Cacti are a familiar sight on the windowsill. When the exotic succulents appear in the flower box on the balcony, the unorthodox cultivation causes a sensation. You can find out which types of cactus are suitable for this creative stroke of genius here.
Which types of cactus fit on the balcony?
A bishop's hat (Astrophytum myriostigma), beacon (Chamaecereus silvestrii) and sea urchin cactus 'Rheingold' (Echinopsis) in the flower box are suitable for the balcony. Hardy cacti for large containers are roller cactus (Cylindropuntia imbricata 'Sandia Mountains'), prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii 'Natural Bridges') and Opuntia cymochila 'Arizona'.
Cactus species for the balcony box – a selection
Discovering the right candidates for the balcony among the more than 1,800 species of cacti and countless varieties can be time-consuming. To make your choice easier, we have put together a selection of recommended species and varieties for the flower box:
- Bishop's hat (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 carmine-red flowers in summer
The cacti presented stay on the balcony from May to September/October. If the temperatures fall below 5 degrees in autumn, move the box to a bright, 5 to 7 degree cool winter quarters. Until next spring, please do not apply fertilizer and water sips every 4 to 6 weeks.
Beautiful cacti for the pot
With majestic cacti you can achieve a magnificent long-distance effect on the balcony, which will surprise every observer, not just when they are in bloom. The following species and varieties can be found in the large container all year round because they are not only very large, but also completely hardy:
- Roller cactus (Cylindropuntia imbricata 'Sandia Mountains'): 150-200 cm height, hardy down to -25 degrees Celsius
- Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia engelmannii 'Natural Bridges'): 150-200 cm height, pink summer flowers, edible fruits
- Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia cymochila 'Arizona'): 80-90 cm height, richly branching, yellow summer flowers
The roller cactus 'White Tower' does what the variety name promises. Over the years, the cactus reaches a height of more than 100 cm. You can look forward to the first white flowers on the south-facing balcony after just 2 to 3 years. In addition, the hybrid is winter hardy down to -25 degrees Celsius even without rain protection.
Tip
The most important prerequisite for he althy and magnificent cacti on the balcony is a location in full sun, warm and protected from rain. Flower boxes and pots are filled with mineral-organic cactus soil. Drainage made of pumice gravel or pottery shards on the bottom of the vessel prevents harmful waterlogging.
