to grow them is close to the glass on a sunny windowsill.

Plants Used:

• Aloe humilis 'Spider Succulent'
• xGasteraloe 'Flow'
• Gasteria 'Ox Tongue'
• Crassula ovata 'Minor'
• Sansevieria 'Snake Plant'
• Schlumbergera 'Christmas Cactus'
• Crassula ovata 'Jade Plant'

Cacti & Succulents Care

Light

Most require exceptionally bright light. Preferably up against a south-facing windowsill (in the northern hemisphere).

Water

Cacti and succulents like to completely dry out between waterings.

• Cacti and succulents will all start to etiolate (stretch towards the light) and turn pale if there isn't enough sunlight.
• Hawthoria and Gasteria require less light, better suited to slightly darker positions away from a windowsill. Around one to two and a half metres away from a window is ideal.
• The forest cacti (including Schlumbergera) grow as epiphytes on the trunks of trees. They are best kept on north-facing windowsills.
• During summer cacti and succulents will grow more strongly if watered regularly, but make sure that they dry out between waterings.

Your Notes

Look around your home and see which cacti and succulents you already have. Evaluate whether these plants have been placed correctly in areas of adequate light in your home.