Succulents and Cactuses are one of the hardiest drought tolerant plants. They come in a myriad of shapes and forms with some cacti having spikes and succulents having fleshy, leathery leaves.

As this group of plants are hardy they grow extremely well in pots, garden beds, outdoors or indoors they make a great garden feature.

Cacti are mostly leafless plants with a main stem. Succulents on the other hand are leafy and belong to a variety of plant families.

Succulents and Cacti prefer a dry atmosphere and will tolerate temperatures as low as 9⁰ so long as it’s not wet. 

• Use as an indoor plant.
• Ideal to grow on a windowsill.
• Excellent container plant and if necessary can be shifted.
• Use outdoors in dry protected areas of the garden.
• They come in a range of types and forms and add interest to the home environment.
• Taller growing cacti give architectural dimensions and design to gardens and décor.
• Will grow in a variety of climates from glasshouses to indoors.
• Low maintenance as they require little water
• Thrive in warm, sunny spots
• Pest and disease free
• Easy care.

There are many varieties of succulents and cacti to choose from. Below are some of the popular common species used in home gardens.

• Kalanchoe – grows to approximately 30cm in height and its flowers come in an array of colours.
• Sanseveria – the most common grown variety is the mother-in-law’s tongue or Snake Plant. Grown for its structural foliage and improved air quality when used indoors.
• Sedum – grown for their fleshy leaves and produces broccoli-like clumps of flowers.
• Crassula – commonly known as a Jade Plant, Lucky Plant or Money Tree. This popular group of plants are easy to grow.
• Sempervivum – grow stunning leafy rosettes which come in a variety of colours.
• Aeonium – grow flat, saucer-shaped rosettes, with some species growing up to 2m.
• Agave – great feature plants and can be grown in the ground or in containers. Growa 1-2 m high and 2-4 m across.

• Dry atmosphere.
• Will tolerate temperatures as low as 9˚ so long as not wet.
• Good air circulation.
• Good drainage.
• Water during summer months, but not excessively.
• Water sparingly in winter unless in very warm dry spot.
• A layer of decorative stones or pebbles can be applied to soil surface around plants.
• Succulents love well-draining soil; they don’t want to become waterlogged.
• Use a specialised potting mix that provides excellent drainage for your plants and encourages healthy plant establishment and continual development.