Most of us including myself thinks cactuses don’t need much water and loves direct sun, from my experiences and reading a lot about cactuses and succulents is a myth. There are 2 different species of cactuses, jungle and desert, most of us unless you live in a state such as Arizona or similar we tend to have the jungle cactuses. Jungle cactuses needs to be watered about twice a week during the hot season and thrives in morning sun and afternoon shade. I have already lost some cactuses from direct afternoon sun. If you want your cactuses and succulents to thrive, and not burn provide afternoon shade.
Since I have moved my cactus rack to face the east and have a sun block shade behind it to provide shade I have been noticing them grow and bloom. This month of July is usually hot and very dry but for some reason this year we have been recieving a good amount of rain so I do cover the racks if it rains more than twice in one week.
Now the desert types of cactuses which are in the Madagascar family is most likely the ones that grows in Arizona, California, Nevada and similar states.
Posted by jellyfishbay on July 12, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I always learn something new when I stop by your blog. I haven’t had my favorite blogs picks list in quite a while, so I have to try to pick up your postings by other means. I don’t want you to think that I’ve been neglecting you and my other favorite blogs on purpose.
Posted by flowergardengirl on August 15, 2009 at 12:02 pm
That is fascinating and explains a lot for me. I just bought a new cobweb variety and it likes having afternoon shade.
Posted by Carlos on March 31, 2010 at 4:35 am
Hi,
I like your blog and appreciate all of your information. I am located in Chicago as well. My blog is: http://www.theplantmafiablog.com. I am using Tumblr as my blogging tool and not Google like you are doing. I am checking you blog regularly but can’t follow since I am not using google.
Thanks for your inspiration!
Carlos