Cacti & succulents

[Chez2 10]

Hi everyone. I assume this is the best section to chat about cacti and succulents even though some people grow them as houseplants not in the garden or greenhouse. Do we have anyone on here growing them or just me?

[Janus 28]

Would the succulents include Aloe Vera?

[Chez2 10]

57 minutes ago, Janus said:

Would the succulents include Aloe Vera?

Yes, all types of aloe. Not all aloes are used for medicinal / cosmetic purposes. 

[Janus 28]

I did try from the medical perspective out of desparation, but only for a short while.

 

Having read they are slow growers I was actually surprised at how well mine did. Within a few months they out grew the pots-now in their 3rd size pot. It must have been the blood, fish and bone. 

 

I find that 50% horticulture sand is great for plants in pots, in doors or out. Keeps stuff free flowing and healthy.

[Chez2 10]

You feed low nitrogen food to succulents and cacti so you may be overfeeding it.  Some aloe grow quicker and much bigger than others. Add grit as well as sand to improve drainage and aeration. 

[Vasquez Rich 10]

Here's a fun thing to try.

 

Go to the supermarket and buy a "dragon fruit"... they have little black pips...  put them in compost and leave on a window sill, and when they grow, you get a small cactus that grows like massive dreadlocks.

 

Richard