How to Group Cacti in Gardens

Draw a diagram of the garden area. Include the square footage of the cacti grouping. Indicate on the diagram the planting location and the type of each cactus you want to plant. Group cacti according to their mature growing size. For example, barrel cacti reach 2 feet width and 5 feet height.

Dig up 12 inches of topsoil out of the cactus grouping area. Replace the soil with cactus potting soil or a mix of 1 part sand, 1 part gravel and 1 part potting soil.

Place cacti in their nursery containers in their planting areas. Check to see if any tall cactus plant types, such as Saguaro, are not shading other smaller plants, such as hedgehog cactus.

Dig planting holes just deep enough to cover the roots and twice as wide as the root ball. Place the cactus inside of the hole using gloved or wrapping newspapers around prickly spines. Pack soil around the base. Avoid placing any part of the cactus’ body inside of the soil.

Spreading a 1- to 2-inch layer of gravel over the soil’s top reduces instances of disease. Use a gravel color that complements the rest of the yard or use several different types creating a colorful looking cactus grouping.