Cultivating Cacti

Succulent plants are not my favourites, but I’ve been wanting to find a use for two cracked coffee mugs.  I knew that cacti can be grown in such containers with no need for drainage, and I’ve been on the lookout for suitable plants.  At Sumner yesterday we came across a market, and I bought a pot with three cacti plants growing in it for $3.50.  One of them even had flowers.  A further stall also had cacti, planted attractively in corks, some of which were fridge magnets.  That stall holder explained that these would need to be watered with an eye dropper.

Cacti in corks

When I got home I separated my three cacti, which were root bound.  I planted them in my two cracked mugs and a small glass dish, with a layer of stones in the bottom and potting mix on top.  It will be interesting to see how they fare.

Cacti in mugs

I’m now wondering whether taller plants would have been better, and I hope the two in mugs flower soon.  I understand they need to be watered sparingly just once a week, and it’s a good idea a few minutes after watering to tip the container sideways to remove any excess.  They also need sunlight.  Not sure yet just where they might live.  In the meantime they’re on the kitchen window sill.

I hope they won’t be truculent
my new plants that are succulent