Can You Mix Cacti And Succulents

The majority of cacti and succulents need a lot of light. They are appropriate for the sunniest areas of your house. You will be giving them what they enjoy if you construct some shelves across a sunny window. To ensure that every side of the plant receives an equal amount of sunny exposure, you should turn the plants frequently.

Every garden center has a fantastic selection of succulents and cacti that you can grow indoors. Some cacti are offered as seasonal or gift plants in department stores, such as the Schlumbergera x buckleyi (Christmas cactus), a species that grows in forests. Because it takes years for this to happen, it is better to purchase cacti that are currently in bloom. You should inspect them to ensure that there are no signs of rot or parts that are shriveled or dried, and that they are sound overall. When you bring them home, make sure they are not exposed to drafts and that they are the perfect size for their pot.

Make sure the desert cactus you buy are placed in compost that has been well-drained. In the spring and summer, they need to be regularly irrigated with tepid water. However, during the winter, especially if they are in cool temperatures, the compost should be allowed to almost entirely dry. As a result, the cactus can hibernate.

Cacti should be fed around every three weeks when they are actively growing. For this, you can use tomato fertilizer that has been properly diluted. Additionally, desert cactus like wintertime temperatures of 50–55 F (10–13 C). Only when the roots completely fill the pot do desert cacti need to be repotted.

Cacti in the forest are significantly different. Typically, they produce lovely, dangling flowers at the tips of segmented stalks. These stems resemble chains of supple leaves. They have been bred to grow over trees, which is why they grow in this manner. Although they are accustomed to shade, they do require intense light. They require light, well-drained, lime-free compost that is also misted with lukewarm, gentle water. In 50 to 55 F, they can relax (10-13 C.). After the winter, give them a little water, feed them once a week with a little fertilizer, and put them in a room with greater temperatures.

There are at least 50 different plant families that can be categorized as succulents. In the summer, they should receive unlimited irrigation, but only when their compost starts to dry out. They can endure wintertime temperatures of about 50 F. (10 C.). Every few weeks during the summer, you should fertilize with a well-diluted fertilizer because they prefer fresh air to humidity.

Succulents, woodland cactus, and desert cacti can all coexist in the same garden. They provide beautiful presentations for your collection of indoor plants. Even if they don’t require much care, you still need to be aware of their likes and needs.

Is it possible to grow succulents and cacti together in a terrarium?

Everyone is talking about terrariums, and with good reason, if you read gardening and fashion websites. They are intriguing. An full ecology is housed within—your own miniature world to see develop and alter. Infinitely varied in terms of colors, forms, and textures, they are also stunning. Although cacti and succulents don’t normally thrive in terrariums, you can still use them successfully with a few straightforward modifications.

For your terrarium, pick a big, open container. Recognize that cactus and succulents require drier conditions with lower humidity and better air circulation than closed terrariums can provide, despite the fact that classic terrariums are closed.

Plant your succulents and cacti such that they aren’t touching one another or the terrarium’s sides. Succulents need space between them so they can eventually spread out and grow.

By transforming your finished terrarium into a fanciful environment incorporating pebbles, toys, figurines, plastic animals, and other treasures, you can take this trend to the next level. Make sure the products you purchase won’t corrode or break down in humid, wet environments.

Because most cacti and succulents require a lot of light, place the terrarium in an area that gets lots of bright, indirect sunlight. The terrarium shouldn’t be placed in direct sunlight or close to a bright window because the heat from these areas could kill the plants.

After your plants have been in the terrarium for a full seven days, water them for the first time. Watering should not be done before this since damaged roots require time to recover and establish themselves. Only when the soil begins to dry out should you rewater.

Cactus mix is required for succulents?

Start with a simple cactus and succulent soil mix, or even an African violet mix, both of which are readily available at most garden centers, for the best potting soil for succulents. Then experiment with different combinations of ingredients to discover the one that will enhance drainage, make watering easier, and last a long time without compacting.

Organic matter is a key component of any potting mix for succulents. The primary component of most potting soils, peat moss, is difficult to moisten and rapidly dries out. A small amount of finely crushed bark can be used to make water enter more quickly. Coir, which is formed of fibrous, shredded coconut husks and decomposes extremely slowly, is an excellent substitute for peat moss in handmade mixes. Coir is simple to moisten when it dries out, unlike peat. While compost can also be utilized, it decomposes quite quickly.

The other key component is an inorganic material that keeps the mixture crumbly and airy by allowing water to easily soak into and then drain out of soil. Perlite, crushed granite, pumice, chicken grit, calcined clay used to promote aeration and compaction in turf fields, or non-soluble cat litter are a few options that are all preferable than coarse sand. Any of these will significantly improve drainage and remain intact as the organic matter eventually breaks down.

Growth needs

There are so many different kinds of succulents. A general rule of thumb is to select succulents with comparable requirements if you want to arrange them. They will coexist peacefully and preserve the ensemble’s aesthetic for a very long time.

For instance, Graptosedum California Sunset grows best in the summer, whilst Crassula (Jades) prefers the winter. So planting them together wouldn’t be a good idea. You should take into account the growing season, hydration requirements, lighting requirements, and soil requirements while choosing succulent combos.

Agave, Echeveria, and Sempervivum are several succulents that go dormant in the winter and look fantastic together. Aeonium, Aloe, Graptopetalum, and Kalanchoe may come to mind if you want to group the summer-dormant succulents.

Height

In addition to the succulents’ characteristics, height and color must also be taken into account in order to arrange them harmoniously. You should have a thriller, filler, and spiller in your layout.

Use tall succulents to provide height to the thriller and enhance the overall design. As filler around them, use shorter succulents. To finish the arrangement, add a few “spiller trailing succulents.” The recipe is straightforward, and you can always add your own spin to make it appear appealing to you.

Color

Choosing a theme for your succulent arrangement is simple. There are a variety of succulents that may make your succulent arrangements appear fantastic, whether you want them to be colorful or monochromatic.

Monochromatic, similar, and complementary color combinations are the three most common types.

You must group succulents with the same colors but various shades together for a monochromatic arrangement.

When using similar settings, you will group colors that are adjacent to one another on the color wheel (orange, yellow, and green).

Contrasting colors on the color wheel are required for complementary color schemes (red and green).

What other plants work well with succulents?

The Best Plants to Grow with Your Succulent Garden

  • African Daisy, number 1 of 11. Dedicated to Nguyen/EyeEm/Getty Images.
  • Artemisia “Powis Castle,” number 2 of 11. Images by Joshua McCullough for Getty .
  • Blue Fescue, number 3 of 11.
  • 4. Blue Mist Spirea, number 11.
  • 5. Euphorbia of 11.
  • 11th from 06: lavender.
  • Grevillea, number 7 of 11.
  • Santa Barbara Daisy, number 8 of 11.

What thrives alongside cacti?

Cacti plants are adored by gardeners for their intriguing textures, drought resistance, vivid colors, and lovely shapes. They are also a joy to have in your house. These succulents can hold water in their stems for longer periods of time, making them suitable for environments with limited rainfall and rather high temperatures. The majority of them are simple to grow and resistant to illnesses and pest issues. However, don’t just stick to these succulents when planning your cactus garden.

What wonderful plants and flowers can you grow with your cactus? There are many different types of flowering plants that can coexist peacefully with your cactus and bring out the best aspects of it. The red valerian, African daisy, autumn sage, hummingbird plant, trailing lantana, and various varieties of Euphorbia are among these plants and blooms. These flowers and plants can enhance the shape and color of your cacti and require practically identical upkeep.

Can you grow aloe vera and cacti together?

We are all accustomed to those large, succulent leaves, but did you realize that the roots are also similar?

Except where specified, the information below applies to aloe vera plants grown in pots, whether they are used as indoor or outdoor plants.

Best Time to Plant, Transplant or Repot Aloe Vera

Spring and summer are the ideal times to plant or transplant aloe. Although I reside in a warmer area, I planted this pot during the final week of October. Tucson’s daytime highs are still in the 80s, and the city’s overnight lows won’t drop below freezing until mid-December.

Prior to the days getting shorter, give your aloe vera at least a month to establish itself. Because your plant will be sleeping during these seasons, late fall and winter are not the best times.

Before putting into the container, this is the mother plant and a pot of her young. Another pot of puppies that I had was given away. When each plant bears so many offspring, how much aloe does a girl really need?

Best Pots for Aloe Plants

When choosing a pot, aloe vera (Aloe barbedensis) is a flexible plant. It has been cultivated in a variety of pots.

Aloe performs great when planted directly in terra cotta, and I adore the way it looks. The greatest terra cotta is unglazed because it is more porous and allows those massive, thick roots to breathe a little bit easier.

Having said that, I’m going to place this aloe vera plant into a resin pot, and it will thrive there.

Soil Mix Options When Planting Aloe Vera in Pots

I utilized a Tucson-only organic succulent and cactus mix that was made locally. Composed of pumice, coconut coir chips, and compost, it is quite chunky, drains well, and is very coarse. When planting, I additionally generously put a couple handfuls of compost and covered the container with 1/8 worm compost. Due to the late season, it would have been heavier. In the early spring, I’ll add additional worm compost and compost on top.

I advise using a pure succulent and cactus mix or a mixture of 1/2 succulent, 1/2 cactus, and 1/2 potting soil.

You can also use plain potting soil for an aloe vera houseplant, but you must add perlite or pumice to aerate & improve the drainage. If you use potting soil, reduce the frequency of watering because it is a heavier mixture.

The mix of succulents and cacti varies greatly depending on the brand. Some people weigh more than others.

Add pumice or perlite if you believe your mix needs the drainage and lightness elements to be increased.

Compost or worm compost are optional additions to your mix, but I feed all of my container plants, both indoors and outdoors, in this manner. Read more about it here.

Where to Purchase Succulent Mix or Additive Options

For those who are prone to overwatering, Bonsai Jack, Hoffman’s (which is more affordable if you have larger containers but you might need to add pumice or perlite), or Superfly Bonsai are all good options (another fast draining 1 like Bonsai Jack great for indoor succulents).

Can I grow succulents in ordinary potting soil?

Every soil mixture contains both organic and mineral components. Mineral matter, such as clay, silt, and sand, support soil drainage, whereas organic matter, such as humus and decomposing plant tissue, serves to retain moisture in the soil and give nutrients to the plant.

Because succulents can withstand drought and don’t require constant watering, their potting soil should be permeable, well-draining, and contain less organic matter than typical indoor soil mixtures. Ideal soil is a loose, granular mixture with a good amount of sand and perlite or pumice.

Can I use ordinary potting soil to grow a cactus?

Yes, you can give your cactus plants either standard potting soil or African violet dirt. However, once more, avoid using these on their own as they contain an excessive amount of organic matter that retains moisture and can contain fertilizer additives that are not designed for slow-growing cacti. Instead, incorporate them as one component of your homemade cactus potting soil.

What makes a nice mix of succulents?

A mixture of two parts sand, two parts gardening soil, and one part perlite or pumice yields the best results when mixing the three components. This translates to 3 cups of sand, 3 cups of soil, and 1.5 cups of perlite or pumice when expressed in cups.

Succulents can you mix them?

There are several traits shared by succulents, such as the ability to store water in their leaves or stems for when it’s not so rainy out.

Even though you can mix almost any succulent, some will be more simpler to keep in the same arrangement than others.

We may receive a commission when you buy something after clicking on one of our links, at no additional cost to you. This enables us to offer you free content.

I’ll list a few qualities to consider when pairing succulents below. Numerous of these traits are described on our individual succulent pages, and our Succulent Identification and Care cards also make it easy to see them.

You may also view my video in which I discuss three distinct succulent arrangements and their effectiveness: