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Master Gardener EducationFebruary 22, 2010

Jack KellyUniversity of Arizona

College of Agriculture and Life SciencesPima County Cooperative Extension

Tucson, ArizonaJackelly@ag.arizona.edu

A Guide to Selecting, Growing and Enjoying AgavesCacti & Succulents in the Garden

Cactus Flowers

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CactusTrue cacti are succulents and are native to the

Western Hemisphere.

•They do not always have spines

•True cacti have areoles, small nubbin-like structures found on the body of the cactus

•The spines, flowers, and roots develop from areoles

Root tuber

Roots

Leaf Leaf Succulent(Haworthia truncata)

Transparent ‘windows’ allow light to reach the bottom base of the leaf

Areole Trichome

Vascular cylinder

Spine (modified leaf)

Waxy Cuticle

Water storing parenchyma cells

Tubercle

Stem Succulent

Golden Barrel CactusEchinocactus grunsonii)

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Container Growing• Choose appropriate varieties that will

not outgrow the container quickly

• Use a soil mix that drains quickly, use clay pots

• Use slow release fertilizers (Osmocote) or a soluble fertilizer such as Peter’s, Miracle-Gro, etc

• Underpot to aid in soil drying between waterings

• Choose ‘ideal’ location in partial sun to place the container

• Plant slightly high in container with lower leaves above the soil line

• Repot every 3 - 4 years

Agave, Cactus, add Succulent BasicsPlant in well-draining soil

Provide adequate light - many species prefer partial sun or filtered light

Carefully choose a micro-climate

Best when planted during warm weather to aid in root development

Use organic amendments carefully - too much can interfere with proper drainage and lead to rotting

Protect from direct sun when planting nursery grown plants. Plant at the same orientation as grown in nursery

Know the mature size of the plant and space accordingly

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Be aware of spines especially in areas of pedestrian traffic

Remove any damaged roots from field grown plants and allow to dry for several days in the shade

Plant in a shallow wide hole with a minimum of organic amendment in the backfill

Water thoroughly after planting and determine the irrigation schedule

Do not use organic mulches; use decomposed granite or rock

Keep water off of wide-leaved species and agaves to prevent spotting of the foliage

Saguaro

•Saguaro is our State Flower

• Symbol of the Sonoran Desert

• Home for many birds

Ocotillo

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Boojum tree (Idria columnaris)

This unusual plant is closely related to our native Ocotillo and is native to Baja California. It is rare, slow-growing, and therefore expensive. It makes a very nice addition to any collection and is now being grown by several nurseries in the Tucson area.

Cactus

Cactus

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Problems of Indoor Cactus and Succulents

Mealy Bugs - Treat with a swab/paintbrush dipped in alcohol or handpick

Spider Mites - Wash plant every 5-7 days with a strong stream of water or use a miticide at the same interval

Scale - Scrape off individual scales or treat with a systemic insecticide

Credits• Desert Plants, published by the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, Arizona

• Mary Olsen, Associate Plant Pathology Specialist, University of Arizona

• Greg Corman, Gardening Insights, Tucson, Arizona

•Gregg Starr, Starr Nursery, Tucson, Arizona*****************

• Special Thanks to Bach’s Greenhouse Cactus Nursery, Tucson, Arizona

Questions,Comments?

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June30, 1914 in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A.Christenson, Director, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture & LifeSciences, The University of Arizona.

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative actioninstitution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexualorientation in its programs and activities.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such asa sign language interpreter, by contacting DRC (Disability Resource Center)at 621-3268 (V/TTY).Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange theaccommodation.