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PRETTY (and) RUGGED:
Propagate cactus cuttings to beautify your landscape
May 01, 2020
by Lupe Cook and Heidi Bloebaum/Victoria County Master Gardener and Master Gardener Intern
Edited by Charla Borchers Leon/Victoria County Master Gardener
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER LUPE COOK
These interesting mixed cacti plantings in Master Gardener Lupe Cook's backyard include a large Parodia with a yellow bud in the rear pot, Mammillaria spinosisma cristata, a spiny wave-like form with its common name of Brain Cactus in the left pot, and in the large black pot in the front, globular Eagle Claws and back, the flat pad White Bunny Ears Microdasys.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER CHARLA BORCHERS LEON
The Hedgehog Cactus shown here planted in a clay container is found naturally in the deserts of the Southwest (Arizona), with its resemblance of hedgehogs from numerous and short, spiny stems from aeroles. Its purple-colored flowers and four well-armed central spines help to identify it. This photograph was taken in the wee hours of the morning before daylight, as it blooms only at night.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER LUPE COOK
This is a mixed grouping of columnar and flat pad cacti in various sized pots from Master Gardener Lupe Cook's propagation and planting. In the back pot on the left is the mature columnar Old Man of the Andes with red blooms and brittle around it. In the front 4-inch pot is Beaver Tail Cactus, and in the right-hand, larger pot to the back are Cinnamon Bunny Ears Microdasys with the red-brown spines and Yellow Bunny Ears Microdasys in the front.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY VICTORIA COUNTY MASTER GARDENER CHARLA BORCHERS LEON
The Golden Barrel Cacti shown planted in the low container for a patio are an example of a global variety. It is identified with sharp, yellow spines on top and white-colored wooden hairs on the crown. The barrel cactus is primarily suited for rock garden settings, desert type landscapes, patio and botanical gardens. It is fairly fast growing at first and then it will take up to 10 years to bloom if conditions are met.
Texas Prickly Pear - Opuntia species
Brown (cinnamon) spines
Other Opuntia varieties (to name a few)
Eagle Claw - Echinocactus horizonthalonius
Giant Fishhook - Ferocactus hamatacanthus
Golden Barrel - Echinocactus grusonii
Semi-columnar - Parodia leninghausii
Old Man of the Andes - Oreocereus leucotrichus
Peruvian Old Man - Espostoa lanata
I wrote an article on July 23, 2009, for this column on preparing a landscape garden and planting cacti plants. I have been intrigued with cactus and how they can survive the most inhospitable growing conditions, their magnificent forms and their beautiful flowers. It’s amazing that even the spines vary in color, length, shape and where they are located on the pad.
Propagating cacti is a very simple procedure. The basic information will help to ensure successful results. Propagating can be a trial-and-error learning experience. If you don’t succeed the first time, try again.
Use butter, coffee, dishwashing soap containers (or any plastic container) that are easy to drill holes in the bottom for drainage.
For sanitation, wash and disinfect all dirty containers and tools to avoid bacterial infestation when doing cuttings or upgrading.
Cactus can be grown as indoor or outside plants. Do research for height, width and light requirements.
If indoors, place it where you don’t have too much foot traffic, especially if young ones are around.
You will enjoy propagating your own plants. Remember to try again if you don’t succeed the first time. It’s a learning experience.
They can be propagated, planted in pots for indoor or outdoor placement, or replanted in outdoor locations conducive to growing succulents or cacti.
Good luck in beautifying your landscape.
The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com, or comment on this column at VictoriaAdvocate.com
ph: 361-935-1556
nancyk