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‘Learn About Desert Plants’
By guest | February 11, 2012
By alfredama | September 1, 2009
Despite how acrid the desert may appear, there are expansive types of desert plants that grow in dry conditions. These plants are tough, thriving on little water, a great deal of light, and conditions that would wilt or kill most living things. However, just because these plants can survive in an environment many creatures do not, desert plants do not necessarily make good house plants.
However, those who manage to raise desert plant indoors get the rewarding experience of nurturing a type of plant that many people do not usually get to see up close. These plants can serve as conversation starters, as well as adding a unique atmosphere to your home.
When you think of desert plants, the most common desert plant to come to mind is the cactus. Wild cacti can grow to a few feet tall, and usually do not endure home life very well. Many require special greenhouses with artificial lighting to survive. Don’t be concerned, there are cactus species that can be grown indoors for your enjoyment. These include the Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, the Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, the Acanthocalycium thionanthum v. variiflorum and the Acanthocalycium violaceum, as well as several other varieties. All of these cacti tend to be small, round in shape, and have one or several blossoms at the tip of the plant. Like desert wildflowers, cacti require tender care in order to endure. Unlike common belief, you cannot just neglect your cactus and water it infrequently. They need a specific amount of exposure to the sun, and planned watering. Without this, your cacti will wilt and die. Cacti are among some of the most difficult plants to keep in a home, so you will need to approach their care with caution.
If you are looking to keep desert plants in your home, there are a few key things that you need to keep in mind. Plants like the Apache Plume, the Arizona Poppy and the Blue Phacelia require a great deal of sunlight and heat. While they can survive the freezing spikes of the desert night, these plants need conditions that resemble the desert in order to survive. If you plan to keep any one of these plants in your home, you should take care to provide them a great deal of light and be wary of over-feeding.
Should you adhere to the few requirements of desert plants – scheduled feeding, proper temperatures and exposure to light – you will be able to adore your cacti and wildflowers for a long time to come.
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