HYDERABAD: Bringing to mind an untamed desert landscape, cacti can survive the toughest of climatic conditions and produce flowers of different hues.
These survivors can thrive in your garden too, with a little care. “The names of the different varieties can confuse the customer,” explains K Rajendran, who owns a cactus farm.
Food, light and water
“The cactus will do well in your garden as long as you remember three things: food, light and water,” says M M Hussain, Plant Nursery. “When you take the cactus home from the nursery it is usually , in a small pot and would have grown for a long time in the nursery by absorbing all the nutrients in the soil. So when you repot the cactus, see to it that you plant them in well fertilised soil,” he advises.
Placing the plant near a window, where it is exposed to partial sunlight most of the day can help in the production of flowers. “But don’t place them in direct sunlight as they can get sun burn,” says Hussain. Watering the plant once in two or three days is sufficient.
You should water them whenever the soil looks dry.
Yellow spheres
Also known as Echinocactus grusonii, it is one of the most attractive cactus plants and grows into huge spheres. It is a hardy plant and can reach a diameter of one meter after attaining full growth. The needle-sharp spines are deep yellow and there is a golden woolly growth on top of the cacti.
Small yellow flowers can be seen on a full-grown plant.
Care:
Moderate watering once in three days is advisable in summer and once a week in winter.
Prickly pear
Also known as Optuntia, it is found in abundance along the highway and in drought prone regions. This plant is said to have nutritional and medicinal values. The plant bears a fruit also known as tunas.
Care:
“These plants adapt themselves well to dry regions and have thick water-retain ing stems. It can be raised with minimal care and attention,” explains Hussain.
Aloe Vera
Bursting with medicinal value, and especially used to treat skin ailments like rashes and burns, this plant is grown on kitchen window-sills and in gardens. Full sunlight is beneficial. Its has bright ‘petals’, almost making it look like a flower.
Care:
“The soil condition needs to be moderately fertile. As the Aloe vera itself contains a lot of water, the plant will die if the water in the soil cannot drain quickly,”
Old man cactus
“The surface of the plant has white hair and can be washed to keep it clean,” says Rajendran. It is said to grow up to 12 feet.
Care:
The plant just needs to be protected from direct summer sun, but can be placed near a window, where full sunlight or partial light is allowed. During the winter months keep the plant dry,” cautions Hussain.
Crown of thorns
Also known as Euphorbia milli,, this variety produces flowers in hues like orange, pink and white-red throughout the year. It can grow up to a meter and has long, thorny branches. “The juice from the stem is poisonous, so little ones at home should be kept away from the plant,” cautions Rajendran.
Care:
Water the plant moderately in summer and even lesser during winter. "The plant produces flowers all year round.
If it doesn’t, place it in a sunny spot,” he adds.