Hardy Desert Plants

Despite common belief there are many varieties of desert plants that live in arid conditions. These plants are strong, surviving on little water, a great deal of light, and conditions that would wilt 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 plants 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.

For those interested in such an opportunity, there are several important 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 live. If you intend to keep any one of these flowers in your dwelling, you should take care to provide them a great deal of light and be wary of over-watering them.

When you think of desert plants, the most common desert plant to come to mind is the cactus. Wild cacti can grow to many feet tall, and usually do not survive home life very well. Many require special greenhouses with artificial lighting to live. 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 a few other varieties. All of these cacti tend to be tiny, round in shape, and have one or many blossoms at the top of the plant.

Like desert wildflowers, cacti require tender care in order to survive. Unlike common belief, you cannot just forget your cactus and water it infrequently. They need a certain amount of exposure to the sun, and planned feeding. Without this, your cacti will wilt and die. Cacti are among some of the most challenging plants to keep in a home, so you will need to approach their care with caution.

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.

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