Home interior or exterior decoration using different plant species is a common practice nowadays. More and more people are recognizing the benefits of propagating their own plants. Cactus and succulents are good examples of irresistible flora for most homeowners. Succulent is a term used to refer to plants that retain water in their stems, leaves and roots. They usually survive well in very hot and dry climatic conditions. They retain water in order to survive for a long period without requiring watering for proper growth.
Plants that form rhizomes, bulbs or tuberous roots are also examples of succulents. Cacti, however, remains the best example of these species. They can grow in both dry and rainy climates, but each plant has unique characteristics. The fleshy looking appearance of cactus is because of the water it retains in the stem/leaves. This flora has several other adaptations that help it survive in very dry, hot and arid climates.
For instance, the process of photosynthesis occurs on the stem instead of the leaves. Besides, the shape and size of the leaves reduces the amount of water a cactus plant would lose in a hot day. The presence of spikes, hair or wax on cactus and succulents reduces the water loss by creating shade and a small humid environment. Roots are often closer to the surface so that they can absorb any little water from the morning dew or light showers.
Naturally, cactus or any other succulent is capable of staying fat and fleshy even with exposure to extremely high heat levels. Their leaves have very few stomatas to ensure that very little moisture escapes during a hot day. Having explained the adaptations of this plant-life, next you will learn more about handling it. Succulents, such as cacti are extremely easy to propagate. In fact, you may need to buy seeds only once and propagate plants from them.
In the future, you can take cuttings from the grown trees. Use of cuttings is a common practice among people that value cactus. They provide the simplest way of propagation, and cuttings hardly die away. One can also do grafting, involving tying together two cuttings so that they can grow together. The three methods explained above are very easy to carry out even for the first timers.
Besides, succulents are hassle free, in terms of nurturing and caring for them everyday. If you buy the arid and semi arid regions types, you can expect to perform a very little job. They require little amount of water to survive because they retain their own. A person who is quite lazy as far as gardening can easily manage desert cactus. Even rain forest style is easy maintenance.
It often has fat, succulent stems that look like leaves. It requires more watering than the desert cacti does, and it needs some light exposure. This type may require more care and attention from you. As you go shopping for cactus and succulents, make sure you know the most popular types. With over two thousand species available, you may be spoilt for a choice. If your plan is to start a nursery, then you are best armed with all the necessary information.
G. Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from cactus for sale to professional basketball. Thanks for reading!
Article from articlesbase.com
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