Become a Cacti Landscape Expert

Tips for Cacti Landscaping from Your Landscaper           
Cacti are an attractive decoration to have in your yard.  They are also extremely simple to maintain.  Through the years, they have evolved to survive in the hottest of desert climates… Hello Las Vegas.  All of this without receiving much hydration or nutrition.  You’re guaranteed a low maintenance with these in your backyard.  That said, it is important to understand how cacti landscaping is intended to work before you plant them in your yard.  We see our clients mistakenly use the techniques that are meant for standard plans with cacti.  This can include overwatering with sprinkler or planting in a spot without ample sunlight.

What to Know Before Planting a Cactus
For a cacti to bloom properly, they will need to develop strong roots.  Giving them the right foundation to grow is critical.  Here’s a few strategies to get you going:
Soils: Cacti are used to gritty soil so they do not perform as well in heavy soils.  Purchase pre-mixed soil from a hardware store or nursery to mix your own soil.  Once you purchase, mix sand and grit with a small portion of compost and purchased soil.  This should give the cactus enough nutrition to allow for proper drainage.
Lights: Cacti need high levels of sunlight to grow to their full capacity.  That said, they do not thrive in constant sunlight.  Keep the cacti out of direct sunlight for part of the day by planting in a location that gets shade.  This cacti landscaping tip will help the plant retain its lush color and intensity.
Pots: If you’re using a plant for your cacti, ensure you are careful to choose the right one.  Use the help of an expert to determine if your cactus has shallow or deep roots so that the pot is customized to the depth of it. 

·       Pick your POT AND SOIL for drainage – Cacti roots are designed to source water from dry sand. If there’s too much water in the pot, the plants can drown. Make sure your pot and soil allow for the water to drain seamlessly.
·       water type – Tap water is rough and contains a lot of minerals. These minerals will accumulate in the soil and can cause harm to delicate roots. If possible, try to harvest rain water for your cacti to provide the best amount of nutrition to your plants. If rain water isn’t possible, changing the soil every year will do the trick!
·       Watering can over spray bottle – Many people use sprinklers or spray bottles to water cacti. This will stunt the growth of your cacti. Instead, water the soil with water and allow the liquid to sink into the pot. When you spray water, you only moisten the surface of the soil and the plant itself. That’s not enough.
·       CACTI landscaping WATERING SCHEDULE – The watering schedule depends largely on climate. If the temperature is normal and weather is relatively cool, evaporation rate will be low so you can water the plants once a week. That said, when the temperatures rise and the air becomes dry, evaporation rate will increase along with. Your plants will need to be watered at least twice a week during summer months.
·       WATER In Accordance with the SEASON – Like all plants, cacti also go through a growing period during fall and spring. They need more water and nutrition in these months so you should provide more water to the plants. You can simply test the soil and see if it’s too dry. If the soil surface feels baked and parched, you need to water cacti more often. You should also water less often during the winter as the plants will enter a period of rest and dormancy. You can allow longer intervals between watering sessions.
 
Watering cacti the right way will allow them to flourish for many moons. These plants are beautiful, gritty and low maintenance. Cacti aren’t as vulnerable to pests and diseases as typical flowering and fruit-producing plants so they don’t require regular application of pesticide. Before you go to a nursery to purchase plants, ensure you are consulting with a landscaper like Vegas Lawn and Grass Company to make sure you’re selecting the right cacti for your yard.
 
Give Vegas Lawn & Grass company a call for your Las Vegas Landscaping needs this year!
 702-213-5712

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