UNIT 2 CACTI and SUCCULENTS Growing Environment

UNIT 2 CACTI AND SUCCULENTS Growing Environment

Structure 2.0 Objectives 2.1 Introduction 2.2 What are Cacti and Succulents ? 2.2.1 Stem Succulents 2.2.2 Leaf Succulents 2.2.3 Root Succulents 2.2.4 Surface 2.2.5 Spines and Thorns 2.2.6 Flowers 2.2.7 Fruit and Seeds 2.3 Identification of Cacti and Succulents 2.4 Growing Environments 2.4.1 Light and Air 2.4.2 Temperature and Climate 2.4.3 Humidity 2.4.4 Soil or Soil Media 2.4.5 Use of Water 2.4.6 Fertigation 2.4.7 Cleaning of Indoor Cacti and Succulents Plants 2.4.8 Shifting and Recycling of Indoor Cacti and Succulents Plants 2.5 Planting of Cacti and Succulents 2.5.1 Reporting of Cacti and Succulents 2.6 Propagation of Cacti and Succulents 2.6.1 From Cutting and Division 2.6.2 From Grafting 2.6.3 From Cross-pollination 2.6.4 From Seed 2.7 The Enemies of Cacti and Succulents 2.7.1 Insects and Pests 2.7.2 Diseases 2.7.3 Cultural Damage 2.8 Classification of Cacti and Succulents 2.8.1 Cacti 2.8.2 Succulents 2.9 Indoor Growing Cacti and Succulents 2.9.1 Cacti for Indoor Pot Plants 2.9.2 Succulents for Indoor Pot Plants 2.10 Let Us Sum Up 2.11 Key Words 2.12 Further References 2.13 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises 19 Indoor Plants Including Cacti and Other Succulents 2.0 OBJECTIVES

This unit will give you details about the cultivation of Cacti and Succulent and how we can grow them as indoor plants like other indoor plants. People generally think that Cacti and succulent are not indoor plants. Infect Cacti and succulent are very good ornamental plants and play an important role in interior decoration like other indoor plants. You will study here: Important feature of Cacti and Succulents and their types. Essential environmental factors, both major and minor to grow Cacti and Succulent indoor decoration of a house. Soil media, potting, repotting of plant, use of water and nutrient for proper growth of Cacti & Succulents. Potting methods of Cacti and Succulents, Pot’s repotting, cleaning and recycling and their propagation methods. Enemies of Cacti and Succulent with their control. Classification of Cacti and Succulents and important species of both for indoor cultivation while few are described in detail. Their growth is not affected by changes of indoor climate as compared to other indoor plants, when use for interior decoration. Cacti and succulent can survive for a longer period indoor with less light, water and humidity and all the factors essential for their cultivation indoor have been described in details. Cacti and succulent are more important than other plants but most of the people are unaware about their importance to use than as indoor plants, you will find here it’s all cultural and maintenance practices here:

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Cacti and succulents have a very important place in interior decoration of house. These plants create a refreshing change in interior decoration from conventional indoor house plants. They need different climatic environment from other indoor foliage plants. Because of their tenacity, they endure, sometimes thriving, when other indoor foliage plants languish and fall due to very adverse environmental climate. Their strange appearance and often geometrical forms add an unusual beauty that other indoor plants cannot offer. There are succulents species that will survive all but most dimly lit interior, and if grower is willing to rotate plants from lighter to darker location and vice-versa, even setting with inadequate light can be occupied by living succulent. All these studies about their cultivation and maintenance you will find here in detail.

The origins of Cacti and succulents are thought to be very ancient in terms of the development of plant forms. There is a vast range of Cacti and succulent having infinite variety of size, shape and colour, used as interior plantation. In general when people purchase new species of Cacti and succulent, you will be faced with a task of successfully growing them indoor. Clearly, the proper maintenance of Cacti and succulents is every bit as important as acquiring them in the first place. 20 It is often assumed that Cacti and succulents or no care, when grown indoor, Cacti and Succulents because they come from deserts. In fact, their basic cultural need are similar to those of other indoor foliage plants, except that Cacti and succulents require less water and most are sensitive to cold. Although they cannot tolerate a great deal of neglect when grown indoor. They are likely to retreat into dormancy in winter.

The successful cultivation as indoor house plant, they are also require appropriate level of light, temperature and humidity in different range as other foliage plants require when plants indoor. These are major factors to develop mini - climate for cacti and succulents in interior decoration. The other factors, such soil media, propagation, cultural practices, feeding of fertilizer, watering, cleaning, recycling of plants are equally important. Repotting or top dressing, pest and disease control, are also equally important factors to grow them indoor. The requirement of all these factors is totally different from other indoor foliage and bulbous indoor plants.

This units will provide you all the information about the successful cultivation of Cacti and succulent, grown indoor. The factors which are essential to develop congenial environment to grow then interior or cultivation. Other information like cultural practices, propagation methods, fertigation, soil mixture, watering method, Potting & Repotting, Pest and disease control, etc. are also available within this units.

2.2 WHAT ARE CACTI AND SUCCULENTS ?

The plants adapted to dry or desert conditions are collectively known as xerophytes and Cacti and Succulents are also belong to this group. Total xerophytes plants species are more than ten thousands and are members of many different plant families. Succulents are xerophytes that have developed storage structures, in which they hoard water, enabling to survive in drought period. The succulents various considerably, as do the structure used to store the tissue, namely the leaves, stems and roots. Cacti and succulents are the largest group in plant kingdom in the world, containing around 10,000 species. You will find below the description of different kinds of Succulents. 2.2.1 Stem Succulents These plants retain large volume of watery mucus in their stems, which are most often round, columnar, or barrel shaped. Nearly all Cacti are stem succulents and do not have any leaf to reduce moisture lost through evaporation. Some stem succulents also come under group of succulents with/without leaves or rudimentary, which fall in drought. The stem contains the green pigment chlorophyll used in photosynthesis for food production.

Some jungle Cacti are epiphytes, which anchor themselves by their roots to other plants where there is decaying vegetation. They do not need to conserve moisture in the humid shade of the jungle. Instead, they mostly have flattened stems with a large surface area to absorbed as much light as possible.

The reduction of leaves is not necessary for stem succulents as many stem succulents maintain large leaves during their growth season and lose them during dry periods. The major family which have stem succulents are the Asclepiadaceae, Cactaceae and Euphorbiaceae. 21 Indoor Plants Including Cacti 2.2.2 Leaf Succulent and Other Succulents This large group includes the Cactus – Pereskia and many succulents – Aloe sp., and Haworthia sp. etc. The plants of this group consist of stem less pair of leaves. Most of the leaf succulents, consists of fleshy leaves horne on thin, somewhat fleshy stems. The most common growth habit in this group of succulents is a rosette of fleshy leaves. However many extremely succulent species are composed of pair of leaves which form small clusters.

The major families of succulents which have leafy succulents are – Asclepiadaceae, Crassulaceae and Mesembryanthmaceae. 2.2.3 Root Succulents A number of succulents survive in long dry condition by storing water underground in their tuberous, or swellen, roots. Since the roots are below the soil, loss of moisture occurs slowly. There is less risk of damage to the plants from grazing animals or bush fires. The leaves and stems of many root succulents are deciduous. Other species top-growth is shed, during long drought and then regenerates from the roots. The stem and leaf can be thick, fleshy to provide the plants additional water storing capacity as in ‘Senecio coceinefflora’. In cultivation, root succulents with large tubers such as Brachystelma are grown with the tubers exposed to prevent rot. 2.2.4 Surfaces Both Cacti and Succulents have developed a wide range of surface textures. These stiking features are the result of adaptation to different habitats, but they have similar protective functions. For example, some species from high altitudes or area with fog have a felted or hairy surface. It helps to trap moisture from the air. In hotter regions light- colored foliage reduce heat absorption. Succulent leaves & Cacti stems have stomata or pores to minimize water loss. In cacti and many succulents, these stomata / pores are closed by day. When the temperature drops at night, the stomata or pores open to absorb carbon dioxide, which used the next day for photosynthesis. 2.2.5 Spines and Thorns All Cacti and Succulents have spines, which are modified leaves. In Cacti, spines grow from areoles and detach easily but in Succulents, spines grow directly from the stem tissue which do not detach easily. Spines vary widely in shape, texture and length. Some are short and bristle, others are softly curved but viciously barbed. They range in colour from white, red, to black spines, provide a defence to the plants against predator. The main function of spines is to condense moisture so that it drips onto the ground above the plant roots. 2.2.6 Flowers In very arid region when long dry period continue, the Cacti and Succulent remain in dormant stage. Once rain falls, they burst into growth, forming leaves, flowers and seeds in less than a month. Cactus flowers have evolved in several ways to attract pollinators. Most desert Cacti and Succulents are day-flowering and produce bright colour flowers that attract flying insects for pollination. By contrast, some night flowering sp. have foul smelling or fleshy flower to attract the pollinators. 22 2.2.7 Fruits and Seeds Cacti and Succulents Once the flower has been pollinated, its ovary develops into a fruit containing seed. Many Cacti have fleshy fruits or berries. Succulents fruits and seeds are very diverse and are distributed by wind, water, insects, birds. Mesembryanthemum seeds are sealed in woody pods, which open when dampened by rain. This way some of the seeds are washed out to germinate while water is available. If the pods dry out, they close until more rain arrives.

2.3 IDENTIFICATION OF CACTI AND SUCCULENTS

Most of the people think that Cacti & Succulents are same group of plants. It is not like this. All Cacti are Succulents but all Succulents are not Cacti. We can separate them by following points: 1) All Cacti have ‘Areole’ which succulent do not have. 2) Areole give rise to spines or on other certain Cacti, small detachable glochids, tiny hair like spines form on the areole which are not found in Succulents. 3) In Cacti spines grow from the areoles and detach easily but Succulent spines grow directly from the stem tissue which are not easily detachable. 4) Cacti do not have leaves while most at the Succulent have leaves and some have spine like leaves as in Cactus.

Check Your Progress Exercise 1 Note : a) Space is given below for answers. b) Compare your answer with that given at the end of the unit. 1) How will you identify Cacti and Succulent ? ...... 2) What are Succulent structure or forms of Cacti and Succulents ? ...... 3) What you call leaves in Cacti and Succulents? ...... 23 Indoor Plants Including Cacti and Other Succulents 2.4 GROWING ENVIRONMENTS

Many species of Cacti and Succulent have their own specific care requirements. Apart from the initial health of the plant and the medium in which it is growing, the important requirements for proper plant growth are light, air, temperature, humidity, water soil mixture and fertilizer. By adjusting all these one can grow attractive and healthy Cacti and Succulents. 2.4.1 Light and Air Provide proper light to indoor Cacti & Succulent, for better growth and development. Fluorescent lighting offers a remedy to low light, but does not provide much heat. High-pressure halide light have removed these problems, providing both light and heat. Many species of Succulents grown in lowlight will merely survive but not flower. Some species will grow well in lower light, provided water and fertilizer are monitored closely. Too much sunlight is as bad as not enough for certain species, in effect, cause sunburn damage on the sunny side of the plant. Sun stress of this kind can be remedied, either by moving the plant to a less sunny place or temporarily covering it with shaded cloth or muslin cloth or shade net.

Air also plays very important role in the plant life. Plants take carbon dioxide from the air which is an important element for photosynthesis i.e. food production.

CO2 is required mainly in spiring and during the period of full growth. In this period plants should be kept inside on well ventilated place and kept so until the end of autumn, when both ventilation and watering can be decreased. Plants originating from high altitudes require a maximum amount of light and air ventilation e.g. Lobiata, Oraya, Oreo cereous, Matucana and Submatucana etc. 2.4.2 Temperature and Climate Most of the Cacti do well indoor on the other hand only few Succulent plants are suitable for cultivation indoor, because of the difficulty of duplicating the special growing condition they demand. Temperature plays a dominant role and is indispensable to the great majority of flowering Cacti. One could say that the optimum winter temperature should be around 7°C or 8°C, as for the summer temperature, most of these plants are quite happy even when the temperature rises beyond 40°C as long as they have enough ventilation.

The climate inside the house is always dry and no humidity is produced to compensate for plant s lack of moisture. Therefore Cacti should be watered when placed indoor to meet its requirement for humidity. Apartments with covered balconies with glass are ideal. If a Cactus is placed on a window sill indoors, it will enjoy the sunshine flooding through the glass on bright days and a relatively cool climate at night. 2.4.3 Humidity Like other house plants Cacti do not require regular humidity. Cacti need a rest period characterised by a marked drop in humidity both in terms of compost and air. This period of more or less dryness has a definite effect on the vegetative growth, as well as being necessary to release the flowering mechanism. To sum up: from the end of September, watering gradually be cut back until only the occasional spraying should be done up December and January. From late February 24 onwards a little watering should be resumed and gradually increased to reach a Cacti and Succulents maximum upto the month of July and August to increase the humidity. 2.4.4 Soil or Soil Media Choosing the growing media is extremely important, for cultivation of Cactus and Succulents. It is one of the essential element in the success of all future operations. Many people believe that Cacti can be kept completely dry or almost so but dry, hard soil prevents oxygen from reaching the roots and asphyxiation results. It is absolutely essential that all members of Cacti & Succulents need porous and perfectly drained media. If it as not and soil becomes waterlogged, the roots and the plant will die. Most Cacti and Succulents like a slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). If the soil mixture is very acidic, add limestone to make of soil less acidic. To make the soil more acidic, add plenty of peat, compost or an acidifying chemical according to the supplier’s instruction. Regular use of fertilisers also keeps soil slightly acid.

A factor to watch, is the acidity of compost/growing media. It is expressed by the pH and represented by the number between 0 and 14, acidity / alkalinity. A pH- 7, is neutral; between 0 and 7 the acidity increases; between 7 and 14, the alkalinity increases. As a general rule all vegetal organism can only survive in a ideal pH between 3 and 9. For cacti and succulent the ideal pH is 6 to grow better. You can test this pH yourself using pH testing paper. To measure this pH take a small, homogenous part of growing media into distilled water, shake it, and leave it there for few hours. Take a paced pH testing paper and dipped into the liquid; it will change its colour according to the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the solution and by comparing the colour of paper with colour scale (pH colour chart showing pH number), one will know the pH of any media. If the soil or growing media is too alkaline, one can add peat or sulphates, such as iron sulphate; if it is too acidic, one should add some bone meal. If the Cacti or Succulents are to be grown in open soil, extra drainage should be provided immediately below the root is the form crushed crocks. E.C. of soil and media should be less than- 1 or 1.

At the end of this discussion we list following fives type of basic soil or media for pot growing Cacti and Succulents. With experience, you can vary them to suite particular needs. Every keen grower tends to have his own secret formula.

1) One-third sand (river sand is preferred to quarry sand which is too fine and compacts too early), one-third well rotted and sifted vegetable mould/leaf mould and one-third of sifted soil.

This is suitable for most of the Cacti & Succulents.

2) 2 part sea sand, slightly fibrous garden loan, free of unrotted organic matter: 1 part coarse river or lake sand : 1- part very fine grill : a little granular fertilizer according pH of media. This compost / media is suitable for Opuntia, Cereus and similar genera, Echinopsis and Mammillaria. For Selenicerous and Aporocatus, 1-part well-rotted leaf mould should be added. Most of the Succulent like this media.

3) 3 parts sand: 2 part garden loam: 1-part leaf mould: 1 part grit. This is suitable for Echinocatus and similar genera. Echinojossulo Cactus, Astrophytum and Gymnocalycium may need the loan reduced to 1 part and leaf mould increased into 2 parts. 25 Indoor Plants Including Cacti 4) Equal part of garden loam, leaf mould and sand, ½ part grit; a little granular and Other Succulents fertilizer if pH permit.

This is suitable for Echinocerous, for Rubutia the leaf mould may be reduced to ½ part, the other ½ part being made up with peat.

5) Equal part of loam; leaf mould and sand with little fertilizer consisting at most entirely of Phosphates. This is suitable for Epyphjllum & Schhimbergera for Rhipsalis, fibrous peat be substituted for loam. Most of the Succulents like this type of media. 2.4.5 Use of Water Choosing water is also something which should be done very carefully. It should always be clear, without smell and preferably acid to Neutral. EC of the water should not be more than 1. Rain water, or river water can be used. Tap water can be used if it does not contain additive.

Watering is also very important factor to growing Cacti & Succulents. Most of the people believe that Cacti should be watered regularly and complaint that in their house no plants live for very long, it’s generally due to overwatering, which cause root rot and plant death. Cacti & Succulents do not require regular watering in all the season. Majority of Cacti need rest period, during winter.

During winter when Cacti are on rest, they may be left for a long period as a month without water, if they are kept at low temperature. But it is cruel not to water them during their growing period from February. It should be watered two or three times and in March and April three-four time, a little supplementary spraying also being given. In May and June indoor plants need four to five times watering according to their need. From July to September it may be watered daily for good growth. Then as the weather becomes cooler- this program should be reversed, so that by December plant is being watered only once and sprayed now and then.

The water should be sufficient to soak all the soil in the pot, and any excess should be drained away freely. It is often better to water each indoor pot plant in two steps, stopping as soon as water start to seep out of the bottom of the pot, and repeat the operation rather more frugally ten minutes later. 2.4.6 Fertigation Cacti and Succulents needs regular feeding during the growing season with a balance range of minerals. The great majority of Cacti and Succulent lined on soil rich in nutrients, such as potash and phosphate. Cacti do not need much nitrogen because of their lack of leaves. The three chemical fertilizer are Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus. All fertilizer used for cacti should have a much lower percentage of nitrogen than of the other two elements. Role at these fertilizer is as follow : 1) Nitrogen (N) – to encourage, vigorous growth, during growing season. 2) Potassium (K) – to encourage flowers & fruits. 3) Phosphorous (P) – for good root growth. All three fertilisers should therefore be applied. The following proportion is recommended for a good growth of Cacti and Succulents- 26 10 per cent, Nitrogen (Sulphate or Nitrate of Ammonia); 26 per cent, potash Cacti and Succulents (Sulphate or Nitrate of Potash) and 30 per cent phosphate (Supper Phosphate).

The best time to apply fertilizers is during the growing period, between - march to September. Cacti and Succulent respond well to liquid fertilizer, with above percentage of chemicals. Cacti and Succulents require feeding in two stages, add a powder or granular fertilizer, to the potting media at planting time or during the annual renovation a permanent bed or repotting the pot plants.

Thereafter apply either liquid or solid fertilizer throughout the growing season, generally in spring and summer. Fertilizers that are deficient in nitrogen cause stunted growth in Cacti & Succulents after prolonged use. Cacti overfed with nitrogen grow thin and do not flower well, while Succulents produce spindly growth. 2.4.7 Cleaning of Indoor Cacti and Succulents Plants The action of cleaning a indoor Cacti and Succulents plant often dislodges the odd pest may even prevent real infestation. House hold dust spoil the look of leaves and, to some extent, clogs the pores (stomata) through which plant breath. It also reduce the amount of light which can be used for photosynthesis.

The Succulent leaves are cleaned by a wet sponge at regular intervals, plant will thrive well and look for more healthy and attractive. Clean spiny plants with soft brush or spray, non-hairy plants thoroughly with a mist-spray, remove the all dead leaves of succulents, which harbour pest and disease.

Do not clean a hairy-leaved Succulents plant with a damp cloth, as the hair trap the water, causing rotting. You can, however, “sweep” away dust with a soft, dry 1-2 cm paint brush. 2.4.8 Shifting and Recycling of Indoor Cacti and Succulents Plants Indoor Cacti & Succulents plants can be good, if before putting/shifting indoor, plant should be grown in shade or partial shade for few days to acclimatised before, than carry it indoor, they can be good indoor plants. This whole process is as known as shifting of plants.

Indoor plants should be kept outside once a week or fortnight. Bringing the plants outside keep them in the shaded portion of veranda or balcony or under a shaded tree for two to three days to acclimatised to go for more light, air and sun and then carry it to more light or sun, they remain healthy. If they are brought out from indoor shade to outdoor sun, the leaves will scorch and fall soon and the plant will take a longer time to recover. They should be kept in partial shade for a long period to recover their health and then if needed, shifted to sunny position. This whole process is known a “recycling” of indoor Cacti & Succulents plants.

2.5 PLANTING OF CACTI AND SUCCULENTS

Cacti & Succulents are generally planted in the spring season. For planting a cacti or succulent. Following things are required. 1) Selection of plant material 27 Indoor Plants Including Cacti 2) Selection of Container or Pots and Other Succulents 3) Potting media 4) Large and fine gravels All the planting pot or container must have drainage holes at the base, for proper water drainage, put a layer or large gravels at the bottom of the pot upto ¼ part, then add potting media over the gravels upto 2/4 part of the pot from base of the pot. Now put the plant on this growing media and cover the based roots with media with the help of spoon and gently of press the media. Pot should be filled upto the neck of the plant. The neck of the plant must never be buried in the media and finally cover the upper media layer with a very fine gravel to control the erosion of soil. After plantation do not irrigate cacti for 6-7 days and give a light irrigation to succulents after plantation. 2.5.1 Repotting of Cacti and Succulent All plants must be repotted periodically to allow for root growth, otherwise, they become pot bound and their growth is checked or reduced. All container / pot growing plants need repotting every two or three years to remove their potting mixture / media. The potting mixture in an old pot will slowly become compact, making it difficult for root development, watering and air to circulate to plant roots. Watering for several years also create mineral imbalances in the potting mixture.

The best time to repot is at the beginning of the growing season. Choose a clean, new pot that is large enough in relation to the overall size of the plant in alder pot, in order to accommodate its new root growth and more soil media.

Repotting of Cacti, is hardly one of the most enjoyable gardening activities, particularly when the cactus is question spine-covered globe or worse still, an Opuntia etc. Most cacti and succulents, except tall growing plants, are shallow rooted so use pans rather than full-depth pots. All the time of repotting, old pot should be laid on its side on a hard surface, and the bottom tapped gently but firmly as the pot is rotated. This should detach the root ball from the sides of the pots. Use gloves in hands for protection from spines etc. Once the soil has been loosened, the rim of the pot, lying on its base should be tapped somewhat hard. This will usually free the whole root ball when the pot is given a gentle shake. Hold the root ball between fingers and knock off a little of the soil on the sides with stick. If the roots have formed a thick matted outer layer, cut it off with a knife or scissors, because these are withered roots that will prevent the growth of new roots, and much new soil media is provided for them. The new pot should be larger than older one. Lay a stone or crock over the drainage hole of the pot, and pour in a drainage layer of gravel to a depth suitable to the size of pot. The gravel should be covered with a layer of fresh soil media upto half of the pot or according to the size of old root ball. Now the cactus or succulent plant should be carefully placed in the pot. Use small stick to position it in the centre and hold it upright while the pot is 28 filled with more fresh soil. Shake the pot from time to time, when the soil is about 1/3 in. (1 cm) of the Cacti and Succulents top, press it down gently – with a finger if there is room between the soil and the plant, otherwise with stick. The neck of the plant must never be buried in the media. If the neck of the plant is buried in soil, it will stop the passage of air and plant will die. In this case the repotting operation will have to be repeated. If the neck is only very slightly to deep, it can be covered with a very thin layer of fine gravel. This will allow passage of air and avoid rot. In the end cover the soil media with fine gravel below the neck of the soil, to protect soil media errotion from irrigation and gave passage to air. After repotting do not irrigate cacti pot for about 7-10 days, light irrigation should be given to succulents pot. However, plant & soil should both be sprayed once a day for first two or three days. The pot should be kept in shade for a week and then expose to light very gradually. Take care not to over water after repotting until new roots develop.

Check Your Progress Exercise 2 Note : a) Space is given below for answers. b) Compare your answer with that given at the end of the unit. 1) What are the important climatic factors essential for indoor cultivation of Cacti and Succulents ? ...... 2) What is the proper time for plantation of Cacti and Succulents ? ...... 3) How you will differentiate between plantation and repotting of Cacti & Succulents ? ...... 29 Indoor Plants Including Cacti 4) How many types of soil mixture or media are used in plantation and repotting and Other Succulents of Cacti and Succulents to grow better ? ......

2.6 PROPAGATION OF CACTI AND SUCCULENT

Propagating most Cacti and Succulents is rewarding, easy and inexpensive. It is also the only way to obtain new plants of endangered species. Taking cuttings or dividing a plant gives the quickest results and is a reliable means of reproducing hybrid plants. Raising plants from seed is slow but yields many new plants and makes it possible cultivate new forms. Very slow, growing plants are best grafted so that they grow fast on rootstock into good size plants in only a few years. The best propagation time is growing season to summer season when air has less humidity. The detail methods of proportion are describe below: 2.6.1 From Cutting and Division The best time to carry out the operation, is from late spring to the end of summer when the plants are in the full vegetative growth. Cutting provides a quick and easy means of propagating Cacti and Succulents, especially hybrids, which do not produce similar offspring from seed. Several cacti produce shoots which can be very easily used as a cutting. Always use healthy plants for cutting. To reduce the risk of rot or disease setting in, dust wounds with a rooting hormone mixed with a fungicide, such as sulphur, Captan or Bavistin etc. Allow the cutting to heal and from a callus before they are inserted into the media in the pats. It takes a few days in summer a several day in spring. All the root stocks are also prepared by taking 4"-6" cutting with same procedure of plantation. Some succulents can be multiplies with leaf cutting e.g. Kalanchoe, Gasteria and some Haworthia root readily, from leaf cuttings. Some cacti and succulents form side shots from base, or tuberous offset, some clump-forming, species are multiplied by separating those offset or clumps & plants separately to get new plants e.g. Sedium, Euphorbia. Sansevieria, several cactus for offset eg. Opuntia, Rebutia sp., Mammillaria sp., Lobivia sp. etc. 2.6.2 From Grafting Grafting of cacti was originally done only in case of certain species with weak root system or of species whose natural habitat was difficult to simulate in cultivation. The newly raised young plants from seed grow very much, more rapidly if they are grafted onto other rootstock as soon as possible. In one year they grow to a size that non-grafted plant take four or five years. In grafting two type of plants are required- 1) Rootstock : The plant, on which a cactus is grafted is known as rootstock. Rootstock is developed by cutting in growing season, from the species of 30 cactus like Hylo cereus undatus, other Hylocereus sp., Cereus sp. and Cacti and Succulents Rhipsalis rauhiqurum, Trichocereus etc.

2) Scion : young offset of cacti which is to be grafted.

Cut the upper part of the root stock and below part of the scion, both have a vascular cambium ring, when the vascular cambium from the scion (the top part of graft) is placed in contact with that of the stock (the bottom), it grows together, allowing for the exchange of water and nutrients. More amazingly, the ring need only touch at one point for a graft to be successful.

Perfectly smooth, horizontal cut should be made on both the rootstock and the scion. The scion from cutting side should be put on rootstock cut. The two are then gently pressed together and rubbed again each other to prevent any air bubbles from being trapped between them. Now put a piece of paper on the scion and put two elastic rubber bands crisscross. These elastic rubber bands should keep the two stems in close contact touching vascular cambium ring & keep some pressure on both. It should be kept entirely in the shade & gave light irrigation. After 2-3 weeks, union of both scion and stock will complete them remove the elastic rubber bands. A new grafted cactus in ready. 2.6.3 From Cross-pollination Many cacti & succulent cannot fertilize their own flower to produce seed. For fertilization, pollen must be transferred from the flower of one plant, to the flower of another plant to fertilize the flower. This is done outdoor by wind, insects and open seed will produce which will not give true form on germination. Under cover if this pollination process is done to get self seed, by crossing same species with one another, and hybrid by crossing two species of same genus and get seed. The self seed on propagation will give rise to true type, while hybrid seed will produce a new form on germination. 2.6.4 From Seed The seed collected from field, may be open seed, self seed or hybrid seeds, all are sown at the end of winter, so that the seedlings are, as large as possible by the following winter. To sow the seeds, choose a 2 inch, pot, 2 inch, deep tray or a 5 inch (13 cm) pan, according to the quantity and size of the seed. When watering the potting mixture, add a fungicide to protect the seedlings from damping off. Fill the pots almost to the rim, will mixture there and scatter the seed of cactus or succulents evenly over the surface. Stand the pot in tepid water until potting mix surface is moist, then allow to drain. Cover thinly with small washed grief. Label the pot and place it under a plastic bag or propagator. Leave in bright shade at a minimum temperature of 66°F (19°C), or 70-81°F (21- 27°C) to speed germination. After the seed germination (within 2-4 weeks), move the seedlings out of plastic bag or propagator. Grow on at 50°F (10°C) in a bright airy site, but not in sun, which can scorch them. Waite a few months to a year, to prick them out; new roots can easily be damaged and if so growth is checked. Plant seedlings in small pots or 1 inch wide tray. Pick out these seedlings only when they begin to crowd each other. Take care not to damage the young roots. 31 Indoor Plants Including Cacti and Other Succulents 2.7 THE ENEMIES OF CACTI AND SUCCULENTS

The worst enemies of cacti and succulents are the fungal diseases that causes the stem and roots decay in conditions of excessive humidity. The best prevention to remove the dead or decomposed part of the plant is to treat it with fungicide like sulphur powder or Captan, or Bouistin etc.

Most of the insect and pest attack to cacti and succulent are similar to those of indoor foliage or garden plants. 2.7.1 Insects and Pests Aphids (Greenfly) : These are small bodies in different colour, green, brown or black and found on the tender part of plant, leaf, flower, stem etc and suck the shape of the plant cause harm.

To control these pest, spray with insecticide – Melathion, Roger with light dose i.e. 1-2 ml per litre of water once or twice in a month.

Mealy bugs : Small, elliptical insects are generally white and are the most common of Cacti & Succulents and found scattered over the body of plants. It rest in the soil. Its control is same as for Aphids. It requires soil drench with systemic insecticide & with spray or by hand dips the plant in a dilute pesticide.

Scale : Several species differ in shape from round to elliptical and very small in size, about a millimetre, from white to brown in colour and damage the plants skin. It can be controlled by brushed off a plant. Use of pesticides and systemic insecticides will offer much control.

Spider Mites : Most common is red-spider miles. These are a pin head like bodies, forms fine, dense webbing over plant. An infected plant at first becomes lighter in colour and eventually turn white or silvery, as the mites destroy the epidermis.

To control it used dusting of sulphur or spray with any Miticide. Using predator, is one method of biological control.

Thrips : It is fast-moving, winged insect and are a fraction of a millimetre long. The thrips attack on tender part of plants and leave a bronze or silvery cast from feeding.

Thrips can be controlled by a wide range of chemicals like Rogor, Melathion etc. require regular spray till it is over.

Whiteflies : These white, moth like small insects extract honeydew on which sooty mould thrives, specially on soft leaved succulents as Euphorbia etc.

Use an insecticidal spray or soap etc. to control it. 2.7.2 Diseases Cacti and succulents suffer mainly from fungal diseases. Fungal spores abound in the atmosphere and attack plants in damp or wet condition inside the house, due to more irrigation specially in spring when young growth start. The main diseases are as follow. 32 Basal and root rot : Over watering or damp condition causes it. Plants that are Cacti and Succulents cold, damp or have poor roots are prone to rot. Rot fungus penetrates rapidly from the skin into the tissue, turning them soft and black & causes plant death. To control the disease cut off sound healthy branch of pot plant stem, for cutting develop new plant and discard the rest. Apply copper sulphate to permanent planting. Fungal Leaf Spot : Usually brown or grey spots may emerge and cause leaf drop. To control this fungus, discard all infected leaves; treat the plant with copper sulphate or any other fungicides. Shooty Mold : Caused by a soil born fungus. This shooty black mold attacks plants, especially seedlings, that are damaged, weakened by very wet conditions. The control is to discard infected seedlings, treat soil and plants with systemic fungicide to control any pest present. Corky Scab : Brown, bark like spots that usually develop near the base of stem are a result of past disease damage or poor cultivation. Do not confuse these spots with natural corking on very old plants. If growing conditions are improved, the spots should not reappear. A light spray with fungicide is useful. 2.7.3 Cultural Damage Cold Damage : Plants subjected for a long period to temperature that are too low for them can suffer stem tip damage, scarring, or even stem collapse. Rot often attacks the affected areas. Increase the temperature so that dead tissue can dry out to control the damage. Alternatively cut out all the damaged tissue. Drought : If starved of water, leafy succulents shed their leaves, then start to die back from the stem tips or shed their branches, and eventually die. Watering usually reverses this process of decline, cacti shrink into dormancy in a drought but rejuvenated rapidly once watered. Scorch Damage : Strong wind and sudden bright hot sunshine on tender plants can cause sunken brown patches where the tissue has collapsed. When moving plants to less sheltered position, harden them off in shade or protect them with fabric or a flexible mesh.

2.8 CLASSIFICATION OF CACTI AND SUCCULENTS

Botanically cacti and succulents are classified into following classes. 2.8.1 Cacti i) Tribe I Pereskieae – one genera pereskia. ii) Tribe II Opuntieae – some genera are pereskiopsis : Pterocactus, Nopalea, Opuntia and Grusonia. 33 Indoor Plants Including Cacti iii) Tribe Cereae – 8 sub-tribes i.e. Cereanae, Hylocereanea, Echinocereanea, and Other Succulents Echinocactaenae, Cactanae, Coryphanthanae, Epiphyelanae and Rhipsolidanae. 2.8.2 Succulents These are classified under twenties family as follow: 1) Agavaceae : Main genera are – Yucca sp., Agave sp., sansevieria sp. 2) Apocynaceae : Main genera are – Adenium sp., Pachypodium sp. 3) Araceae : Principal genera – Zamiacaul cap sp. 4) Asphodelaceae : Includes – Albuca sp., Gosteria sp., Haworthia sp. 5) Aloeaceae : Includes different species of Aloe. 6) Asclepiadaceae : Principal genera are – Stepelia sp., Hoodia sp., Hoya sp., Huernia sp., Carallume sp. etc. 7) Asteraceae : Main genera are – Senecio sp., Othonna sp. 8) Anacardiaceae : Pachycormis sp., Opeculicarya sp. 9) Burseraceae : Major genera are – Bursera sp., Commiphora sp. 10) Crassulaceae : Cotyledon sp., Kalanchoe sp., Crassula sp., Graptoveria sp. etc. 11) Cucurbetaceae : Main genera is Ibervilea sp. 12) Didiereaceae : Include – All Uadia sp. 13) Euphorbiaceae : It in cludes Euphorbia sp., Jatropha sp., Pedilanthus sp. etc. 14) Fouquieriaceae : Principal genera – Fouquieralia sp., Idria sp. 15) Geraniaceae : Main genera – Monsonia sp., Pelargonium sp. 16) Mesenbryanthemaceae : Principal genera are Titanopsis sp., Monilaria sp., Frithia sp., Lithops sp., Fanestarae sp. etc. 17) Moraceae : It include genera – Dorstenia sp., Ficus paolmeri. 18) Passifloraceae : Principal genera – Adania sp. 19) Portulaceae : Major genera are – Portulaca sp., Telinum sp. 20) Pedaliaeae : Principal genera – Uncarina sp.

Check Your Progress Exercise 3 Note : a) Space is given below for answers. b) Compare your answer with that given at the end of the unit. 1) What is grafting and where is it applied in Cacti ? ...... 34 2) What are the major insects & pests of Cacti and Succulents ? Cacti and Succulents ...... 3) How many tribes constitute family cactaceae & which tribe is major one ? ...... 4) Agavaceae, Cassulaceae and Aloeaceae are the family Cacti or Succulent? ......

2.9 INDOOR GROWING CACTI AND SUCCULENTS

To grow indoor there is a big group of cactus and succulent which can fulfil your dream. You can grow these plants in small to large pot, boxes and under different type planter. You can develop a mini-garden of cacti & succulent in your indoor portion of house. It depend on space available in your house for plantation. Even a small space you can use & decorate, which is not possible with other indoor foliage plants. To grow better, indoor cacti & succulents need proper growing environment, soil and soil media, use of water and fertigation time to time, (structure 2.4) potting and repotting at proper time, (structure 2.5) and finally protection of plants from its enemies (structure 2.7). If you will provide all these essential requirements to your plants inside, you can develop a beautiful decoration in your indoor part of house. Whatever you decide in your house, there are several cacti & succulent for your help. Many small plants are especially suitable for small indoor display, most flower easily. 2.9.1 Cacti for Indoor Pot Plants The Cacti which are good for indoor pot plantationare - Astrophylum sp., Cephalo cereus senills, Cereus monstrose, Cleisto strausii, Echino Cactus grusonii, Echino-Cereus rubrispinus, E. subinermis, Echinopsis oxygona, E. forty-niner, E. densispina, Espostoa sp., Ferocactus cylindraceus, Gymnocalycium sp., 35 Indoor Plants Including Cacti Mammillaria sp., Melocactus matanzanus, Neporteria sp, Oreocereus sp., and Other Succulents Paradia sp., Rebutia sp., Stenocactus sp. and Thelocactus sp., etc. 2.9.2 Succulents for Indoor Pot Plants You will study here, about the importance of Succulent in decoration of interior portion of a house. These are Adenium obesum, Agave parviflora, A. victoria, A. verigata, Aloe Ceropegia woody, Conophytum sp., Cotyledon undulata, Crassul a ovata, C. schimedtii, C. tetragone, Echeveria sp., Euphorbia mammillaris, E. naulii, E. obesa etc., Faucaria tuberculosa, Gasteria obtusa, Haworthia sp., Kalanchoe tubiflora, K. tomentosa, Lithops sp., Pachyphybum oviferum, Sansevieria sp., Sedium sp., Senecio sp., Stepalia sp., etc. and some succulents below described in detail:

1) Aloe sp. : Aloe has several sp. It ranges in size from 1 inch to 10 ft. Tree. The Aloe, unlike the agave, flowers annually in spring and its rosette is formed by leaves that grow, rather than unfurl, from the centre. The leaves are triangular, fleshy, small to large (2"- 2 ft), yellowish green to dark green in colour with some spots or strips, and small spines or smooth margin. Long flower stems bearing clusters of small, long-lasting, tubular blooms which can be red, orange red or yellow. The small oval berries are green. Large species thrive in sun, which small ones need shade, good for indoor. A few are dormant in summer. Propagated by side success arises from the base rosette or roots.

2) Cotyledon sp. : The most common genera is Cotyledon undulate good for indoor. These most unusual succulent plants have fleshy fan shaped leaves with undulating edges and a dense covering of five, silver-white scruff. Although orange – yellow flower may appear on older plants in summer, it is for their leaves that are grown. The dust like seeds is contained in dry papery Capsules. Some of the 60 or so species prefer sun, other thrive in shade.

3) Furcaria : It is a beautiful succulent plant with rosette of leaves like fountain. It has long showy, variegated leaves with open rosette of broad, sward shaped fleshy leaves. The leaves are green with yellow shade or strips with small stem. The indoor growing specie is furcaria gigantea “Striata”.

4) Sedum : The two species are very commonly grown indoor. i) S. Morganianum: It is a succulent hanging plant and used for hanging baskets. The slender stem is covered with tassies of short, spindle- shaped leaves which are yellowish green and covered with a silver bloom. ii) S. Morganianum “Giant Burrow Tall”: Very smaller to S. morganianum but spindle- shaped, leaves are much bigger. The plants is very robust. 2.10 LET US SUM UP You have studied in this unit, in details about the importance identification, types and classification of Cacti and Succulents, with important species of both to grow inside the house. All the important factors essential to develop a congenial 36 environment inside the house where Cacti and Succulents can grow successfully, have been specified in this unit for your studies. The different type of media, Cacti and Succulents used to grow Cacti & Succulents, methods of potting and repotting and recycling of plants required for Cacti & Succulent have been described. Cacti and Succulents need specific requirement of water irrigation, fertigation, propagation, its time and types have been described in detail to maintain these plants. There are some enemies of Cacti and Succulents which harm the plants indoor, detail about all these with their control methods have been given for you studies. After studying this unit, you can grow Cacti and Succulents successfully inside the house.

2.11 KEY WORDS Xerophyte : The plants adapted to dry or desert conditions to service are collectively known as xerophytes. Areole : The cushion like growing points, actually a modified leaf bend, on a cactus from which grow its spines, leaves, side shoots, or flowers. Bloom : A flower. Berry : Fleshy, usually indehiscent fruit whose pulp contain one or more seeds. Epiphyte : Plants which grows upon another without being parasitic. Glochids : Little tufts of barbed bristles or hairs. Tissue : Complex of cell carrying out an identical function in an organ. Hybrid : Plant grown from seeds produced by cross-fertilization, whether natural or artificial, of different forms, species or genera. Succulent : A plant with thick fleshy leaves, stem or root that are adapted to store water. This includes al Cacti. Spine : A modified leaf, which can be needle like, barbed, curved, hair like or bristly. Sp. : Species - the unite of classification below a genus, denoting very closely related plants. Scion : A shoot or bud of one species which is united to a stock of another plant by grafting, for propagation. Rootstock : A vigorous plant which provides the root system in grafting. Also known as stock or a plant root system. pH : The horticultural measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil, compost and water : pH – 7 is neutral, below pH-7 is acidic and above pH-7 is alkaline. Cacti prefer a slightly acidic soil. EC : Electro conductivity of soil or water. Generally plant require for good growth -1- EC of soil or water.

37 Indoor Plants Including Cacti and Other Succulents 2.12 FURTHER REFERENCES 1) Anderson, Miles : The word encyclopaedia of Cacti and Succulents. 2) Pizzetti, Mariella : The Macdonald Encyclopaedic of Cacti. 3) Hewitt, Terry : The complete book of Cacti and Succulent. 2.13 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS EXERCISES

Check Your Progress Exercise 1 1) All Cacti have ‘Areole” which Succulent do not have. Areole give rise to spines or small detachable geochids, tinny hair like spines form, which are not found in Succulents. Spines grow from the areole are easily detachable but Succulent spines are not easily detachable. 2) The Succulent structure of cacti and Succulents, are stems, leaves and roots. 3) In Cacti spines arises from aerobes, and Succulent have leaves.

Check Your Progress Exercise 2 1) The important climatic features essential to grow Cacti & Succulent indoor are light, temperature and humidity. 2) The proper plantation time for a Cacti and Succulents is its growing season which start from spring to summer. 3) Plantation is the first stage, to plant Cacti and Succulent in a pot with potting mixture while repotting is applied to for old indoor plants which are 2-3 years old and it done with new soil mixture with slightly larger pot size. 4) Five types of soil media are used for plantation of Cacti & Succulents. Check Your Progress Exercise 3 1) Grafting is a method of propagation and generally applied for those genra of Cacti which cannot grow well its own root. 2) The major insect and pest of Cacti and Succulents are Aphids, Scabs, Mealybugs, Spider mites, Thrips and White flies. 3) The major family which have stem succulents are the Asclepiadaceae, Cactaceae and Euphorbiaceae. 4) Agavaceae, Crosulaceae and Aloeaceae are the families of Succulents.