Home » Plants & Animals » Tropical Gardening » Cactus Corral

Cactus Corral

© Paul, "The Wise Gardener!"

When one thinks of a category of plants in Mother Nature's KINGDOM, that offers "easy care" and the ability to thrive in the most adverse conditions, CACTUS & SUCCULENTS would certainly win my vote!  As with other desert plants, cacti and succulents are native to almost all dry, or seasonally dry warm climates around the world.  We here in Southern Florida can use varieties that are naturalised throughout the Caribbean basin.  Cacti from the lower Sonoran Desert Region, generally do not perform as well, due to our SE Florida-style excessive humidity & warm evening minimum temperatures, for prolonged periods of time. 

As you can see in these photographs of our own "CACTUS CORRAL", there are many types that are surviving very well in parts of our garden environment that features abundant sunshine (for at least 6 hours per day) and superior drainage.  Note: In our somewhat "wet" topographical area, planting in raised beds is quite essential, as one day rain totals of 8 inches are NOT uncommon!   We find that a planting mixture of three parts sand to one part enriched organic decomposed plant material has proven to be the most successful.  In our particular area, rains are relatively limited from NOV. through JUNE, which coincides nicely with cactus' normal season of dormancy.  When summer's new growth begins, our rainfall usually cooperates!

Arizona Master Gardeners' Manual Produced by University of Arizona In our cacti garden, we also utilise a multitude of agaves.  These plants blend very well with cacti (just keep them away from walkways, or where children's arms or legs might "be in harm's way") and the results can be spectacular!  Agaves feature many bold colourations and striping patterns.  An added bonus is their propensity to send out MANY underground plantlets, which can be successfully separated from their "mom" after they have developed enough roots of their own.  These agave "babies" provide enough plants for anyone who admires them (and everybody seems to!) Just when you think that leaf structure and patterning are the ONLY beautiful things about agaves, a surprise unfolds: a large flower stalk emerges!!   What a wonderful extra treat!  These monumental, huge inflorescences may resemble a fabled: "jack-in-the-beanstalk" as the flower stalk often towers to 15 feet or more!  This is true exotic beauty that the entire neighbourhood is sure to notice...and  enjoy! Paul "The Wise Gardener!"