190 
GARDENING IN THE SOUTHWEST 
Opuntia 
Cacti 
Soil Con¬ 
ditions 
Cacti Like 
family are the modernistic-looking Opuntias, whose economic habit 
of growth has dispensed with both stem and stalk, retaining only 
the large fleshy, thorned leaves, usually the size and thickness of 
a man’s hand. Even the exquisite flowers have no stem, but emerge 
from the thin edge of an upright leaf. These golden blossoms re¬ 
mind one of a Water Lily by some strange chance poised lightly 
in an extremely uncongenial environment. However, the Opun¬ 
tias are not stingy in the numbers of their blossoms nor in their 
response in rapid growth to good soil conditions when given them. 
The fact that they do not demand rich soil or much moisture 
(except in Spring), does not deny their liking for it when it is 
provided. They are most adaptable to circumstances, and are very 
resourceful. 
The general impression of Cactus is that it grows best in alka¬ 
line soil and in very dry places; though, in reality, scientists tell 
us they were originally bog plants which have resourcefully 
adapted themselves to the most adverse conditions. They have been 
found fluorishing in rich, decomposed plant matter (or leaf 
mould) that has lodged against trees or rocks. These latter obstruc¬ 
tions have answered a twofold purpose in supplying a soil that 
Cactus delight in having, and in keeping their roots cool by help¬ 
ing to hold what moisture there is in the ground. Therefore, in 
preparing a Cactus bed, it is wise to recognize all these facts. In 
general, Cactus will relish a soil composed of one part good, 
dark earth, to one part leaf-mold, to which is added one part 
large grained sand. 
Of strange, unusual growth is the 
Ocotillo, the "Manicured Fingers of 
the Desert,”—so called because the 
scarlet bloom-cluster is at the tip of 
and is in reality a continuation of the 
long, narrow "fingers,” which seldom 
appear singly—several generally 
^ sprawling irregularly, 
^_* being of as many vary- 
.** ing lengths as are the 
