Think of a cactus and the first image that comes to mind is of thorns. Even the name cactus comes form the Greek word kaktos meaning a prickly plant. Yet for many of us, cacti are an integral part of our garden.
There are two groups of cacti; the desert ones, usually with spines and the jungle or rainforest cacti, without spines. They come in unusual shapes, sizes, textures and folwer colours.
Here are some tips on how to care for your cactus:

1. Two types of pots can be used for cacti; clay or plastic. Plastic pots are lighter, cheaper and require less watering. Clay pots provide better stability for taller plants and help avoid over-watering. Choose a flowerpot which is a smaller size than the plant as this will control humidity of the soil better.
2. Cacti require different amounts of water in different seasons. Once a week in winter and twice a week in summer. During the rainy season when humidity levels are high, watering is not required.
3. Cacti need air and light. Although they grow well indoors, they need to be taken outdoors every two to three days. When flowering, they should be placed in an air-conditioned room as the flowers are sensitive to temperature change and die quickly.
4. Strange as it may sound, you can even sunburn a cactus. For an outside environment, they must first be acclimatised. Keep them in the shade for a few weeks, and then move them to an area with partial sunlight. If the cactus starts to acquire a lighter green or tan tint, it is probably sunburned.

(By Saima Moeezuddin)

Source : Dawn