Desert Plants – A Simple Guide

Despite common belief, there are broad types of desert plants that survive in dry conditions. These plants are hardy, thriving on little water, a great deal of sunlight, and conditions that would wither or kill most living things. However, just because these plants can survive in a terrain many creatures cannot, desert plants do not necessarily make good 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 many feet tall, and usually do not endure home life very well. Many require special greenhouses with artificial lighting to survive. Don’t be discouraged, there are cactus species that can be grown indoors for your pleasure. 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 several blossoms at the top of the plant. Like desert wildflowers, cacti require special care in order to live. Unlike common belief, you cannot just neglect your cactus and water it whenever you want. They need a specific amount of exposure to the sun, and planned watering. Without this, your plant 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 light and heat. 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 plants in your house, you should take care to give them a great deal of light and be cautious of over-watering them.

By Making the decision to follow through with the challenging work of owning a desert plant, you will be able to enjoy your cacti and wildflowers for a long time to come.