Bonnie Nowicki
As a seven-year Quail Creek resident, I have slowly learned by trial and error the lessons about sun exposure, watering ratios, and plant container placement around my home. More and more, I find myself searching for the ideal corner or shaded area to create an acceptable place for my well-cared-for cacti and succulent containers. I am finding that with east-facing morning sun, the sun intensity is still too strong for most of my small potted plants.
I don’t want to use shade cloth every day, so I have grouped 10 various sized pots closer to the house under our covered patio. These pots have cacti and succulents, including Sansevieria, Dyckia, aloes, and Stapelia. Two additional pot groupings are close to the backyard house wall. Each year I am more confident in my cacti and succulent choices and my ability to keep them alive and thriving. I am especially pleased with my Stapelia gigantea. It has recovered from too much sun and is again healthy green and has six blooms in various stages. Their unusual star shape with a raised center lifesaver is amazing.
I continue to water in the mornings once a week with room temperature, filtered water. Cold water will stress them. I faithfully use my moisture and pH meter. They prefer slightly acidic soil. The ideal pH is between 5.6 and 6.0. I use a store-bought cactus mix potting soil. I seldom fertilize, because I want my variety of cacti and succulents to stay small.
Whatever your individual style is in container gardening, remember, you can combine colors, textures, and forms into a dramatic setting for a stunning focal point. My preference is royal blue glazed pots in different sizes and shapes placed throughout my landscape. The more unusual the better. Of course, the plant specimen should also be unique and healthy. A finishing touch of natural stones or small pebbles as a decorative top-dressing is important to me.
Heat and water stress is a constant concern for our plants during our summer, but don’t forget to look after yourself and stay protected and hydrated.
Happy gardening!