It's been three years since I started making my own mortar pots, KANDYPOTs. This year I'm going to sell them on my online store. I feel like I say this every year though. LOL
We would be happy if KANDYPOT would inspire more people to become interested in plants, so we are also considering selling it in a set with plants.
The places where plants are placed vary from person to person, so it is difficult to quantify the frequency of watering and the amount of water. This time, I thought I would write an article for those who are welcoming succulents and cacti for the first time, so that they can imagine how to grow them based on their native habitat.
| 1. A habitat for succulents and cacti |
Succulents and cacti are plants that are resistant to drought and have the ability to store water within their bodies.
Many succulents live in dry plateaus, rocky areas, and coastlines in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, and Peru.
Most cacti grow in dry areas of North, Central and South America, mainly in Mexico.
Succulents and cacti generally grow in areas with little rain throughout the year and with clear dry and rainy seasons. During the periods when there is no rain, they survive by consuming the water stored in their bodies.
| 2. The climate of Mexico, the home of many succulents and cacti |
I stayed in a city called Queretaro, near the center of Mexico, for a few months. When I arrived in Mexico and left the airport for the first time, I was struck by how dry the air was.
When we first arrived, it was the rainy season, with clear, sunny days and brief downpours in the evenings and at night.
As the season changes, the sunlight becomes very strong and the daylight hours become longer. The sun stays up for a long time, so the days feel longer.
I always applied sunscreen all over my body when going out during the day, so I used up one of the largest bottles of NIVEA cream in one month.
In Mexico, the temperature drops rapidly at night when the sun goes down, whether in the dry or rainy season. On windy days, the humidity also drops, and even in spring, the temperature can drop to 10-15 degrees.
I haven't experienced winter in Queretaro. Locals tell me that although it gets cold in the winter, the weather is relatively comfortable when the sun is up, so it can be hard to decide what to wear if you leave home early in the morning.
| 3. Japan's climate for cacti |
The most significant difference between the climates of Japan and Mexico is humidity. As an island nation, Japan maintains a constant humidity level, allowing a wide variety of living things to coexist, from small insects to large mammals.
However, for succulents and cacti that grow naturally in dry regions, Japan's climate is too humid, and they particularly do not like the hot and humid environments of Japan's rainy season and midsummer.
It is said that the main cause of succulents and cacti dying is root rot, which occurs when bacteria grow in the flowerpot and cause the roots to rot.
When it comes to tips for growing succulents and cacti, you often hear "give them plenty of sunlight and water them only when it's dry," which is another way of saying "keep the soil dry."
I enjoy spending time with plants like this, expanding my image of their place of origin. Someday, I'd like to experience the local climate and see my favorite plants in their natural state.
I feel that the need for houseplants is increasing in this modern age, where urbanization is progressing and opportunities to interact with nature are decreasing. I hope that this article will deepen your interest in plants.