Finding the right potting mix

[lobman]

On my visits to Cyprus I have been impressed by cacti and succulents that grow fantastically well just grown outside year round , 2 or 3 mtr Oreocereus towering above garden walls etc ( It is a major inducement to move to such a climate ) ; I would have thought that apart from any exceedingly sensitive sp , that virtually anything would grow in the local soil , with extra drainage if needed .

[Les.Needham]

It's the drainage that's the problem. Fairly tough species will grow outside in Cyprus. The soil is rich and the temperatures are right. But Cyprus winter can be very cold (even with some nights below 0C), and rain can be heavy with downpours sometimes lasting three days a time. Not everything is as it seems!

[DaveW]

Usual way to deal with soggy soils outside in heavy rain areas in winter is raised beds and a removable roof, plus often sides over them in the cold season. The basic supporting framework itself can be permanent with just the covering removed after the cold is over.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1600/

http://www.botanical-journeys-plant-gui ... arden.html

http://www.bennyskaktus.dk/construc_UK.htm

http://columbus-cactus-club.webs.com/Gr ... 0Cacti.htm

Some raised beds covered in winter for succulent bonsai further down this link:-

http://www.bonsaitreeforums.com/forums/ ... troduction

DaveW

[Les.Needham]

My plants are grown in the open, most of them in pots. For the ones which might be sensitive to watering in winter, I have a strong awning which can be lowered and wound up out of sight as necessary. Or I did have. A storm took it down. The very strong (and heavy) metal arms supporting it were broken off and the whole lot collapsed on top of the plants. Not much damage though. The damage came as the rains continued. My plants are now soaking wet and night temperatures are down to 0-5C. In other words, Disaster.