Cacti and Succulents Handbook: Basic Growing Techniques and a Directory of More Than 140 Common Species and Varieties

by Gideon F Smith

Overview

Cacti and Succulents Handbook is your guide to the selection and cultivation of these diverse and fascinating plants. Appealing to both the novice and experienced gardener, this book provides comprehensive information on more than 140 common species and varieties, including their ideal locations, natural habitats, and care and feeding needs. Complete descriptions and color photographs make plant identification easy, and detailed care instructions will help make sure that plants thrive, whether they're being grown indoors or out, in the city or in the country. Beautiful specimen plants are fully detailed from six garden collections around the world, from Zurich to Phoenix.

Inside Cacti and Succulents Handbook

Everything you need to know about cacti and succulents packed into one easy-to-use volume.

Comprehensive well-illustrated plant directory of more than 140 popular varieties.

Covers easy-to-grow choices suitable for beginners, as well as more difficult and desirable species.

Color identification photos, botanical and common names, and essential advice.

Simple, step-by-step instructions on choosing the right plants and helping them thrive, with tips on propagation, repotting, grooming, and pest control.

Features beautiful specimen plants from six garden collections around the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620082782
Publisher:	Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	04/10/2018
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Gideon F. Smith is a past president of the International Organization for Succulent Plant Study, chairman of the World Flora Project, and holds positions on the steering committees of many international botanical initiatives. He has published more than 500 scientific and popular papers on the taxonomy, biology, and evolution of succulent plants, and has won numerous awards for his work with succulents.

Table of Contents

Foreword 6

Preface To The New Edition 8

1 Cultivating Cacti And Succulents 10

What Are Cacti And Succulents? 12

Differences Between Cacti And Succulents

Botanical Identification Features

Plant Shapes And Forms

Natural Habitats And Distribution

Cacti 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 This Book 36

2 Common Species Of Cacti 38

60 Cacti Species Suitable For Home And Garden Cultivation

Physical Description, Ideal Location, Natural Habitat and Growing Notes

3 Cacti And Succulent Collections 100

4 Companion Succulents 116

Discussion Of Some Easy-To-Grow Succulent Species In 12 Families

Common Pests And Diseases 182

Scale Insects, Aphids, Snout Weevils, Nematodes, Fungal Infections

Cacti As Invasive Aliens

Index 186

Further Reading 190

Interviews

Texas Gardener:

Strictly speaking, cacti are not usually referenced as heirloom plants. Even so, they share the pass-along tradition of heirloom flowers and veggies.

"Given the popularity that succulents have attained in horticulture," Gideon Smith hopes that an updated edition of his book "will further inspire gardeners who prefer low-maintenance and waterwise plants for cultivation."

Expect plenty of solid information on the nature and care of cacti, especially as landscape features. The award-winning author also devotes a unique section to a seasonal cacti-care calendar, starting with the first month of high summer and ending with the second month of winter.

Most of this handy guide profiles specific plants. Each informational entry lists number of species, place of origin, common names, description, special cultivation notes and suitable growing locations.

Even if you already have a book on cacti and succulents, check out the exquisite photos in this one. Besides its useful data, the bright and glossy photos alone might persuade you to add this book to your garden-lit collection.