What are Cactus and Succulents?
They are plants that have characteristics that allow them to survive infrequent or minimal
amounts of water. Sometimes surviving months of drought, or moisture that arrives only as
fog or dew. This adaptation always includes a method of storing and preserving water for lean
times. This usually consists of thickened, fleshy(succulent) stems, roots or leaves. Plants
exhibiting the characteristics are termed succulent. Succulents occur in many plant families
and are found naturally in the xeric or desert regions of the world. Members of the Cactus
family are the most recognizable to most people but other common succulents such as Agave,
Aloes, Euphorbias and Mesembs (iceplant) are visible in parks and landscapes all over Orange
County.
To answer a common question: All cactus are succulent but not all succulents are cactus.
There are also many lesser known succulent plants, where the combination of striking physical
form, outstanding blooms and general ease of maintenance make them desirable as landscape
or pot collectibles.
Basic Care
In common with all plants, succulents require the basics of water and light. Because of their
abilities to survive adverse conditions such as infrequent water and extreme heat, they are
much less fussy about both then other plant groups. The best culture comes from careful
observation of your plants responses. As you get to know your plants, you will be able to
easily tell when they need water, more or less light, etc.
Watering
Remember that cactus and succulent plants are used to infrequent water and are water thrifty
by nature. They still require water, but less frequently then the ordinary leafy house plant.
When you water, it is best to flood or soak thoroughly until water runs freely from the
bottom of the pot. Don’t water again until the soil mix is almost dry. Use a water meter or
bamboo skewer to check that the mix is dry at least 2/3 the way down. Water less frequently
when the plant is resting or dormant (usually in Winter). In almost all cases, succulents do
better with underwatering then over.
Light
Most succulent plants need strong light to develop the best forms, distinctive colors, and
flowers. Most can take full sun for at least a few hours a day but others, especially greenhouse
grown seedlings, can quickly sunburn in our mid-day summer sun. Start your new plants in
filtered light and move them gradually into more light as you watch for signs of sunburn and
excess pot heat that can cause damage. Very few succulents do well in subdued light.
Ventilation
Cactus and succulent plants require good ventilation, with lots of moving, fresh air preferred.
Don’t expect them to survive in terrariums or stuffy rooms.
Soil Mixes
The primary soil requirement for most succulents is that the mix be extremely friable and quick
draining so that roots always have a good supply of air and do not sit in water. A good basic
mix will consist of 1/2 porous material (horticultural pumice, Perlite, or decomposed granite)
and 1/2 organic material (Supersoil, composted fir or redwood, coir, or a commercial planter mix).
Containers
Pots or other containers for succulents must have lots of drainage holes, or at least,
one large one. There must be free drainage of water and access to air. Don’t use saucers or
other containers where the pot may sit in water. Wet feet are OK for palms or ferns but not
succulents. For the beginner, unglazed red clay or terra cotta pots are probably the best.
Plastic grower pots and glazed stoneware pots are also excellent but will require a little
more attention to watering. Generally, you should select the smallest container that seems
appropriate for the plants size and shape. Usually, a pot 1-2 inch greater in diameter then
the plant is adequate.
Fertilizing
Succulent plants do best with a balanced or low nitrogen fertilizer applied at very low
strength with each watering. A 15-15-15 balanced fertilizer at 1/4 the recommended rate is
a good place to start. Common house plant fertilizers such as Schultz Liquid or Peters
Professional, again, at 1/4 the recommended rate, normally give good results.
Pests
Many cactus and succulent plants are resistant to a lot of common garden pests. The usual
pests encountered are mealy bugs, scale, and spider mites. Most are easily controlled by
chemical or natural pesticides available from your local garden supply. Be sure to use
these strictly according to instructions.
Additional Information
More specific information can easily be found by contacting local or national succulent
plant societies, arboretums, botanical gardens, the internet or your public library.
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