Living in the Southwest, in the Sonoran desert, offers many advantages. We enjoy outdoor living for more months per year than most other areas of the United States. We are also blessed with a great climate for cacti and succulents and are home to one of the most impressive cactus, the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) that can get 70’ in height and can live to 200 years.

Uses of native and non-native cactus for gardens have seen a notable increase over the years. The relative ease of maintaining these gardens and their water efficiency may be part of the reason for the resurgence. Rare specimen gardens are not uncommon but beautiful gardens can be created with a palette of native and semi-native cacti and other plant material.

On the opposite page, a mixture of different-sized saguaros with desert spoons and artificial rock create a rugged beauty. Saguaros can grow up to 70 feet tall and live up to 200 years. On the right, an armless saguaro cactus stands near a "mexican fence" cactus, a multi-columnar grouping, and a couple of spherical "golden barrels." Mixing different varieties of cacti can create an interesting and attractive landscape.

Cacti usage in a landscape can take many forms. Groupings of cacti can:

• create a sculptural quality to a specific area or

• create an accent

• contrast or add drama to an entryway or other special area.

Occasionally, cactus groupings can create just the right visual transition from a “native, natural” part of the building site to the more formal zones of usable space.

Cacti can look beautiful in a variety of containers within a patio setting. They can also be used as an access restrictor. Some building code enforcement agencies accept mass cactus plantings as “enclosures” for safety and code requirements.

When transplanting cacti keep in mind that you are removing the cactus from its native habitat. They may suffer from shock and the survival rate may be minimal. For the best health results, take note of the original direction a cactus was facing and try to duplicate that direction when replanting it. For example, barrel cactus that has been facing a certain direction will have thorns on the side that is facing the sun. If you uproot and place the plant randomly you run the risk of sun-burning the flesh.

Cacti cost can be considerable depending on the size and variety. Choose a reputable vendor who is knowledgeable. Some vendors are growers, some are transporters and some are both. A good vendor can advise you on the best-suited cacti for the areas to be planted. Selection of healthy plants is extremely important. Inspect them to make sure they are not diseased or carrying pests.

Cacti thorns serve two purposes: protecting the plant from predators and serving as shade for the cactus flesh. The varieties of cacti and other succulents are seemingly endless, with pad shapes, columnar in single or groups, short, tall, barrel, gray, green, purple, variegated, flowers or no flowers, and spines or no spines. Cactus can attract various types of wildlife such as birds, butterflies, bats but they can also attract packrats, javalina (desert pig) and other not-so-welcome guests.

The Basics of Cactus Handling

There are a few things to consider before tackling a cactus project:

• When transplanting cacti keep in mind that you are removing the cactus from its native habitat. They may suffer from shock and the survival rate may be minimal. For the best health results, take note of the original direction a cactus was facing and try to duplicate that direction when replanting it. For example, barrel cactus that has been facing a certain direction will have thorns on the side that is facing the sun. If you uproot and place the plant randomly you run the risk of sun-burning the flesh.

• A specially designed and equipped saguaro moving truck can relocate a two-ton,15-foot saguaro in a matter of hours. Choosing an experienced mover is critical. If vehicle access to the planting location isn’t possible, a crane can be rigged to install one of these giants almost anywhere. Remember that saguaros are mostly water, so weight is a factor.

• Most areas require permits to remove and transport cacti if not purchased from a nursery. Because of the “black market” problems with transplanted cacti, we all have the responsibility to be sure of where our product comes from. Proper selecting and placement of cacti are equally important. “Spiny” cacti should not be placed in a heavily trafficked pedestrian or pet area or where children play.

• Size and space requirements of the plant when it reaches maturity are also a factor. All too often clients want an instant mature look while only wanting to budget for smaller plants. The space may be over-designed, thereby resulting in overcrowding as time goes by. Overcrowding may cause cacti to grow to close together and puncture each other, which will make them more susceptible to diseases and pests.

• Smaller cacti can be moved around the jobsite easily with a little preparation. “Stretchers” can be fabricated from straps and two-by-fours for easy transport of saguaros under 5 feet tall. Old garden hoses or small pieces of leftover .58 poly drip hose make nice sling carriers for most spine-laden cacti. Multi-trunk columnar cactus can be severely damaged by puncturing itself during transit. Careless handling may result in permanent scarring of cacti surfaces and potentially cause diseases and infestation of pests. Sponges or mattress foam can be placed between and around trunks and then wrapped with straps to help avoid this catastrophe. Use barbecue tongs (or any other long-handled tongs) to handle cacti with prickly pads.

• Caution must be taken when handling cactus. Eye protection should always be worn. Gloves should be worn, however they will not provide much protection against needles and spines. It's also a good idea to dispose of gloves used during cactus-moving, because there may be some unwanted bristles stuck in them.

The spines and hundreds of "stickers" that can get into your skin will be felt for days! If injured, remove the larger ones with tweezers and use an adhesive tape such as duct tape to remove the smaller ones. Deep cactus spine wounds can get infected quickly if not treated. Soaking the infected area in warm water may help, but if the pain continues, definitely see a physician.

Planting & Transplanting

“Stretchers” can be fabricated from straps and two-by-fours for easy transport of large cacti. Sponges or mattress foam can be placed between and around trunks and then wrapped with straps to help avoid the cactus puncturing itself or others nearby.

The optimal time to plant most cacti is in the fall, from late September to early May, which allows roots to become more established before the onset of intense summer heat. Soil and water are important factors in the cactus garden’s success. Over-watering may be the largest single factor in failure.

When transplanting, give the root system time to heal before watering.

We recommend laying the uprooted cactus under a tree or shaded area, or cover it with a 30 percent-or-less shade cloth. Lightly coat the root surface with dusting sulphur and wait approximately two weeks before planting. This gives the cactus time to callus up a bit, thereby helping the plant adjust to its new location. Shade cloths can be purchased at local nurseries, and dusting sulphur is usually available in small containers at nurseries or agriculture/horticulture supply centers.

Keep a distance from heavily, even moderately irrigated planting zones. Educate the client on the negative effects of too much water. Good drainage is essential. If using pots, make sure they have drainage holes. A planting mix of 1/3 sterile mulch, 1/3 topsoil and 1/3 course sand is recommended. Talk to your nursery for specific watering advice for each variety of cacti.

Cacti Maintenance

A specially designed and equipped saguaro moving truck can relocate a two-ton,15-foot saguaro in a matter of hours. If vehicle access to the planting location isn’t possible, a crane can be rigged to install one of these giants almost anywhere. Smaller cacti can be moved around the jobsite easily with a little preparation.

Cactus maintenance is relatively easy, and includes shaping the plant, removing dead or diseased parts, and pruning the undergrowth to avoid attracting pests such as packrats. Cutting out decayed or destroyed tissue can be done with a sterile knife and treated with dusting sulphur, which acts as a fungicide and disease barrier, and helps prevent punctured cacti from rotting when applied to the wounded flesh. Spent stalks, blooms and fruit may also need removal occasionally. Again, don't forget your eye protection!

Cactus is an important design element in almost every yard New Desert Gallery, Inc. has built. The contribution cacti and succulents make is equal to the effect we get with annual flowers. We often use the two in contrast to create the award winning atmospheres that today’s sophisticated landscape clients want. Because of the region/climate that we build in, we are able to successfully place a large variety of material. Due to the limited availability of water we can use cacti and other drought-tolerant plants to help control water usage.

Resources

Old garden hoses or small pieces of leftover .58 poly drip hose make nice sling carriers for most spine-laden cacti.

• Landscape Plants for Dry Regions by Warren Jones and

Charles Sacamano

• Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes by Judy Mielke

• The Plantfinder's Guide to Cacti and Other Succulents by

Keith Grantham and Paul Klassen