Balakrishnan Creates Expansive Rooftop Garden with a Diverse Collection of Cacti in Various Shapes and Colors

Gardening has been a lifelong passion for E Balakrishnan from Kozhikode, Kerala, who has been growing plants of various varieties since his youth. “I cannot remember a time when I was not at it,” says the 67-year-old, reflecting on his long history with gardening.

While managing his printing press business for the past four decades, Balakrishnan developed a passion for growing plants, including various orchids, hibiscus, roses, and more, which became his favorite hobby.

Balakrishnan nurtures over 500 species of cacti on his rooftop garden, featuring plants in various shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors like red, yellow, and orange. “Gardening has always been a hobby. I found solace in watching plants grow or a favourite one revive after a long wait,” says the Kozhikode native, reflecting on his passion for gardening that turned into a large-scale project only a few years ago.

While nurturing his love for plants and flowers, Balakrishnan decided in 2015 to bring home a few varieties of cacti to cultivate in his terrace garden. “Through the internet, I learned that cacti could be grown at home. I became very curious and wanted to try growing them in my garden,” says Balakrishnan.

Six years ago, Balakrishnan unexpectedly discovered his love for cacti. Starting with a few ordinary plants, he quickly transformed his space into a cactus jungle. The hot climate of Kerala proved ideal for their rapid growth, prompting Balakrishnan to source exotic varieties from Indonesia, Brazil, Poland, China, and Japan.

When I started seeing their growth, I began sourcing different species. Cacti are beautiful. Though irregular in structure, they are attractive and can thrive in any space. When I began collecting cacti, there were not many species available in India, and few people in Kerala were aware of them. Now, the demand has increased, and some of the foreign varieties I sourced earlier are available here as well, says Balakrishnan. His collection includes Euphorbia cactus species such as Euphorbia Confinalice from Rhodesia, Euphorbia Septula from China, and Poland Euphorbia Verigated. Regardless of the variety, each plant receives the same care and attention. These thorny plants require 50% sunlight, and to protect them from overexposure to the sun and rain, Balakrishnan has set up UV sheet coverings on the terrace of his two buildings.

Balakrishnan cares for his cacti on two terraces, one at his home and the other at his printing press, covering a combined area of 2,500 sqft. “I never thought I would develop a niche hobby of collecting cacti. But I became so fascinated by these thorny plants that I wanted to fill my terrace with as many varieties as I could find,” he says.

Although Balakrishnan describes cacti as low-maintenance plants, they require careful attention. He has planted them in a mixture of river sand, which prevents water retention, along with cocopeat and cow dung, which promote healthy growth.

Essential Tips for Growing Healthy Cacti: Soil, Sunlight, and Care

Balakrishnan waters his cacti only twice a week and ensures they stay dry during the rainy season to prevent fungal infections. He sprays fertilizer (19-19-19) every month and uses fungicide every 15 days. Instead of planting seeds, he propagates cacti through grafting. Checking on his spiny plants has become part of his daily routine, starting each day by examining his species. He sells his excess cacti through social media platforms.

Saplings can be produced from sprouts emerging on plants, but seeds are typically used for propagation. Flower pots are filled with a mixture of sand, coconut husk, and cow dung powder before sowing the seeds, he adds.

From the common Mammillaria cactus to the Euphorbia Trigona, which originates in Central Africa, Balakrishnan”s collection includes cacti in various sizes, shapes, and colors.

Echinopsis, Astrophytum, Cereus, Rebutia, and Caralluma are just a few of the many cactus varieties in Balakrishnan”s collection.

In addition to collecting various cactus varieties, Balakrishnan also grows them through grafting. “Some cacti do not form roots unless grafted. I usually avoid using seeds for propagation, as seed development is more challenging in Kerala”s climate,” he explains.

If there are leftover saplings, Balakrishnan sells them to people who approach him or through social media platforms like Facebook. “There are certain Facebook groups where I showcase my collection, and through them, I get many inquiries and sales. The cacti are priced based on their variety, ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 3,000,” says Balakrishnan, who earns an average of Rs 15,000 per month from selling cacti.

For more information, you can contact him at 7293937066

Edited by Gayathri