CACTI & SUCCULENTS

Succulents are plants that have thick and fleshy leaves, stems and roots that allow them to retain water, thus enable them to tolerate limited watering better than most houseplants. Their natural habitats are often in locations that are dry, with high temperature and low rainfall. Succulents are often grown for their interesting appearance. Their unique forms, colours, shapes and foliages make them natural living art pieces. The terms cacti and succulents are often use interchangeably. However scientifically, cacti are a family, or sub-category within the group of plants collectively known as succulents. In order for a succulent to be considered a cacti, it must have areoles. Areoles are small, round cushion-like mounds of flesh where spines, hair, leaves, flowers grow from the cactus. Not all succulents have areoles, therefore not all succulents are cacti. 

LIGHT
Succulents love a bright spot, preferably near the window or at the balcony where there is sunlight. If you are keeping your succulents indoor, there must be daylight during the day. If the indoor lighting is insufficient, fluorescent white light and grow light can be use to prevent your succulents from etiolation.
 
 
WATER
A general guide is to water the succulents once or twice a month if you are keeping your succulents indoor. However, you need to adjust the watering frequency according to your environment and the type of succulents you are growing. Succulents should be watered only when the soil has dried out completely. Factors such as sunlight, airflow, soil structure, amount of water added will influence how long the soil stays wet. Therefore, what works for one gardener may not work well for another. Please observe your succulents and adjust the watering frequency accordingly.
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POTTING MEDIA
Succulents grow best in a porous sandy potting mix. Coarse sand, perlite, volcanic sand and pumice can be added to regular potting mix to improve drainage.