CACTUS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 177, 13 August 1937, Page 13

CACTUS

Consider-ing the beautiful flowers, and the easy growth, one wonders that the cactus is so seldom seen in our gardens. The flowers are exceptionally beautiful. Tru, they are soon over; tlieir keeping qualities are poor. However that is made up for in some measure by the fact that they bloom over a period, one flower succeeding another and a large plant will supply blooms constantly for some time. There is quite a number tbat are well v/orth cultivating; some there are that do not bloom regularly, and others that refuse to bloom undcr cultivation. Still there are such as will bloom up every year, and give a flower that is dilferent to anything else, and of extrftordinary beauty. Oacti are not dilflcult to grow; they will grow iil almost any kind of soil. A loose, sandy loam suits thein well, and a position on a roekery is tlieir likiug, and they make a vcry uttractivo display in such a position. As pot plants or for wlndow boxes, their capacity for withstanding dust as well as wind and rain is exeellent, aud they grow remarkably wejl under such conditons. They must haVe plenty of sunshine all day. This is importaat for success. With regard to their. general growth in the garden, while they do not thrive in a cold climate they do not require great heat, but must have a good supply of sun. Jt is not necessary to grow in Jarge pots; they do best if lliey seem a bit tight in the pot where they can .-just get rootii.'g room and no more. 'L'here must be free drainage. 'i'he proper and best mixture for growing 4s a sandy loam with n very small amount of liine; in fact. old mortar brolcen up is the best form in which to apply it. Do uot make the mixture rieh with fcrtiliser Or manure of any kind, and not not over-watcr. u moist couditiou lonly must bc rigidly carricd out for

success. Cacti may be plauted during the summer inoiiths, either in pots or out iu tho garden. Don't use any maure or fertiliser. If at any time the flowers drop ofl; immaturely, try a watering with weak liquid cow manure. All Cacti are easily propagated from cuttings. Any cutting, if left for a day or two under a bush until welted slightly will grow. It should be boru in mind that cacti are dry subjects, and too niuch moisture would be fatal to their growth. The Phyyocucto species is the most reliable, and any varioty of this species is not difficult to grow. It has, too, the advantage of being a quick grower. There is a large number of varieties all good bloomers. At the same time there are some of the uncertain habit. When purchasing, ask for a species that will be reliable in this xespect.