"A lot of folks throw away perfectly good plants because they mistakenly believe it's dead," he said. "Before throwing it out, check very closely for any signs of new growth. Sometimes the only clue you may have is a very tiny leaf or clump, but if you look carefully, you can see it. Before you throw it out, just keep a watch for a while."
Starting new plants is often as simple as breaking off a piece or cluster, and planting it in a small pot until it forms new roots. When transplanting from a pot to the ground, be careful not to over-water. Unlike most other plants that require more watering when first planted, if a cactus receives too much water, it can collapse and rot.
Cacti also tend to do well in pots, especially if they're outdoors in the sunlight. Plants in containers should have a fast-draining mix with a large drain hole in the bottom. Also be aware that plants in containers may require a little more water than those planted directly in the ground, but the amount of water needed is still less than that of most other plants.
"I can't imagine planting anything other than succulents," Palisi said. "Besides, it's easy for friends to find my house. I just tell them it's the one with the innovative garden.
"Since people are becoming aware of water conservation, more of my neighbors have been asking me about succulents. When I tell them what my water bill is, they can't believe it's so low compared to what they pay. I think we're going to be seeing quite a few more places planting cacti now."
