Growing and propagating succulents in the conservatory or even in a cactus greenhouse is one of the most demanding hobbies of the recreational gardener. Sufficient light and a pleasantly warm, not too humid climate love the exotic plants and reward the effort with the most beautiful flowers.
Cacti feel perfectly at home in the greenhouse and are even easier to care for here
The amazing abundance of flowers and the indescribable blaze of color of these plants make many people enthusiastic cactus breeders, even if it is not exactly easy to reconcile the many different habits of this species. Although some of the species tolerate somewhat more severe permafrost, others are not even hardy. If you are a beginner and start building a cactus collection, it is best to start with some species considered adaptable, who feel most comfortable between 5 and 12 °C. In general, a cacti greenhouse should be frost-free. In the case of ground greenhouses, it makes sense to have tables. Here is a brief overview of the comfortable temperatures of the prickly plants:
| botanical name | optimal wintering temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| aloe | 6 to 10 |
| astrophytum | 8 to 12 |
| Espostoa | from 8 |
| Ferocactus | from 8 |
| Mammillaria | 6 to 10 |
| agave | from 12 |
| Echinocactus | 12 to 15 |
| euphorbia | 15 to 20 |
| pachypodium | 15 to 18 |
| Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus) | from 15 |
Intuition is particularly popular with cacti
Even if the plants often have to get by with little water in their homeland, they still cannot do without this important growth factor. Moderate but regular watering and especially during their growth period between April and August, but according to the principle: "better too dry than not at all or too much"! It is not poured into the plant, but onto the substrate or the cactus soil. Professional cactus growers like to do the watering with automated systems that ensure constant humidity throughout the plants' environment.
Fertilizing the succulents in the cactus greenhouse
Here, too, the bishop's cap, old man's head and mother-in-law's chair are really sensitive. Incorrectly fertilized or not fertilized at all, it takes a great deal of patience before you are rewarded with bright flowers. Especially during the growth phase, the irrigation water needs a adequate portion of special liquid fertilizer be added, from August pure, but not too cold water will suffice. Just as important as fertilizing is keeping the soiled parts of the plant absolutely clean, which is best done with a fine, slightly damp cloth - also regularly.
tips
Especially in a cacti greenhouse with too intense sunlight, a sudden red coloration often occurs on the surface of the plants. If necessary, the affected outer surfaces of the windows should then be immediately protected against excess UV radiation with a suitably large shading film or a fabric mat.