It is one of the most demanding hobbies of recreational gardeners when succulents are grown and propagated in the winter garden or even in a cactus greenhouse. The exotics love enough light and a pleasantly warm, not too humid climate and reward the effort with the most beautiful flowers.
How to care for cacti in a greenhouse?
In a cactus greenhouse, succulents should be kept at optimal temperatures between 6 and 20°C, depending on the species. Moderate watering and appropriate fertilization during the growth phase are important, as is protection from intense sunlight.
The astonishing abundance of flowers and the indescribable colors 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. Some of the species can tolerate slightly more permanent frost, others are not even hardy. If you're a beginner starting to build a cactus collection, it's best to start withsome species that are considered adaptable,that feel most comfortable between 5 and 12 °C. In general, a cactus greenhouse should be frost-free. In ground greenhouses, it makes sense to equip them with tables. Here is a brief overview of the comfortable temperatures of the prickly plants:
| Botanical name | optimum 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 |
Tact is particularly popular with cacti
Even if the plants often have to get by with little water in their homeland, it still doesn't work without this important growth factor. Moderate but regular watering and especially during their growing season between April and August are a must, but according to the principle: “It’s better to be 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 water using automatic systems that ensure constant moisture throughout the plants' surroundings.
Fertilizing succulents in the cactus greenhouse
Here too, the bishop's hat, old man's head and mother-in-law's chair are real sensitive ones. Fertilized incorrectly or not at all, it takes a lot of patience before you are rewarded with bright flowers. Particularly during the growth phase, anappropriate portion of special liquid fertilizer must be added to the irrigation water. From August onwards, pure water, but not too cold, is sufficient again. Just as important as fertilizing is keeping the dirty plant parts absolutely clean, which is best done with a fine, slightly damp cloth - also regularly.
Tip
Especially in a cactus greenhouse with excessive sunlight, a sudden red color often occurs on the surface of the plants. If necessary, the relevant outer surfaces of the windows should be immediately protected against excess UV radiation with an appropriately sized shading film or a fabric mat.