Eco-gardening is at its best in The Monday Garden
issue #32 November 3, 2002
It’s November already and time to put the cacti on winter schedule. This cactus blooms on my windowsill May to September. Here it in late August. To bloom like this, it needs a good winter rest, starting now.
In the desert, winter means bright sun, no water, and cool but non-freezing temperatures. You can mimic these conditions for your cacti by using the “EZ Bloom Cactus Formula” (In My Garden # 11). Starting now, reduce water and place the plant right next to a window where it will be as cool as possible in good light.
The winter watering schedule:
November: cut water by half; for example a bi-weekly rather than weekly watering.
December: cut water by half again; for example give the plant only half its regular water every other week.
January: no water unless the dormant cactus starts to shrivel and then just a few drops to keep it alive.
February: same as January
March: Water lightly once a week to wake the cactus up.
April: Start regular watering and give the cactus its once-a-year fertilizing.
Over the winter, succulents (thick-leaved cactus relatives) need a bit more water than the cacti. I continue to water mine weekly but use just enough water to half-wet the soil rather a weekly soaking. They also benefit from a bright, cool windowsill.
The shorter days are also putting your leafy houseplants into winter slo-mo, so stop fertilizing except for the winter-blooming tropicals (jasmine, abutilion, orchids, African violets, etc.). The leafy houseplants also need a bit less water but will be naturally drier since indoor heated air is drier.
PS If you want your amaryllis to be blooming at Christmas, start them this week and next.
Photo credits: Sue Sweeney © Sue Sweeney 2005