When you shop for Cactus and Succulents...

Succulents and cactus are available from mail order suppliers, at local nurseries, or from friends. If you order by mail, start with a few plants; when these plants prove themselves to be satisfactory, then you can order more with confidence. Usually you will find that mail order suppliers are reputable. In comparison, bargain counters at dime stores and supermarkets are a gamble: Often plants sold there are newly-collected or recently-replanted and are going through a critical re-adjustment period under unfavorable conditions. Such plants may be difficult for you to establish. Stock from mail order suppliers will usually come in pots in which the plants have already been established before shipment. Today, local nurseries often have many succulents and cactus. These plants generally will be small but excellent for beginners. If you do, some hunting in your community and have a sharp eye, you may be amazed at what you can find in local greenhouses. You may want large plants if you plan to landscape with succulents and cactus. To receive these plants in good condition (if you order them by mail) there are a few rules you should observe. First, order them in pots rather than bare root. Upon arrival they will have to adjust to new conditions and that is enough of a problem at the start. Later, they can be transplanted. If you are fortunate the plants will be in plastic pots which will reduce shipping costs.