These cacti are often the prize of collectors who can grow them as they typically prove challenging in cultivation, often grafted. They are small, globose with tubercles and small spines, usually solitary, up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall. The spines vary and may be dense or almost non-exis...
Typically when we think about getting flowers to bloom on plants, we think about giving them plenty of water, sun, and warmth. But only one of those is true for getting Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti to bloom—watering! In fact, to get buds to turn to blooms on your plants, you actu...
There are three main types of “holiday” cacti out there: theEaster cactus(S. gaertneri), theThanksgiving cactus(S. truncata), and theChristmas cactus(S. x buckleyi). For simplicity’s sake, we refer to all three species as “Christmas cactus” on this page since the care is the sam...
Varieties that will want more sun—and won’t bloom without it—are those native to the Southwest such as cacti and yuccas, and aloes from South Africa. Succulents do need adequate light for balanced growth (so they don’t stretch), and any succulent—any plant for that matter—that has ...
Place 1 inch of small pebbles into the bottom of a clay or terracotta pot no more than one size larger than your totem pole plant's present container. Remove your plant from its container and tease the roots loose with your fingers. Cacti bloom better when rootbound. ...
While Christmas cacti are typically low-maintenance plants, they aren't immune to pests and diseases. If you find your plant has been invaded by pests, Gardening Know How shares ways to avoid some of the most common types. Mealybugs: These insects typically infect indoor plants. They have...
When you first bring a plant home, it’s normal for the plant to drop a few leaves as it gets used to its new space. If the lighting is to its liking, it will soon adjust. Plants that can toleratefull sun and bright lightthrive in south-facing windows (examples are cacti, aloe ver...
3. Succulents (even cacti) like waterContrary to common belief, you won’t kill your succulents by watering them regularly, especially during the active growing season. The key is to wait for the soil to become dry between waterings so that the roots can breathe. “Depending on weather, ...
The difference between succulents and cacti A cactus is a fleshy plant that stores water and is a part of the succulent group. But in order for a succulent to be considered a cactus, it must have areoles. Aeroles are small and round mounds of flesh that are cushion like. These mounds ...
Whether you’re adding small houseplants to your bedroom, displaying tall floor plants in your living room, or nurturing a mini jungle, your indoor plants do everything from elevating your decor to lowering your stress. And what do they ask for in return? Light, soil, water, a little ...