There are quite a few members of the cactus family that grow very well in Guyana, providing they are given good drainage and exposure to sunlight. Probably the most free flowering ones are the night flowering Cereus` and the prickly pears, and the only ‘tree’ cactus that I know – the Pereskia – a vicious cactus ideal for a barrier. These types are also rather too large for pot cultivation, but there are many more which are ideal for growing in pots providing you can ensure that they get excellent light, and are kept dry by growing them in a compost which is
mostly sand and gravel to ensure perfect drainage.
All the cacti that you will come across are products of the arid regions of the world, and particularly of North and South America, in areas of extremely low rainfall. They have evolved their characteristic form and function as a consequence of extreme conditions, where they might only get an inch or so of rainfall every few years, are exposed to intense heat, and /or heavy doses of ultra violet light, and need to protect themselves against grazing animals as well. Loss of water is reduced by the development of a thick fleshy wall and many extra cells for water storage. Dense coatings of spines or hair break up the breezes passing over their surfaces, and of course animals, including humans, are deterred by the covering of very sharp spines over the surface of most species. The absence of branch systems reduces the area of the plant above ground, but all of them develop shallow but very extensive root systems over a wide area in order to catch what little moisture falls to the ground. Many only receive water in the form of heavy dews or from mists or fog.
I am particularly fond of a number of the small cacti, especially the Old Man’s Beard cactus (Cephalocereus senilis), the Rat’s Tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis), and the Christmas cactus (Schumbergera bridgesii) the last two being especially good for growing in hanging baskets or suspended pots. One of the main beauties of the cactus family is that they do not need potting every season. They can be left for years, and may only have to be checked out to make sure they do not have any mealy bug or scale insects on them. If you do see them, paint them with either methylated spirits or Malathion, and don’t forget to keep these two things locked away when you’ve finished.
A few points about compost are worth remembering. Cacti are desert plants. There is little or no compost in deserts. Generally more a matter of sand and worn stone, and that is all you need for cacti, and for that matter most other succulents. Don’t be tempted to pot them into a peat based mix. That will give them too much moisture and nothing will kill them off quicker. Do not keep your small cactus in the open. If you are anything like me when you have finally finished handling cacti you will have plenty of spines in your hands. These are harmless but can be quite painful. Some even have slight hooks on the end which make them difficult to remove. Small spines that might be found on Rebutias or Mammillarias can be easily removed by dropping soft wax onto them, and then a few moments later removing the wax. Being extremely brave I always use hot candle wax, spin around for a moment or two once it is on my skin, and find it removes spines quite easily. In climates such as Guyana’s, don’t waste your time trying to grow cacti from seed. It’s too frustrating. Just buy the plants. It’s far quicker.
Until next week may your God go with you wherever you may be.
