A Worthwhile Hobby

February 14, 2013

Very few hobbies get me excited like horticulture does. I know what you might be thinking, that was the furthest thing from your mind. But hear me out before you simply dismiss my claim. To grow a plant from a tiny seed to a flowering beauty is quite simply, satisfying.

Now, I don’t want you to think that I’m referring to vegetables or your typical garden plants, but rather something more exotic. Cacti have been a hobby of mine for some time, and it has not been until this year that I have seen the fruits of my labor. You see, to grow these successfully, you must have a wealth of patience and strong roots to sustain your enthusiasm. The main reason that I say this is because cacti tend to grow slowly (slower than your average garden plant) and require a balance of heat, water, and light to do it right.

When any one of these components is lacking, the end result is a weak plant that has put on poor growth and will eventually succumb to disease. When all of these have been done well (and for many years), you end up with a specimen plant that is the envy of any collection. Many have selected the odd cactus that caught their attention only to have it die suddenly. May I challenge those who have been in this position to try again?

MCPL has a wealth of information regarding cacti. The books range from simple illustrations to detailed accounts for you to read. Some of my favorites include:

• The Illustrated Guide to Cacti by Rudolf Slaba
• The Illustrated Encyclopedia to Cacti by Clive Innes
• Cacti by Terry Hewitt
• The Plantfinder’s Guide to Cacti and Succulents by Keith Grantham
• Cacti: And Other Succulents by Wendy Madgwick

Whether you’re new to horticulture or a long standing fan of anything in the garden, give cacti a try. You just might be surprised how addicted you will become!

Branden P.
Liberty Branch