Cactus Plant
The cactus is a desert plant known for its ability to withstand drought and dry conditions. It grows in southern Jordan, Petra, on the tops of sand dunes, and along the sides of valleys. The cactus belongs to the Liliaceae family, with the scientific name Aloe vera (L.) Burm.fil. In Arabic, it is called various names such as Sabr, Sabbar, Sabbara, Aloe, Miqer, and Miqar.
Describing the cactus, it is a succulent perennial plant with smooth, sharp-edged leaves covered in a white waxy substance. The flowers are orange and grow on a tall flower stalk. Cactus flowers bloom between May and June. The roots of the cactus grow on the surface of the ground and on the sides of the plant, and the stems are short with thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves. The stems can grow up to 30 cm in length and 5 cm in width. Each cactus plant typically carries 15 to 20 leaves.
Types of Cactus
Some of the most common and widespread types of cacti include:
- Barrel Cactus: Shaped like a barrel, it carries long spines and can grow up to 3 meters in height.
- Argan Cactus: It has long stems and grows in clusters resembling organ pipes.
- Old Man Cactus: Its long white spines resemble hair and protect the plant from sunlight.
- Luxury Koala Cactus: The stems are soft and easily breakable, appearing to be ready to jump at passersby.
- Little Bear Koala Cactus: It resembles a bear in shape, reaching a height of 1.5 meters with upright brown spines.
- Prickly Pear Cactus: Its stems resemble leaves covered with spines, commonly found in dry, mountainous areas like North America.
- Saguaro Cactus: This cactus has twelve arms, which resemble branches, and can grow up to 18 meters tall, with a diameter of 5.6 meters.
Methods of Propagating Cactus
The propagation of cactus depends on the type and nature of the plant. Some common methods include:
- Seeds: For example, the Amma Al-Qadi cactus propagates through seeds.
- Vegetative Propagation: Such as stem cuttings from plants like the prickly pear and old man cactus.
- Leaves: Like the Leopard Skin Cactus.
- Offsets (Pups): Common in the Agave plant.
How to Grow Cactus
To grow a cactus successfully, the following steps should be followed:
- Choose a small cactus plant for cultivation: You can purchase it from a gardening store.
- Plant the cactus in a large, wide pot: This is because the cactus will produce branches and small cactus plants from the main stem.
- Use suitable soil: The soil should be moderately fertile and allow excess water to drain properly. Cactus plants naturally retain a lot of water, and improper drainage can lead to root rot.
- Place the cactus in a sunny spot: Cactus needs sunlight to thrive. If growing indoors, place the cactus on a window sill or balcony where it can receive direct sunlight.
- Water the cactus appropriately: Before watering, check the soil to see if it needs water. This can be done by inserting a finger into the soil and ensuring the surface is dry. Cactus plants require less water in winter, as their soil drains more slowly.
Caring for Cactus
To care for a cactus after planting, follow these steps:
- Ensure sufficient sunlight: The cactus needs exposure to sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. If the cactus is indoors, place it in a location where it receives ample sunlight.
- Avoid exposing the cactus to freezing temperatures: While cacti love the sun, they are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Since cactus is made up of 95% water, it can freeze and lose its firmness when water melts after freezing.
- Watering: Cactus plants need less frequent watering, around every 10-14 days in summer, and even less in winter. Make sure the soil is dry to a depth of 5 cm before watering.
- Transplanting: If moving a cactus to a larger pot, it is best to leave it without watering for 2-3 days to allow the roots to adjust to the new soil.
- Watering with rainwater: Cactus plants naturally store rainwater and rely on this water source for growth. Using rainwater for watering is the most natural and beneficial method for the plant.
- Fertilizing: Cactus plants need fertilizer during their active growing months (April-September). Avoid fertilizing during the winter, as the cactus grows slowly and will not benefit from additional nutrients.
- Changing pots: After buying a cactus, it’s ideal to transplant it into a larger pot. The pot should be three times the size of the plant’s root and the soil it carries to allow sufficient space for growth.
- Soil preference: Cactus requires dry, sandy soil to grow well. Adding small pebbles and rocks to the pot can reduce moisture retention and create a more suitable growing environment.
Additional Information
Cactus plants are not only hardy but also low-maintenance, making them popular for both indoor and outdoor gardening. They are renowned for their unique appearance and can thrive in arid climates, making them an excellent choice for xeriscaping. Moreover, cacti are known for their medicinal properties, particularly Aloe vera, which is widely used for skin care and healing purposes. The plant’s ability to store water makes it an ideal candidate for dry, desert-like conditions, and its ability to survive with minimal care makes it a favorite for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
Cacti are also beneficial for air purification, as they can absorb toxins and provide oxygen. With their fascinating forms and practical benefits, cacti are an excellent addition to any garden or home decor.
