CARE OF CACTI AND SUCCULENTS INDOORS

Light. Bright light is needed for most succulents and is especially

important for blue, grey, or white plants. So keep your plants as near to the window as possible. Remember that twice as far from the window gives you only one quarter of the light level. And the growing point is where the light is needed most, that is, at the top of the plant.

If plants are wanted away from any natural light source be aware that standard electric lights scarcely count as strong light. But a high intensity growing lamp can provide the right amount. For example, a 400 watt Phillips Son-t-Agro Lamp can be mounted on the ceiling and will provide the right light environment in a cone illuminating a 1 metre circle at floor level. These are available from all Switched On Gardener outlets and are perfectly legal.

Adequate light keeps your plants in the correct shape as well as increases resistance to disease etc. Tinted glass is probably as useful as about 3 glow worms.

Fertiliser. Coromandel Cacti's standard potting mix contains an 18 month slow release fertiliser so more fertiliser is unnecessary for at least 18 months. Because the wrong combination of light, heat, water, and fertility can cause etiolated* growth we suggest no additional fertiliser at all in an indoor situation.

Water. Avoid rewatering until soil is nearly dry. Don't allow water to stand in a saucer for more than a couple of hours after watering, but heavy watering is unnecessary as our potting mix contains a wetting agent to distribute smaller waterings evenly throughout the container. Be aware that, in less-than-adequate light, overwatering can cause etiolation and fungus attack.

For indoor heated apartments try one litre of water per week for each 600mm x 450mm pot.

Insect pests. If insects appear kill them mercilessly. Use thumbs, insecticides etc. They are up to no good. Ants farm insects, so kill ants too. Conqueror Oil is very good on scale, mealy bugs, thrips, and aphids but plants with a glaucous or powdery bloom can be marked by it (e.g. white, blue, or grey plants). Test first.

* Etiolation is the correct name for the weak, pale, stretched growth resulting from inadequate light levels. In cacti circles it is also known as the Mexican Restaurant Look.

Combinations of the following promote etiolation and are therefore to be avoided: less light, more heat, more water, more fertility.

Queries about the health or maintenance of your plants are welcomed, but please bring the problem plant to the nursery for our advice, it will save long and complicated telephone conversations. Alternatively a photo can be sent.