Botanists believe that cacti appeared on our planet relatively recently, at a time when mammals already lived on earth. From South America, which is considered the birthplace of these unusual plants, they settled in the Western Hemisphere. And then migratory birds carried the seeds of some cactus species to Africa and Asia.
Cacti are succulents that can store water in their stems for periods of prolonged drought. A distinctive feature that distinguishes representatives of the cactus family is the presence of areoles in these plants, modified branches in the form of kidneys. Flowers, thorns, "babies" grow from them, with the help of which cacti reproduce vegetatively.
Classification of cacti
Botanists divide cacti into four subfamilies and 11 tribes. However, connoisseurs of these plants separate them either according to the conditions of life in nature, or in appearance. In turn, in appearance, cacti are divided into herbaceous vines, tree-like shrubs. It is easier to classify these plants according to their habitat in nature: forest anddesert.
Tropical or forest cacti are usually very similar to each other. Often these are vine-like plants that are epiphytes. This means that they use other plants as support. Quite often among these representatives there are varieties that parasitize on other plants.
Desert cacti are distinguished by a variety of species with different structure, structure, length, color and shape. There are many types of these plants, and they all have their own distinctive features. Representatives of this variety have a feature for which flower growers appreciate them - unpretentiousness in caring for cacti. Such a plant can be grown in almost any conditions, and even if it is forgotten for a while, the desert cactus will not suffer too much.
Popular cacti: photos and names, care
In indoor floriculture, cacti change not only the way of life, but also the appearance. This is due, first of all, to the ability of almost all succulents to quickly adapt to the climatic conditions surrounding them. Such changes usually occur imperceptibly to the host, for example, the root system will decrease or the growth rate of the flower will slow down. Sometimes these lifestyle changes can be seen in the appearance of the plant. But it usually doesn't make it worse.
Ountia
A very common type of cacti, which is distinguished by the characteristic shape of the stem - flattened, resembling a small cake. There are many varieties of these cacti, which in their regionsThe plants are used in a variety of ways, from culinary uses to the manufacture of alcohol and medicines.
The living conditions of this species are also different. Some representatives of the species tolerate freezing temperatures well and even a short stay under the snow.
Astrophytums
These cacti can be easily identified by their pronounced ribs, on which are located thick and rather long spines. These plants are small in size, but have many ribs. Their stem is covered with numerous small specks that can absorb water.
Despite their rather modest size, astrophytums bloom at a very early age. Flowering begins in May and continues until October. According to this indicator, the plant is the champion among cacti.
In winter, a representative of this species is in hibernation and does not grow. Astrophytums generally grow very slowly, and this applies not only to the flower, but also to the root system. They are transplanted no more than once every five years.
Mammillaria
These cacti are also widespread. Some botanists believe that there are significantly more varieties of mammillaria than prickly pear. The main difference from other cacti lies in the characteristic shape of the areoles, as well as in their large number.
Mammillaria flowers do not appear from the areoles, but from special sinuses that are located between them. An amazing plant is the Mammillaria cactus. Care at home for himis to provide plenty of light and heat. This is one of the most demanding plants, but if all the conditions for its maintenance are met, flowering will be very abundant in the whole family.
The air temperature in the room where mammillaria is kept should not fall below +15 ° C in the summer. In winter, the plant can tolerate lower temperatures (+10 °C). It has been in need of "summer" containment since mid-March.
Cephalocereus
From Latin, the name can be translated as "the head of an old man." This cactus grows very slowly, although in nature it reaches gigantic sizes. Officially recorded specimens are more than 15 meters high and about half a meter in diameter. The peculiarity of this plant lies in the fact that in indoor floriculture its growth is not limited by anything. If the root system is not stopped in time, the plant at home may well reach its natural size.
In summer, these cacti need good lighting and regular ventilation, as well as moderate watering, no more than once a week. In winter, watering of the plant is stopped, and the temperature should be lowered to +5 °C.
Large (up to 10 cm in diameter) flowers can hardly be called attractive, because they emit an extremely unpleasant smell. Under natural conditions, cephaloceruses attract bats with this scent.
Ripsadidopsis
Russian flower growers know the plant as the Decembrist cactus. Care at home for him is not too complicated, so ripsadidopsis is very popular. The flower got its name because of the time when it blooms - in December, before Catholic Christmas.
The plant has many varieties and hybrids that differ in shades of flowers and the shape of the stems. It is an epiphyte with a very short dormant period, which lasts from October to November. After him comes the time of active flowering. A month after the fruit ripens, the plant begins a period of active vegetation, which lasts until October.
During this time, the plant noticeably increases the green mass, so it is transplanted annually, especially in the first years of life. Transplantation is carried out immediately after flowering in a container 1.5 times larger than the previous one.
Indoor cacti: care and conditions. Flower location and lighting
Desert cacti need a lot of light, so they are best placed on the windowsills of windows facing south and east. Forest varieties are best placed on the northern and eastern window sills. The leaves of the Decembrist, for example, on the southern sides become discolored, and failures begin between periods of their rest and flowering.
Temperature and humidity
Caring for cacti at home involves observing the temperature and humidity. In summer, cacti feel quite comfortable on the balcony, and in winter, if the room temperature is too high, the plant needs to provide high humidity.
We have already said that desert cacti in the wintertime are at rest, so they should be moved to a cool room.
Soil
In various publications for flower growers you can see photos of home cacti. Care for them should be carried out in accordance with the type and age of the plant. This primarily applies to the selection of the substrate. Experienced flower growers use different soil mixtures. However, they must meet the general characteristics: the soil for the cactus should be slightly acidic, loose, nutritious and light.
You can make your own standard potting mix. To do this, mix river sand or leafy soil in a ratio (1: 1). Add a handful of peat to increase acidity and hardwood charcoal.
Seedlings and young plants need a more nutritious and loose potting mix. To do this, the amount of leafy land increases. For adult plants, a denser substrate is suitable - clay-turf soil is added to it.
Water the cacti
Care for indoor cacti pleases many novice flower growers with undemanding moisture. In spring and autumn, plants are watered daily or once every two days, in autumn - once a week, in winter - once every two weeks. Watering should be carried out according to the following principle - the colder the air in the room, the less the plant evaporates moisture, and therefore the cacti are watered less often. These exotic plants respond well to rain and melt water.
Feeding
Cactus care at home should includefeeding yourself. You need to know that cacti require a small amount of nitrogen - its excess leads to improper flower development. Therefore, it is not recommended to use organic fertilizers, except for small doses for epiphytic and fast growing species.
Cacti need calcium and phosphorus, and potassium during flowering. Florists prefer to use special fertilizers for succulents and cacti, for example, the Cactus composition, which has a balanced composition of micro and macro elements.
Reproduction
When caring for cacti, sooner or later the florist faces the question of their reproduction. These plants reproduce vegetatively (using cuttings) or generatively (from seeds).
The vegetative method is quite simple, so it is used by the vast majority of indoor plant lovers. However, true admirers of unusual flowers are passionate about growing cacti from seeds, as this is a very interesting, albeit time-consuming, process.
During vegetative propagation, shoots of adult plants take root. Such cuttings usually already have the beginnings of roots, and they take root well. Store-bought cactus seeds are pre-disinfected in a strong solution of potassium permanganate, and then germinated in a humid environment.
Some types of cacti can sprout in a day, others may take a month.
Pests and diseases
Even proper care of cacti can not always protect the plant from pests and diseases. Excess moisture, especially in winter, will lead torot formation. In this case, it is necessary to remove the plant from the pot, thoroughly rinse the roots with running water and dry them. After that, rotten stems and leaves, dark and soft roots are removed and treated with antiseptics. The cactus is transplanted into a new pot. It is not recommended to water the plant before it begins to grow. Pests that are dangerous for cacti include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects.
