Cacti & Succulents

They are close relatives. The difference is that only cacti have the characteristic nodules on which the needles are implanted. A collective name for cacti and succulents is 'succulents'. A name that indicates that these plants can store large amounts of water.

Cacti and succulents owe their popularity to their special, often whimsical shape and their striking flowers. These tips will help you meet the special requirements of these beautiful plants.

Place
Succulents like sun, warmth and drought. Not surprising, given their natural habitat in the desert. Many varieties do well in a sunny spot on the windowsill. However, there are also succulents that you should protect against direct sunlight.

Tip: it is not wise to rotate a cactus. The side that is not used to the sun's rays can burn and it also costs the plant a lot of energy to turn towards the sun again, which is at the expense of growth.

To water
Always use water sparingly and imitate the natural situation in the desert as much as possible. This means that it is better to give them a good dose once in a while rather than a little every day. The plants store the water and regulate how much they use. Most succulents cannot tolerate hard water. Rainwater is excellent.

Overwintering
An annual rest period is very important for succulents. A cool wintering is a prerequisite for good flowering. Therefore, after the growth period, place your cacti and succulents in a cool, dry and bright place, for example in an unheated room. They absolutely should not be left in the dark. During the winter months, you hardly water at all.

Repot
As soon as the ambient temperature rises, the plants start a new growth period. When you bring them back into your living room after winter rest, give them space for this. Place them in a slightly larger pot, but definitely do not plant them deeper.