Cactus habitat

Cactus is not only a small plant with harmless needles on your windowsill. This prickly representative of the flora also lives in the wild, with a sometimes frightening appearance. So, we'll tell you about the natural habitat of a cactus.

Natural conditions of cactus habitat

As is known, wild cacti prefer arid semi-desert regions, even deserts, in the Americas, in Africa, in Asia. In addition, there are cacti in the Crimea and the Mediterranean coast.

Thus, for the "spines" the following natural conditions are considered to be characteristic:

  1. Sharp fluctuations in day and night temperatures . It is known that in the deserts in the daytime it is very hot, and at night it is cool, cases with a daily difference of up to 50 degrees are not uncommon.
  2. Low level of humidity . In arid regions where cacti "settle", sometimes up to 250 mm of precipitation a year. However, at the same time, there are species of cacti growing in tropical forests, where the humidity level is very high (up to 3000 mm per year).
  3. Loose soils . Most cacti are found on loose, poor humus, but rich in mineral substances (sand, gravel). And the soil usually has an acid reaction. However, some species perfectly feel us clones of rocks, more fatty soils of tropical forests.

An interesting fact is how the cactus was adapted to its habitat in the process of evolution. So, for example, because of the small amount of precipitation, this family has a fleshy stem with a thick epidermis, in which moisture is stored for the duration of the drought. In addition, cacti to prevent evaporation of moisture have acquired:

In addition, the adaptation of the cactus to the habitat has undergone and the root system in many species of the family of cacti. It is well developed: there are roots that go deep into the soil, or spread widely at the surface of the earth to collect the morning condensation of moisture.

Conditions for keeping cactus at home

To successfully grow a cactus at home, you can create a simulation of the natural environment. The soil for transplantation is prepared loose and sour from equal proportions of fertile soil, deciduous land from the field and peat (or sand). The pot is better to take a plastic large (deep for plants with a repose root and wide for the surface roots). Very moderate watering is carried out only in the warm season. In winter, water is not needed for cacti, except for epiphytic species. Moreover, the flowering of cacti in the home is possible in the absence of watering in winter. Have the pots in well-lit places.