Toronto
Master Gardener Factsheet 
Toronto Master Gardeners are trained volunteers dedicated to providing horticultural information to the public.
For answers to horticultural questions contact the Toronto Master Gardeners' Info Line at the Toronto Botanical Garden (416) 397-1345 (Mon. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m and Sat., Sun. and Holidays noon to 3 p.m.) or our web site.
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Toronto Botanical Garden is a volunteer-based, charitable organization whose purpose is to inspire passion, respect and understanding of gardening, horticulture, the natural landscape and a healthy environment.
777 Lawrence Avenue East
Toronto, ON M3C 1P2
Tel. 416-397-1340
Fax. 416-397-1354
www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca
Growing Cacti and Succulents
With a sunny window, growing cacti and succulents is easy and rewarding.
To stimulate flowering, keep plants potbound. Flowers usually occur on new growth.
The majority of cacti need at least 4 hours of direct sun per day. A south window is good. Fluorescent lights may be used setting plants 6 - 12 inches from the tubes and leaving the lights on 12 -14 hours per day.
Cacti and succulents are able to withstand reasonably high daytime temperatures with cooler nights (60 -65 degrees F.) from spring through to fall. During the winter night temperatures should be 45 - 55 degrees F. with higher daytime temperatures. Cool nights are essential to initiate bloom.
Water thoroughly with tepid water from spring to fall. Hold back on watering as daylight hours get shorter and only water enough to keep the plants from shriveling in the winter.
Use a soil mix containing equal parts of potting soil and builder's sand. Bone meal maybe added to the bottom of the pot.
Use a half strength water-soluble fertilizer with a ratio of 1:2:1 applied once a month from spring to fall. Withhold fertilizing in winter. Over fertilizing can cause soft new growth.
They are not prone to pests. Dab mealy bugs with alcohol. Pick off scale. Forcefully spray spider mites with tap water. Rot or soft growth is due to over watering or over wet conditions.
Factsheets are produced by the Toronto Master Gardeners in association with the Toronto Botanical Garden. They provide introductory information about a broad range of horticultural topics and are intended for personal use and study purposes. Should your gardening group or organization wish to use multiple copies we ask that you inform the Toronto Botanical Garden at info@torontobotanicalgarden.ca.
Date revised: This fact sheet was last revised before April 2005.