CACTUS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 424, 4 August 1928, Page 28

CACTUS

CULTIVATION AND PROPAGATION Considering the beautiful flowers, and the easy growth, one wonders that the Cactus is so seldom seen in our gardens. The flowers are exceptionally beautiful. True, they are soon over; their 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 that are well worth while cultivating; some there are that do not bloom regularly, and others that refuse to bloom under cultivation. Still there are such as will bloom every year, and give a flower that is different to anything else, and of extraordinary beauty. Cacti are not difficult to grow; they will grow in almost any kind of soil. A loose, sandy loam suits them well, and a position on a rockery is to their liking, and they make a very attractive display in such a position. As pot plants or for window boxes, their capacity for withstanding dust as well as wind and rain is excellent. and they grow remarkably well under such conditions. They must have plenty of sunshine all day.

This is important 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. It is not necessary to grow in large pots; they do best if they seem a bit tight in the pot where they can just get rooting room, and no more. There must be free drainage. The proper and best mixture for growing is a sandy loam with a very small amount of lime; in fact, old mortar broken up is the best form In which to apply it. Do not make the mixture rich with fertiliser or manure of any kind, and do not over-water a moist condition only must be rigidly carried out for success. Cacti may be planted during the summer months, either'in pots or out in the garden. Don’t use any manure or fertiliser. If at any time the flowers drop off 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 wilted slightly, will grow if placed in the soil about the depth marked in the illustration. It should be borne in ntind that cacti are dry subjects, and too much moisture would be fatal to their growth. The Phyllocacto species is the most reliable, and any variety 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 respect.