Window Gardens with Cactus and Succlents

Succulents and cactus unlike many other plants are not fussy about the amount of moisture in the air. They perform well with about 10 to 20 per cent humidity, which is normal for most rooms. However, if humidity is very low in the growing area (less than 10 per cent), consider a small space humidifier to furnish additional moisture. Good air circulation is absolutely necessary for succulents and cactus; none of them thrive in a stuffy, hot atmosphere. Be sure the indoor garden is well ventilated, even in winter. Keep a window slightly open but not so open that there will be a direct draft on the plants. A metal plant bin is another suitable place for succulents and cactus, or you can use a wooden box similar to an outdoor planter. While you can put plants directly into the box in a prepared soil mixture, it is usually better to fill the bin with an attractive, neutral material (peat moss, ground bark, or pebbles) and place the potted succulents and cactus into this material up to the container rims. This way you will not encounter the problem of waterlogged soil which is fatal to these plants. Average home temperatures are fine for most species about 75° during the day and ten degrees cooler at night. Most succulents and cactus will exist comfortably in areas that do not go below 45°. On severe nights, put some newspaper on the windows to protect plants from the cold. Occasionally in summer, plants too close to the window glass may burn. A screen or a light curtain will provide adequate shading if you don't wish to move plants away from the window pane. There is no great secret to watering indoor plants. Feel the soil: When it is dry to the touch, water it; then let the soil dry out between waterings. When you do water, soak plants thoroughly. Scanty waterings will form pockets of wet and dry soil.