Introduction
Cactus is a unique plant in the plants world due to his special structure which differs from the classical plant structure that includes stem, branches, and leaves. This unique structure gives high resistance capabilities on extreme hot and dry conditions using several techniques: reducing the area of contact with the air in order to minimize water evaporation is achieved due to the waiver on the leaves, fleshy tissue water retention - for future use during drought. Another technique that is not related to the outer structure of the cactus is expressed in dividing stages of photosynthesis of the cactus between day and night – when night comes, the cactus stores carbon dioxide within its cells by opening stomata – a procedure which would cause a great loss of water if done during a hot sunny day, and when the day comes, the cactus closes its stomata and starts the second phase of photosynthesis – turning the carbon dioxide into sugar using the sunlight energy without losing precious water through his stomata pores.
Irrigation
Although the cactus is well known from the western films as a plant which grows undisturbed at the arid desert, but inside your house it will be happy to receive orderly irrigation, but of course – not to much.
Firstly, put the cactus in a good quality soil, which is not too much opaque to allow drying of excess water and prevent decay of the cactus roots.
In the summer the cactus can be watered once a week, in the fall – once in two weeks, and in the winter - for a cactus at the garden - no water is needed, but a cactus which grows inside the house should be kept at reasonably moist soil.
Light And Temperature
The cactus is a desert plant and thus unlike a lot of sunlight, so if you place the cactus inside your house it is necessary to look after a location which is lighted most of the day and plant it in a pot of material or color that will not warm up to prevent damage to the root system. Young cacti with delicate root system will prefer more shade at early growth stage.
If the cactus is planted at the garden, it should be positioned at a sunny spot as possible.
Fertilizers And Pesticides
It is necessary keep on scheduled fertilizing dates between April to October, as there are times when fertilizer can be harmful to the cactus, such as winter period. Cacti suffer mainly from mites - a tiny insect with transparent body and four pairs of legs that can be seen in bare eyes if you look closely on the leaf. This insect creates white spots and webs that can disturb the photosynthesis and invite diseases.
At the Garden Center you can find various cacti in different sizes for your home or garden.
For more information and stock inquiry,
call Yossi - our cacti advisor on the phone - +972-524477730
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