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Master Gardener EducationFebruary 22, 2010
Jack KellyUniversity of Arizona
College of Agriculture and Life SciencesPima County Cooperative Extension
Tucson, [email protected]
A Guide to Selecting, Growing and Enjoying AgavesCacti & Succulents in the Garden
Cactus Flowers
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CactusTrue cacti are succulents and are native to the
Western Hemisphere.
•They do not always have spines
•True cacti have areoles, small nubbin-like structures found on the body of the cactus
•The spines, flowers, and roots develop from areoles
Root tuber
Roots
Leaf Leaf Succulent(Haworthia truncata)
Transparent ‘windows’ allow light to reach the bottom base of the leaf
Areole Trichome
Vascular cylinder
Spine (modified leaf)
Waxy Cuticle
Water storing parenchyma cells
Tubercle
Stem Succulent
Golden Barrel CactusEchinocactus grunsonii)
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Container Growing• Choose appropriate varieties that will
not outgrow the container quickly
• Use a soil mix that drains quickly, use clay pots
• Use slow release fertilizers (Osmocote) or a soluble fertilizer such as Peter’s, Miracle-Gro, etc
• Underpot to aid in soil drying between waterings
• Choose ‘ideal’ location in partial sun to place the container
• Plant slightly high in container with lower leaves above the soil line
• Repot every 3 - 4 years
Agave, Cactus, add Succulent BasicsPlant in well-draining soil
Provide adequate light - many species prefer partial sun or filtered light
Carefully choose a micro-climate
Best when planted during warm weather to aid in root development
Use organic amendments carefully - too much can interfere with proper drainage and lead to rotting
Protect from direct sun when planting nursery grown plants. Plant at the same orientation as grown in nursery
Know the mature size of the plant and space accordingly
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Be aware of spines especially in areas of pedestrian traffic
Remove any damaged roots from field grown plants and allow to dry for several days in the shade
Plant in a shallow wide hole with a minimum of organic amendment in the backfill
Water thoroughly after planting and determine the irrigation schedule
Do not use organic mulches; use decomposed granite or rock
Keep water off of wide-leaved species and agaves to prevent spotting of the foliage
Saguaro
•Saguaro is our State Flower
• Symbol of the Sonoran Desert
• Home for many birds
Ocotillo
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Boojum tree (Idria columnaris)
This unusual plant is closely related to our native Ocotillo and is native to Baja California. It is rare, slow-growing, and therefore expensive. It makes a very nice addition to any collection and is now being grown by several nurseries in the Tucson area.
Cactus
Cactus
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Problems of Indoor Cactus and Succulents
Mealy Bugs - Treat with a swab/paintbrush dipped in alcohol or handpick
Spider Mites - Wash plant every 5-7 days with a strong stream of water or use a miticide at the same interval
Scale - Scrape off individual scales or treat with a systemic insecticide
Credits• Desert Plants, published by the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, Arizona
• Mary Olsen, Associate Plant Pathology Specialist, University of Arizona
• Greg Corman, Gardening Insights, Tucson, Arizona
•Gregg Starr, Starr Nursery, Tucson, Arizona*****************
• Special Thanks to Bach’s Greenhouse Cactus Nursery, Tucson, Arizona
Questions,Comments?
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June30, 1914 in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A.Christenson, Director, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture & LifeSciences, The University of Arizona.
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative actioninstitution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexualorientation in its programs and activities.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such asa sign language interpreter, by contacting DRC (Disability Resource Center)at 621-3268 (V/TTY).Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange theaccommodation.