Guest Author - Connie Krochmal
No shirts, ties, or sweaters this Christmas. Instead, choose meaningful gifts that will be useful. It is very easy to find such things for cacti and succulent lovers.
Look for items that are decorated with their favorite plants. I’ve seen gorgeous floor mats made by Toland Enterprises. One is called Crazy Cactus featuring saguaro type plants. They also have a lovely one with Opuntias in bloom, called Desert Flowers.
It is possible to find other items decorated with cacti and succulents. Visit some online poster and art shops, and you’ll find just the thing.
How about a gift membership to their favorite cacti and succulent society? This is a gift they will enjoy throughout the year. Most of these include timely newsletters and magazines.
Cacti and succulent lovers can always use practical gifts, such as pots. Plant collections have a way of expanding, and new pots are always needed. Buy good quality ones that will last. It’s a real bother to have to repot a plant just because the plastic pot has cracked.
Terra cotta pots are wonderful for growing desert cacti. There are many kinds of terra cotta available. Shop around, and see what seems suitable. They’re sold in different shapes and sizes. The very best ones seem to be made in Italy, but with the unfavorable exchange rate and the shipping cost, not everyone can afford these high-priced pots.
Potting soil is expensive these days. So, most cacti and succulent lovers would be delighted with large bags of cactus potting mix.
One can never have too many succents and cacti. Give that special person on your list some cacti or succulent plants, or seeds. If you aren’t sure which plant they would like, a gift certificate is always welcome. Then they can choose whatever their heart desires.
Cacti and succulent lovers tend to be globetrotters. They love to travel, and visit other countries where they can see the plants growing in the wild. If budget is no problem, give them a gift they’ll always remember, a trip to their favorite destination. South Africa seems to be a hot spot for succulents. For desert cacti, it tends to be the Desert Southwest of the U.S. Who wouldn’t love to visit Arizona and New Mexico to see the giant saguaro and chollas growing in their native habitat? This is the perfect cure for the winter blues.
