Cactus Specialties specializes in growing rare, cold hardy (10F to 20F) plants from seeds
that have been legally collected in habitat. Seeds are collected from cactus and succulents
growing in Mexico, Baja, southwestern states, and South America. Field data is given for
our plants when it is available. The seed is germinated in a high humidity, electrically heated
germination chamber and eventually, the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots
containing a soil mix very similar to desert soil. This special mix and the limited use of
fertilizer, enable us to simulate slow growing desert conditions which results in plants having
very natural characteristics. The pots remain in an unheated greenhouse for two to five years
before being purchased by collectors. Plants from Cactus Specialties are rare and unique and
will not be seen at local nurseries. After receiving your seed grown plants, make sure you
read "GROWING TIPS", which discusses the care and feeding of these valuable
specimens.
GROWING TIPS
All cacti and succulents from Cactus Specialties have been grown from seed and raised in a
greenhouse under 40% shade cloth from April to October. It will therefore be necessary to
gradually introduce your plants to longer periods of sunlight over a six-week period. Many
plants do well in full sun, but we have found that they also do very well under filtered light
conditions or in an area that only sees light in the morning or afternoon. Many of our cacti
can take temperatures down to about 10F, provided the soil is kept dry. Try to plant cacti so
they do not get in contact with the winter rains. Keep under cover or in pots so they can be
moved to a sheltered area. Keep the rain off and make sure there is plenty of ventilation. In
the hot months, we water pots thoroughly about once a week and allow them to dry out.
Water only when the soil is all dried out. HINT: You can make up a test pot that can be
dumped out to check moisture. In the winter months, we don't water at all. (Perhaps stop
watering November 1 and start again February 1, but this will vary from year to year and
vary with location.) Fertilizer is best applied during the summer months. Use a water-
soluble, nitrate based, fertilizer like Peters EXCEL, 15-5-15 cal-mag with trace elements that
cacti love. We then greatly reduce the concentration recommended by the Peters company
and use only 2-3 teaspoons of Peters per 5 gallons of water. This can then be applied to the
cactus plants every time you water. When you replant your cactus plants, a mix of 50%
washed sand (sandblasting sand works well), 30% natural sandy loam from the desert, and
20% coarse pumice is recommended. The natural soil has beneficial bacteria present that
help plants grow better. Some weed seeds will sprout, but they will help you "read" the soil
moisture and will quickly wilt when the soil dries out. (An alternate mix that works is 2
parts basic planting mix, 2 parts agricultural pumice, and 1 part clean washed sand.) When
you receive your bare-rooted plants, trim the root tips with a scissors and allow to air dry for
a few days. Replant in a slightly moist mix and wait at least a week before watering lightly.
We hope these suggestions are helpful and that you enjoy your plants for many years.
