Cacti Care Preparation for the Annual Competition and year round care tips.
Watering Most
cacti are killed by over watering.
Only
water once compost has dried out.
Water
about every 2 weeks in summer, gradually decrease in autumn, increase in spring (with feed).
Allow
good drainage, and avoid leaving water on plants.
Rainforest
cacti should be kept damp in summer.
Temperature High
temperature fine for most.
Allow
ventilation when hot.
A
cold rest period in winter helps promote flowering.
Keep
temperature above 5ºC.
Light and Location Cacti
need plenty of light.
Potential
locations: -Greenhouse -Outside -Conservatory -Window
One
sided light can affect growth.
Some
species need a little shade.
Compost and Potting Use Do
cactus soil, or compost with plenty of grit.
not use too big a pot.
Clay
pots are better for allowing soil to dry out.
Use
thick gloves and strips of paper to manoeuvre cacti.
Do
not water for a week after repotting.
Diseases Quarantine Keep
new additions.
a look out for insects such as mealy bugs.
Be
careful for rot – often damaged parts have to be cut off.
Check
for open wounds, and when cutting use a sterile knife or scalpel.
Some
cacti can split when watered.
Identification Many
species have special light, temperature, compost, and water requirements.
A
beginners guide can be extremely useful.
www.cactiguide.com
videos.
The
has a full directory, tips and
BCSS has useful resources as well.
Terrarium Update Results
from meeting with PEB: -Permission to place cacti on homework shelf, library, IT, biology bridge and guidance centre.
Recommended
poster of information and species.
QR
codes can be used
We
must now identify our cacti!