On the windowsill, cacti are a familiar sight. If the exotic succulents are staged in the flower box on the balcony, the unorthodox cultivation causes a sensation. You can find out here which types of cacti are suitable for this creative stroke of genius.
Some cacti can spend the summer on the balcony
Cactus species for the balcony box - a selection
Discovering the right candidates for the balcony among the more than 1800 species of cacti and countless varieties can be time-consuming. To make it easier for you to choose, we have put together a selection of recommended types and varieties for the flower box (€16.99):
- Bishop's cap (Astrophytum myriostigma): 20-25 cm high, 8-12 cm wide, white flocked body without spines
- Beacon (Chamaecereus silvestrii): 20 cm long, thorny shoots and bright red flowers
- Sea urchin cactus 'Rheingold' (Echinopsis): 20-25 cm tall, reinforced columns and crimson flowers in summer
The presented cacti linger on the balcony from May to September/October. If the temperatures fall below the 5 degree mark in autumn, move the box to a bright, 5 to 7 degree cool winter quarters. Please do not apply fertilizer until next spring and sip water every 4 to 6 weeks.
Beautiful cacti for the bucket
With majestic cacti you can achieve a grandiose long-distance effect on the balcony, which will surprise everyone, not only when they are in bloom. The following species and varieties come together in large tubs all year round because they are not only very large, but also completely hardy:
- Cylindrical cactus (Cylindropuntia imbricata 'Sandia Mountains'): 150-200 cm stature height, hardy to - 25 degrees Celsius
- Prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii 'Natural Bridges'): 150-200 cm growth height, pink summer flowers, edible fruits
- Prickly pear (Opuntia cymochila 'Arizona'): 80-90 cm tall, profusely branching, yellow summer flowers
The 'White Tower' cactus keeps what the variety name promises. Over the years, the cactus reaches a height of more than 100 cm. On the south-facing balcony you can look forward to the first white flowers after just 2 to 3 years. In addition, the hybrid is hardy down to -25 degrees Celsius even without rain protection.
tips
The most important prerequisite for healthy and magnificent cacti on the balcony is a full sun, warm and rain-protected location. Flower boxes and tubs are filled with mineral-organic cactus soil. A drainage made of pumice gravel or broken pottery on the bottom of the container prevents harmful waterlogging.