Growing tips
With climate change and water a scarce resource, xerophytes such as succulents and cactuses, that can survive on very little water, are a popular choice. Most species are low-maintenance and grow easily, especially if the rainfall is sufficient. Many are also frost-hardy. Follow Anton’s advice…
1 GROWTH MEDIUM In order to grow these waterwise plants successfully, you must use the right growth medium and ensure it has good drainage.
Although each species requires a specific growth medium, gardeners can create their own, and most succulents and cactuses will grow in it with great success. I use a mixture of four equal parts compost, coarse sand, fine sand and ordinary garden soil and mix them together well. Plaster sand can be used as fine sand and river sand as coarse sand.
2 SUNLIGHT The right amount of sunlight is vital: some plants require more and others less. In a less hardy climate, 95% of the plants can handle full sun; however, you’d be surprised how many plants also grow well in semi-shade or filtered sunlight. Since it is important that a plant is grown in the right spot from the get-go, you must check your new plant’s preference when you buy it.
The plant will soon show if it is not happy by means of discolouration. If it turns yellow, something is wrong – it is either getting too much sun and is getting scorched, or it needs more sunlight.
Move it to a more suitable spot.
3 WATER Although these plants require little water and the amount they need varies from species to species, most are highly adaptable; some even do well in areas with higher rainfall. I let the plant guide me and only water when it is evident that it is thirsty. The soil should be dry before watering again; drier periods give the roots a chance to ‘breathe’. If the soil stays too wet, the plant may perish.
Most species only need water during the growing season – mainly spring and summer. It is not necessary to water at all during their dormant phase. Before you buy a species, make sure you know its water requirements. A species that grows naturally in arid regions will definitely not thrive in a high rainfall area. Opt for plants that can adapt to the amount of rainfall that occurs naturally in your region, or plant them in pots and move them to a drier spot during the rainy season.
4 NUTRITION Cactuses and succulents don’t really need to be fertilised but respond well when they are given plant food. The best option is Nitrosol – apply it about every three weeks during the growing season according to the instructions on the container.
5 IN A POT These plants do well in pots. Since pots dry out quicker, they are ideal for water-sensitive species.
Make sure the pot drains well by adding a layer of stones at the bottom; then fill two-thirds of the pot with your growth medium. Unglazed terracotta pots work best because the soil dries out quicker than in glazed pots.
6 PLANT CHOICE Choose species that suit the climate and look of your garden. Consider water needs and group together those that need less water and those that require more water. I plant cactuses, succulents and softer plants such as Clivia, agapanthus or other common garden plants together. With a little imagination and planning, you can combine almost any plants and they’ll look great. Echeverias and Crassulas are popular plants that are easy to start with. The will make a lovely display in filtered sunlight. Most aloes and cactuses are extremely hardy and prefer full sun, so they are a good choice for a hot garden.
7 MULTIPLY YOUR PLANTS Succulents and cactuses can be propagated from seeds, stem or root cuttings, and offsets that form on the mother plant. I prefer seeds; all plants produce seeds at one time or another. Planting time depends on the species’ growing season. Most are summergrowing, with October to March the optimal planting and sowing period. Winter-growing species should be sown in the colder months. Dip new cuttings in a hormone rooting powder such as Dynaroot and wait 2–3 three days for them to dry out before putting in soil. Once the cutting has formed sufficient roots and is strong enough, plant it in a larger pot or in the garden.
If you don’t want to get thorns in your fingers, use two pieces of polystyrene when handling cactuses! – Anton