CACTUS VARIETIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 7 (Supplement)

CACTUS VARIETIES

SPLENDOUR OF BLOOMS i The generic term cactus is popularly applied to all members of the very extensive order “cactae,” embracing numerous groups under special headings, notably cercus, epiphyllums, mammilarias, opuntias, phyllocactus and others. Few plants more easily accommodate themselves to a general system of treatment than do these. They delight in plenty of light, and sun, and the amateur has no difficulty in growing them in a sunny window or on the • opex., sheltered verandah. Kerosene tins may be utilised to I grow and flower the cactus. {Splendid specimens, laden with numerous flowers, > are produced without any special care • or attention. When in bloom few flowers can surpass them for splendour. The broad, smooth leaved varieties are ; easily kept clean by an occasional i sponging. When coming into flower they can be removed into the sunny window. The most essential factor in , their cultivation is plenty of light. Soil for Cactae. Good ordinary fibrous loam should . form one-half of the compost. The 'other half should consist of sand, broken bricks, and lime or mortar rub bish in equal parts, the whole carefully mixed. Perfect drainage is absolutely necessary to secure this. Place a crock over the whole at the bottom of the pot and on top of this some broken . crocks with a little moss on the top. In potting press the soil moderately firm around the pots and do no* water them for a few days. It is not necessary to repot specimens in large vessels. A good top-dressing, and an occasional dose of liquid manure is all they require. Never saturate the soil with water. Excepting when the plants are making fresh growth, very little water is needed. Propagation is affected by cuttings, grafting and seeds.