Desert Plants – A Closer Look

Despite common belief, there are wide varieties of desert plants that survive in dry conditions. These plants are hardy, surviving on little nourishment, a massive amount of sunlight, and conditions that would wilt or kill many living things. However, just because these plants can survive in a terrain many creatures cannot, desert plants do not necessarily make lasting house plants.

However, those who manage to raise desert plant indoors get the rewarding experience of nurturing a type of plant that many people do not usually get to see up close. These plants can serve as conversation starters, as well as adding a unique atmosphere to your home.

When you think of desert plants, the most notable desert plant to come to mind is the cactus. Wild cacti can grow to a few feet tall, and usually do not endure home life very well. Many require special greenhouses with artificial lighting to survive. Don’t be concerned, there are cactus species that can be grown indoors for your enjoyment. These include the Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, the Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, the Acanthocalycium thionanthum v. variiflorum and the Acanthocalycium violaceum, as well as many other varieties. All of these cacti tend to be tiny, round in shape, and have one or a few blossoms at the tip of the plant. Like desert wildflowers, cacti require delicate care in order to endure. Unlike common belief, you cannot just neglect your cactus and water it infrequently. They need a specific amount of exposure to the sun, and scheduled watering. Without this, your cacti will wither and be killed. Cacti are among some of the most challenging plants to keep in a home, so you will need to approach their care with caution.

If you are looking to keep desert plants in your home, there are a few key things that you need to keep in mind. Plants like the Apache Plume, the Arizona Poppy and the Blue Phacelia require a great deal of sunlight and warmth. While they can survive the cold spikes of the desert night, these plants need conditions that mimic the desert in order to survive. If you plan to keep any one of these flowers in your home, you should take care to provide them with a great deal of light and be wary of over-watering them.

Should you follow the few rules of desert plants – scheduled watering, proper temperatures and exposure to sunlight – you will be able to enjoy your plants for years to come.