Cactus Plants for Humid Areas

The Dependable Prickly Pear

• According to the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, agaves, aloes, yuccas and cacti are all classified as succulents. These plants have special root systems that store water. The thick and fleshy leaves retain moisture to help in the plant's survival of the hot, dry desert. But many varieties of cacti and other succulents will tolerate lower temperatures and more humidity with the right soil conditions and proper care. The prickly pear cactus (family cactaceae) is one that survives well in many parts of the United States. Its numerous varieties are well distributed across the nation. When in bloom, its colorful yellow, red or purple flowers brighten any garden. Its fleshy fruit is soft and sweet, but beware of the spines when handling.

Success With the Christmas Cactus

• The Christmas cactus is tolerant of both moisture and shade. Actually a forest plant rather than a desert variety, this cactus is a good container plant. Soil must be moist, but well-drained. It will grow indoors, or in a protected area of the garden. Most cacti need full sun, but the Christmas cactus enjoys partial shade in temperatures up to, but not exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ron Smith, horticulturist at North Dakota State University Extension Service, says 13 or more hours of darkness daily are needed during the blooming season to produce flowers. For extended blooming, keep the plant in a cool setting, but out of drafts. Because of its long, trailing branches, the Christmas cactus should be elevated rather than planted directly into the flat ground.

Cacti and Companion Plants

• Mass plantings of cacti, yucca, other succulents and ornamental grasses can be combined to create an attractive desert setting in your home garden. Whether in regions such as the rainy Northwest, California coastal areas subject to frequent fog or the humid climate of Florida, many varieties of cacti will survive and thrive. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends night-blooming cereus. The miniature agave, while not a cactus, is a succulent. It serves well as a companion plant in group plantings. Most varieties of barrel cactus will tolerate moderate moisture if they have good drainage. The triangle cactus is native to Florida. It likes moist, sandy soil. It is a sprawling cactus that grows in coastal areas. Its large, white blooms are mildly fragrant. The triangle grows well in partial shade but will tolerate heat.

Additional Points on Growing Cactus

• Although a cactus may not be native to your climate, often times it will adapt and survive outdoors under all but extreme conditions. A safer way is to plant smaller varieties of the less-hardy cacti in containers. These can be easily removed from your garden in severe weather and kept indoors. According to the Plant Science Center of Sierra Vista, Nevada, a raised bed of sand, rocks and soil will provide good drainage for the hardier plants that remain in the garden all year, and lessen their chances of root rot. During milder weather when your less-hardy plants are outside, hide their containers among the larger rocks in your cactus garden. Yucca, pampas grass and ocotillo are excellent companion plants for grouping with cacti. Some other varieties of moisture tolerant cacti are ball, beehive and hedgehog.