CACTI AND SUCCULENTS HANDBOOK Expanded 2nd Edition The Ultimate Guide to Growing Techniques with a Directory of 300+ Common Species and Varieties GIDEON F. SMITH Over 180 Easy-to-Grow CACT Succulents I AND SUCCULENTS HANDBOOK 2nd Edition Expanded
Cacti and Succulents Handbook, Expanded 2nd Edition CompanionHouse Books™ is an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing. Project Team Managing Editor: Gretchen Bacon Editor: Sherry Vitolo Design: Wendy Reynolds Index: Jay Kreider Proofreader: Nancy Arndt Copyright © 2018, 2022 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. Cacti and Succulents Handbook, Expanded 2nd Edition (2022) is a revised edition of Cacti and Succulents Handbook (2018), published by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. Revisions include new cacti and succulent entries and new photographs. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Fox Chapel Publishing, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review. ISBN 978-1-62008-405-2 Library of Congress Control Number: 2021953345 This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. TM Fox Chapel Publishing 903 Square Street Mount Joy, PA 17552 We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected]. Printed and bound in Singapore 25 24 23 22 2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1 A dense stand of a dark-leaved form of Sempervivum tectorum, a species perfectly suited to growing on environmentally friendly green roofs.
Contents FOREWORD by Urs Eggli, PhD................................................................. 6 PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION................................................................. 8 1. CULTIVATING CACTI AND SUCCULENTS................... 11 WHAT ARE CACTI AND SUCCULENTS?...................................................... 12 - DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CACTI AND SUCCULENTS - BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION FEATURES - PLANT SHAPES AND FORMS - NATURAL HABITATS AND DISTRIBUTION CACTUS AND SUCCULENT DISTRIBUTION................................................. 18 - WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT CULTIVATING CACTI AND SUCCULENTS.................................................... 20 - PROPAGATION THROUGH TAKING CUTTINGS AND SOWING SEEDS CARING FOR CACTI AND SUCCULENTS .................................................... 24 - WATER, LIGHT, AND NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS - SEASONAL GARDENING CALENDAR GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING .......................................................... 32 - SELECTING THE RIGHT SPECIES FOR THE LOCATION - URBAN DESIGN TRENDS - PLANTING FOR COLOR HOW TO USE THE DIRECTORY ................................................................. 36 2. COMMON SPECIES OF CACTUS .................................. 39 - 130 CACTUS SPECIES SUITABLE FOR HOME AND GARDEN CULTIVATION - PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION, IDEAL LOCATION, NATURAL HABITAT, AND GROWING NOTES 3. CACTUS AND SUCCULENT COLLECTIONS ............... 109 4. COMPANION SUCCULENTS ....................................... 127 - DISCUSSION OF 187 EASY-TO-GROW SUCCULENT SPECIES IN 12 FAMILIES COMMON PESTS AND DISEASES ........................................................... 239 - SCALE INSECTS, APHIDS, SNOUT WEEVILS, NEMATODES, FUNGAL INFECTIONS - CACTI AS INVASIVE ALIENS INDEX................................................................................................. 243 FURTHER READING.............................................................................. 252 PHOTO CREDITS................................................................................... 255 ABOUT THE AUTHOR............................................................................ 256
Yucca brevifolia, the Joshua Tree, (center) in the Mojave Desert, Nevada.
Cacti and succulents invoke a response in anyone who lays eyes on them. They are simply too dramatic and diverse for them not to be noticed. They might be stared at in bewilderment, or dismissed as bizarre, but they can never be ignored, for they are fascinating and, to many plant collectors, highly attractive and desirable. Their magnificent architectural and sculptural shapes will enhance most garden settings. Columnar and treelike types look like sentries standing silent guard outside a house or beside a swimming pool. Cacti and succulent flowers are exceptionally decorative, even though some tend to be short-lived. Flowering is not just another routine of nature; it is a real event. CULTIVATING CACTI AND SUCCULENTS
32 CACTI AND SUCCULENTS HANDBOOK EXPANDED 2ND EDITION A combination of Sedum rupestre ‘Lemon Coral’ (left) and Sedum ×rubrotinctum (right) used as a lush ground cover next to a flight of outdoor steps. Gardening and Landscaping I n most parts of the world, the best seasons for outdoor gardening are autumn and spring. Continental winters are often characterized by heavy drifts of snow, while subtropical areas have long, hot, often humid, summers. The first is not conducive to gardening and the second not to gardeners. This easily becomes apparent when one starts jotting down observations on succulent plant collections and gardens, their creators, and gardening trends. For avid and enthusiastic collectors of cacti and succulents, indeed for enthusiastic gardeners in general, there is no such thing as an aimless ramble in the countryside or a pointless suburban walk. Throughout, one tends to take notes, both mental and written, while contemplating how to transform one’s urban landscape into a personalized piece of succulent paradise. The best memories, ideas, or reflections often come during chance meetings or unexpected situations. Indeed, being somewhere without preconceived ideas, and intentions affords one an easy and pleasant observation of things. Imagine encountering a window box of Aloe arborescens, the African krantz aloe, in downtown Yokohama in Japan, and pondering the underlying aesthetics and, of course, the pharmaceutical sensibilities of the person who placed it there. In a way, this book was written on the go, while walking in foreign gardens or drinking coffee in quaint cafés in far-off cities. Gardeners who are fascinated by succulents tend to pay more attention to how these wonderfully versatile plants can be used in the process of transforming virtually any landscape, elevating them from the commonplace to the exceptional. When carefully observing with the aim of creating a garden, one soon learns never to become too selfassured. Put simply, plants often do not want to be dictated to. However, part of the satisfaction of gardening with succulents is that they are easy to work with, and can swiftly transform derelict desolation into a desirable garden. Essentially, all that is required is layers of personal imagination and some hard manual work before finally settling back to celebrate the results. But before you get
Gardening and Landscaping 33 carried away with landscaping options, get to know your garden and be aware of its limits, taking cognizance of the size, shape, aspect, and slope of your property. There is a strong trend toward viewing gardens and plants as significant investment pieces. Gone are the days when the average gardener was satisfied with acquiring some annuals to provide a few weeks of ephemeral color and beauty, then ripping them out and replacing them with the next season’s crop. The modern horticultural trend is aimed at beautifying a garden with plants that do not need to be watered and pampered every day. As environmentally friendly, water-wise gardening techniques become more widely established, sturdy, longer-lasting plants are coming into their own. Durable plants mean lower maintenance, which translates into less time spent caring for them, as well as less expenditure. Urban design trends Few other plants offer as many opportunities for creating solid, bold shapes and contrasting textures as cacti and succulents. For sophisticated, intense surface decoration, nothing delivers better than a dark-colored background created from crushed stone, gravel, or pebbles alternated with the bright green bodies and yellow spines of globular or columnar cacti. A species such as Echinocactus grusonii, the Golden Barrel, comes into its own in an urban landscape as it provides the perfect slant on fashionable garden surface layering for a plush urban sanctuary. POTTED SOLUTIONS A collection of potted cacti is always eye-catching, and does not have to be perfect—it is more about the character of the grouping than the pedigree or origin of the plants. All potted gardenscapes essentially have three elements to work with: ffi The horizontal surface on which they are placed (for example, a patio or paved area); ffi The vertical backdrop against which they will be viewed (such as a trellis, wall, or unobstructed, open vista); ffi The three-dimensional shape of the containers and plants themselves. All these elements must combine credibly to make a container collection visually appealing. In the case of a group of potted cacti, less is usually more. In other words, it is wise not to clutter a background with intricate designs or too many diverse plants. Cacti are excellent architectural plants that require very little additional adornment to make a bold and attractive display statement. A distinct benefit of container gardening in the 21st century is the vast range of pots that are readily available from garden centers and retailers. With these, and the large number of cactus and succulent plants available from garden centers, it is easy to create virtually any atmosphere in your potted garden collection. Agave desmettiana “Joe Hoak” (left) and Agave vilmoriniana (tall, yellow-flowered inflorescences on the right) used in industrial-scale landscaping around a multi-story building.
Cacti come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and with varying types of spines.
COMMON SPECIES OF CACTUS The shapes and sizes of cacti fascinate horticulturally wise observers. Their massive ribbed trunks, fluted, globular plant bodies, thumb- or soup plate-sized stems, or scrambling growth forms conjure up images of what they will look like in a garden. Even before they produce their stunning blooms, they capture attention with their bold and often symmetrical outlines. Cacti are usually highly prized specimen plants, but beware: initial interest can rapidly develop into an all-consuming passion and obsession! The more than 120 species in this section have been selected to illustrate the vast range of plant morphologies available, but there are over 1,800 species to choose from to start or expand your collection.
Neobuxbaumia polylopha tower skyward in Monaco’s Jardin Exotique.
Nowadays, botanical gardens in most major cities include a collection of cacti and succulents. Where the climate is not conducive to growing these plants outdoors, the collections are often kept in conservatories. Since such structures are expensive to maintain, and space is always at a premium, treelike aloes from Madagascar, Mexican agaves, and miniature South African mesembs are often grouped together. Although this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does require a vivid imagination to envision them in an appropriate setting! There is no doubt that cacti and succulents can best be appreciated in outdoor locations, and enthusiasts should try to visit some of the gardens discussed here. CACTUS AND SUCCULENT COLLECTIONS
228 CACTI AND SUCCULENTS HANDBOOK EXPANDED 2ND EDITION The Nolinaceae is a fairly small family of only about 50 species included in four genera that were traditionally included in the Agavaceae. The Nolinaceae is also sometimes treated as a subfamily, the Nolinoideae, of the family Asparagaceae or as a subfamily in the family Ruscaceae. It is here retained as a family in own right. Horticulturally, the species of Nolinaceae are excellent specimen plants that will do any garden proud. These are some of the hardiest succulents available in the horticultural trade, being able to tolerate very low temperatures, provided they are kept dry in winter. In cold, wet areas, they should be protected from excessive rain. Harvested stems of mature plants of Dasylirion wheeleri, commonly known as the “desert spoon,” is the raw material used in the production of the distilled alcoholic beverage known as sotol. This species grows in northern Mexico and the southern USA. The method of production of sotol approximates that of mezcal, which is produced from distilled agave “hearts.” Commercially, the best known type of mezcal is tequila. A “desert spoon” plant can take well over 10 years to be regarded as mature. In contrast to the monocarpic species of Agave, which flowers only once in its lifetime, “desert spoons” produce a flower stalk every few years. Several of the more commonly cultivated Nolinaceae species are discussed here. NOLINACEAE Dasylirion wheeleri This magnificent specimen of Beaucarnea stricta grows in the Ajuda Botanical Garden, Lisbon, Portugal.
Companion SUCCULENTS 229 Beaucarnea guatemalensis Plants are similar to the more widely grown Beaucarnea recurvata, but the bottle-shaped swelling at the base of the trunks is generally smaller, with the stem rapidly narrowing into a tall, thinner extension. Large clusters of pliable leaves are carried at the top of the stems. The flowering event is quite spectacular as the large, candle flame–shaped inflorescences carry thousands of small, creamy white flowers. Beaucarnea guatemalensis carries tufts of grass-like leaves at the tips of the stem and branches. The leaves are finely striated longitudinally. A leafy rosette. An inflorescence.
Inde x 243 Index A A. camperi, 121 Aaron’s Beard Prickly Pear, 87 Adenium multiflorum, 154 Adromischus liebenbergii subsp. orientalis, 189 Aeonium sedifolium, 189 Aeonium tabuliforme, 190 Agavaceae (Agave), 128–36 Agave americana subsp. americana, 35, 129 Agave attenuata, 129 Agave bracteosa, 110 Agave Cactus, 75 Agave desmettiana, 130 Agave filifera, 130 Agave geminiflora, 131 Agave guadalajarana, 131 Agave lechuguilla, 132 Agave lophantha (‘Quadricolor’), 132 Agave maculosa, 140 Agave marmorata, 133 Agave mitis, 35, 133 Agave nizandensis, 134 Agave ocahui var. ocahui, 126 Agave ornithobroma, 134 Agave parryi, 53 Agave pygmaea, 135 Agave salmiana var. salmiana, 135 Agave sisalana, 136 Agave utahensis var. eborispina, 12 Agave victoria-reginae, 136 Agave wercklei, 27, 35 Aizoaceae, 145–52 Alluaudia comosa, 208 Aloe ×commutata, 162 Aloe ×nobilis, 165 Aloe arborescens, 35, 161 Aloe castanea, 161 Aloe claviflora × A. grandidentata, 121 Aloe comptonii, 162 Aloe ferox, 19, 160, 163 Aloe lineata var. lineata, 163 Aloe maculata, 164 Aloe marlothii, 29, 160, 164, 242 Aloe peglerae, 165 Aloe ‘Peri Peri,’ 166 Aloe pluridens, 166 Aloe pratensis, 167 Aloe striata, 167 Aloe vera, 168 Aloes, about, 160, 168 Aloiampelos ciliaris, 168 Aloiampelos ciliaris var. ciliaris, 169 Aloiampelos striatula, 168 Aloiampelos tenuior, 31, 35, 168, 169 Aloidendron barberae, 170 Aloidendron dichotomum, 171 Aloidendron tongaense, 171 aphids, 239, 240 Apocynaceae, 153–59 Aporocactus flagelliformis, 52 Aptenia ×vascosilvae, 146 areoles, about, 14, 15 Ariocarpus agavoides, 40 Aristaloe aristata, 172 Arizona Queen-of-the-Night, 98 Asphodelaceae, 160–79 Asteraceae, 180–87 Astroloba rubriflora, 172 Astrophytum myriostigma, 40 Astrophytum ornatum, 40 Austrocylindropuntia subulata subsp. subulata, 41 Austrocylindropuntia vestita, 42 B ×Bacurio delphinatifolius, 181 Barbados Gooseberry, 99 Beaucarnea recurvata, 112, 230 Beavertail Cactus, 83 Beehive Cactus, 48, 65 Beer Bottle Cactus, 73 Beschorneria yuccoides, 137
244 CACTI AND SUCCULENTS HANDBOOK EXPANDED 2ND EDITION Bishop’s Cap, 40 Bolivian Fence Pole Cactus, 61 Bolivian Torch, 60, 61 Bolivicereus samaipatanus, 46 Bony-Spined Cactus, 54 Book Cactus, 104 Borzicactus samaipatanus, 46 botanical classification, 13 Boxing-Glove Cactus, 50 Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 120–21 Brown-Spined Prickly Pear, 90 Bulbine latifolia, 173 Bunny Ears Cactus, 88 C cacti, common species, 39–107. See also specific species cactus flowers, about, 14, 15 calendar, seasonal gardening, 27–31 Calibanus hookeri, 230 Campfire Plant, 26, 192 Canary Creeper, 29, 35, 187 Candelabra Cactus, 74 Candelabra Cholla, 50 Cape Town (South Africa), Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, 124–25 Caputia medley-woodii, 181 Caputia tomentosa, 182 Cardón, 58 Caribbean Prickly Pear, 83 caring for cacti and succulents, 24–31 Carmine Mammillaria, 76 Carnegiea gigante (Saguaro), 18, 42, 116, 120 Carpobrotus edulis subsp. edulis, 146 carrion flowers. See Apocynaceae century plants, about, 128 cephalium, about, 15 Cephalocereus columna-trajani, 15, 43 Cephalocereus senilis, 43 Cereus hildmannianus subsp. uruguayanus, 44 Chain-fruit Cholla, 49 characteristics of plants, about. See also specific plants Cheiridopsis purpurea, 147 Chin Cactus, 71 Christmas Cactus, 103, 104 classification, botanical, 13 Claw Cactus, 69 Cleistocactus baumannii subsp. baumannii, 44 Cleistocactus hyalacanthus, 45 Cleistocactus icosagonus × Denmoza rhodacantha, 45 Cleistocactus samaipatanus, 46 Cleistocactus strausii, 46 Cleistocactus varispinus, 47 climbing cacti, about, 16 Club Mammillaria, 80 Coastal Prickly Pear, 88 collections, cacti and succulent, 109–25 color, gardening for, 35 columnar cacti, about, 16 common names, about, 13, 36. See also specific plants companion succulents, 17, 127–238. See also specific species Compass Barrel, 70 Cone Cactus, 82 Consolea macracantha, 47 container plants, 25–26, 27, 33–34 Cordyline australis, 211 Coryphantha recurvata, 48 Cotton Top, 54 Cotyledon, 188 Cotyledon barbeyi, 190 Cotyledon orbiculata, 191 Cowboy Cactus, 42. See also Saguaro Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear, 85 Crassula, 188 Crassula alba var. alba, 191 Crassula arborescens, 192 Crassula capitella subsp. capitella, 26, 192 Crassula capitella subsp. capitella ‘Campfire Plant,’ 191 Crassula exilis subsp. cooperi, 193 Crassula multicava, 193 Crassula ovata, 194 Crassula perfoliata var. heterotricha, 194 Crassula perfoliata var. perfoliata, 195 Crassula perforata, 195 Crassula rubricaulis, 196 Crassula sarcocaulis subsp. sarcocaulis, 196 Crassulaceae, 188–206 Creeping Devil Cactus, 105 Crow’s Claw, 69 cultivation, 12, 18, 20–23, 26. See also watering caring for cacti and succulents, 24–31 deadheading, 23, 28 germinating temperatures, 22 plant survival and, 19 seasonal gardening calendar, 27–31 sowing seed, 22, 23 taking cuttings, 20–22
ISBN: 978-1-62008-405-2 9 7 8 1 6 2 0 0 8 4 0 5 2 EAN 5 2 4 9 9 $24.99 US | $31.99 CAN THE COMPLETE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT DIRECTORY TM CACTI AND SUCCULENTS HANDBOOK 2nd Edition Expanded YOU’LL FIND INSIDE: • A newly updated, user-friendly directory to over 300 cactus and succulent varieties—double the species from the previous edition • Fascinating information on the distinct characteristics of cacti and succulents, how to cultivate and care for them, common pests and diseases, and so much more • Hundreds of plant profiles that include physical descriptions, natural habitat, growing tips, and other insightful notes in an easy-to-read format • Comprehensive insight by award-winning plant expert Gideon F. Smith, who personally grows thousands of species at home Learn everything you need to know about various cacti and succulents, both in the wild and in cultivation, with this wildly popular and newly expanded volume with more than 300 plant profiles! Opening with insight on identification, natural habitats, propagation, design trends, and other valuable topics, you’ll then go on to learn about over 300 types of succulents and cacti. Each detailed plant profile contains both their scientific and common names, unique characteristics, growing tips, gorgeous photography, and more. Also included is a stunning section that showcases notable cactus and succulent collections and botanical gardens from around the world. A comprehensive yet easy-to-read guide that both amateur gardeners and experienced naturalists alike will love, Cacti and Succulents Handbook, Expanded 2nd Edition is the ultimate resource for anyone who loves to admire, grow, and fill their home and garden with these amazing plants! “Gideon Smith’s book is sure to delight succulent and plant lovers with its stunning photography and abundance of information! Packed full of helpful and easy-to-understand tips, this title is a must-have for those interested in learning more about succulent and cactus species, as well as care and propagation instructions. If you’re not a succulent or cactus collector, this book will inspire you to become one!” —Jessica Surface, Succulent Specialist, Owner of Arosezen