Everything You Need to Know about Cactus Care
Cactus typically resemble being dessert plants. However, they make excellent landscaping plants nearly anywhere. Cactus can be grown indoors in small containers as well as outdoors. These plants require very less maintenance and are very easy to grow. Check out our cactus collection.
Cactus Care
From small and delicate to larger and more striking, there is a cactus to suit every home. The most commonly known identifier of cactus plants is their ability to store water for long periods of time. Cacti are known to many as one of few plants that can survive in the dry environments of dessert land.
Light
Most cactus species don’t need exposure to direct sunlight to survive. They just require good light and not necessarily direct sunlight. Though most of the Cactus plants are known for their water-storing capacity it does not really mean that they need bright and direct sunlight at all. Choose a location where the plants will not get direct sunlight and should be kept in partial shade.
Soil
This is a key to ensure your cacti’s growth. Ensure that the right soil mix is used when potting cacti. Cacti prefer soil that includes more sand and rocks, in order to drain water and keep the plant dry between drinks and prevent root rot. The Cactus soil must be well-draining. Water should not accumulate in the pot which can result the roots to rot. You can buy a special cactus potting mix or can mix some sand and grit to the compost and normal garden soil to make it grainy and not super compacted.
Water
Cacti are known for surviving without much watering, as they retain water in their stems. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t need watering at all. Be sure to check the soil every few weeks. If the first 2-3 inches of soil are dry, it’s time to give the plant a drink. Be it a dessert cactus or forest cactus, make sure not to drown them in too much water. This might cause root rot preventing the growth. All the cactus species are required to be watered regularly usually during spring and summer so that they can bear flowers and also for their proper growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Most of the Cacti species are adapted to tolerate high temperatures. But it completely depends upon the type of species that what temperature is suitable for them. During their growth period the ideal temperature is between 13°C to 30°C. They must be protected from chiller weather.
Fertilizer
For desert cactus, use a cacti fertilizer during the growing season. Some growers have poor results with standard fertilizers, so it’s probably worth it to seek out a specialized cacti fertilizer. For forest cactus, fertilize during the growing season with a standard fertilizer. Reduce fertilizer during the growing season.
Common Problems
- Symptom: Leaf burns/Sunburn
Cause: Exposure to bright direct sunlight. - Symptom: Root rot
Cause: Poor drainage, water clogging. - Symptom: Fungal and bacterial Disease.
Cause: Opening in the flesh due to insects, animal activity or damage from heavy weather such as hail.
Both dessert and forest cacti boast beautiful flowers but they have very different growing habits. Cactus are also a very low maintenance plants and do not require much care. All they need is protection from direct sunlight for some species and proper water with a proper drainage system. To care for a cactus and succulent, it is best to try to recreate their natural habitat.
Cactus care reference: TheSpruce