Many San Diego yards and gardens include succulents and cacti. These plants are easy to care for and are extremely drought-tolerant, making them an ideal choice for homeowners who do not want to spend a great deal of time and money watering and caring for delicate plants. They also lend a beautiful appearance to yards and gardens and are a bonus for homeowners with certain types of architecture prevalent in the San Diego area such as Spanish Colonial or Southwestern.
However, succulents and cacti can experience problems if their needs are not met. It is very important to understand the growth and life cycles of cacti and how to meet their needs in each season. The experts at Juniper Landscape Company can help you if you want a yard with thriving succulents and cacti as part of your overall landscaping plan.
Growth and Blooming
As days become warmer and rains increase, succulents and cacti begin to bloom. In their native desert environments, the brief rainy season is a time for them to grab and hold all the moisture possible, so they will replicate this behavior in wetter environments as well. This is the time to apply fertilizer, as it will enhance the blooms of the cacti and allow them to reach full flower. Cactus flowers can be a beautiful addition to your spring yard and add color to areas that are normally muted.
If you want cuttings, this is the time of year to take them. Be sure to allow cut ends to callous over for a few days before subjecting them to fertilizer or other potentially stressful chemicals.
Caring for Succulents
You should water succulents minimally unless Santa Ana winds create very dry conditions. After rains, do not allow succulents to stand in water; instead, tip out extra water quickly and allow soil to air dry.
The other weather condition that may affect your plants is hail, which is not unheard of as the seasons change. Hail will permanently damage the leaves of succulents by pitting them, so it is important to cover them with a tarp or other heavy cloth to prevent harm.
For more tips on choosing, planting and caring for succulents in your yard, contact the experts at Juniper Landscape Company in San Diego. We will give you the help you need to create a drought-friendly landscaping plan incorporating succulents and cacti as well as other plantings, hardscape and even some grassy areas.