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Artificial Cactus Gardens

Artificial cactus gardens give a southwestern look to a home or yard and require minimal maintenance. Small dish gardens of faux cactus add greenery and style to an office or apartment. They can be placed anywhere, eliminating the need for bright sunlight. Using artificial cactus in outdoor gardens eliminates problem insects and the need to water.

  1. Sizes and Types

    • A wide variety of sizes and types of cactus are available. For indoor cactus gardens, heights range from less than 4 inches to 6 feet tall. Various species of prickly pear up to 3 feet tall and saguaro cactus as tall as 8 feet are made for outdoor use. Blooming varieties are also available.

    Materials

    • Most indoor artificial cacti are made of silk or silk blended with polyester or cotton. Thorns, buds and other realistic details are added. Silk plants and flowers fade if exposed to bright sunlight. Therefore, outdoor cactus like prickly pear or saguaros are usually constructed of plastic and are more weather resistant. Some outdoor silk plants are treated with a UV protector to help prevent fading.

    Outdoor Gardens

    • When planting outdoor artificial cactus gardens, make them look as natural as possible. Plant the cactus in sandy soil. Shovel on a layer of pea gravel or lava rock for a realistic effect. Place a group of two or three cacti of the same type on each side of a taller cactus. Add a cow skull, large rocks or a wagon wheel to complete a southwestern look.

    Indoor Gardens

    • Artificial cactus gardens can be purchased preplanted in terra cotta containers. When making your own display, there are many suitable pot choices. Choose a southwestern-style dish or clay pot for a desert look. If planting a variety of cacti, arrange them in a triangular or pyramid layout. Place tall cacti in the back, medium height plants on the sides and short ones toward the front. Cover the planting medium with gravel or small stones. Include a drain dish underneath the planter for realism.

    Cleaning

    • Periodic cleaning of either artificial indoor or outdoor cacti is necessary and several methods work well. Clean silk cacti by dusting them with a soft cloth or feather duster. To dislodge dust, blow the plants with compressed air or a hair dryer on low heat. Vacuum dust by covering the vacuum hose opening with a sock or stocking secured with a rubber band. Wipe outdoor silk cacti with a wet cloth. Remove plastic cacti from the garden and gently swish them in cool water.

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Growing Cactus
  1. Barrel Cactus Growth
  2. The Spider Cactus
  3. Repotting Cactus
  4. How to Group Cacti in Gardens
  5. Hedgehog Cactus Information
  6. Mold on a Christmas Cactus
  7. Terrarium Cactus Plants
  8. Mold on a Cactus
  9. Cactus Worms
  10. Artificial Cactus Gardens
  11. How to Care for Cactus Dish Gardens
  12. Cactus Rot

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