Cactus: The most beautiful varieties and how to keep them healthy, written by Elisabeth Manke was published by Barron's in 2000. This book provides the amateur grower with necessary basic information. Manke also presents information on the cacti genera commonly collected by beginners.
I found the first section, What Are Cacti? very informative. Manke wrote describes basic information about the root system, cactus control of evaporation, and the waxy covering of the plant in clear, easy to understand language. However, I did find one statement that is unclear to me due to the lack of a definition:
... Cacti develop a tremendous suction pressure with their rootage. Their well-developed fibrous root system draws moisture from the soil at up to 147.15 bar suction. ... [page 7]
The term "bar suction" is not defined either in the appropriate paragraph or in the glossary. This hampers my understanding of what she is saying about the root structure.
The growth of cacti is described in some detail. I particularly enjoyed learning more about the spines in cacti because they are what attract me to the few genera I collect. I didn't know that spines absorb water from evening dews which is used by the plant. Most cacti experience wide swings between night and day time temperatures. Some cacti, if kept completely dry, can even survive below freezing temperatures.
The section entitled "Cacti in the Home" provides detailed information on everything from selecting the right window exposure for your plant, to temperatures necessary for flowering, propagation, diseases, pests, and general cultivation tips. I was impressed that she even devoted two paragraphs to growing cactus hydroponically (in water only). The illustrations in this section should make it easy for a beginner to follow her instructions. Frankly, after reading this chapter carefully, I know why I am unable to flower cacti in my home. I didn't realize the necessity of cool temperatures (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit) during their winter rest. Since I am totally unable to accomplish this inside my living quarters, I will have to either choose cacti genera which need to be kept warmer (minimum of 60 degrees) or concentrate on succulents which do not require this cool winter rest. This book will save me a great deal of money in the future. This section ends by providing a Month by Month description of the care cacti need.
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