Cacti are one of the most popular houseplants and are usually perfect for beginners. These gorgeous plants come in all shapes and sizes; some even come in different colors.
So if you’re ready to go out and buy a new cactus (or if you already have) then you’re probably wondering how to take care of it. Well, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
We have a beginner’s guide on all you need to know about cacti and how to take care of these pointy plants. So read on to learn all about cactus care and how to keep them thriving.
Cactus Facts
There are over 2,000 types of cactus in the world.
Some cacti can live for two years without receiving any water.
Every type of cactus is capable of flowering once they’ve matured.
A cactus can grow as tall as 40-60 feet.
Some species of cactus can live for up to 200 years.
Lighting
Cacti are definitely light-loving plants. A cactus typically needs a minimum of four to six hours of sunlight daily, although full sun, all day is ideal. Despite needing plenty of light, these plants don’t need to be kept in direct sunlight. You can keep your cactus in a spot with bright, filtered light either outdoors or indoors. If you keep your cactus as an indoor plant, find an east or south-facing window and place them a few feet away from it or use light filtering curtains over the window. These windows get the most sunlight throughout the day and therefore are more likely to meet the lighting requirements of your cactus. If you keep your outdoors, then opt to place the plant in a partially shaded spot that receives plenty of sunshine throughout the day.
Although these plants thrive from having plenty of light, they can also experience sunburn. Sunburn on a cactus leaves permanent yellow or brown marks and can even kill your cactus if it is severe enough. This is why giving this plant partial shade and filtered light is crucial. Your cactus can handle direct sunlight after you’ve acclimated the plant. Place the cactus outside in direct morning sun for 30 minutes to an hour, and slowly leave it out for longer periods each day. This will get your cactus used to direct sun exposure, although be careful when leaving your cactus in the afternoon since this is the most intense sun of the day.
One final tip about lighting for cacti is to occasionally wipe any dust or dirt from the flesh of the cactus with a damp cloth. A build-up of dust and dirt will prevent your cactus from fully absorbing light, so keeping them clean is essential for their health.
Soil
There are two types of cactus: tropical and desert. Most cacti come from arid desert climates and love airy and sandy soil blends. Although some cacti are native to tropical rainforests, they also prefer porous and well-aerated soil. You generally want your cactus soil to be porous, well-draining, and acidic. Cactus are well-known for their thick stems and roots that retain water, making them very hardy and drought resistant. So you want soil that won’t retain moisture and drains quickly and thoroughly.
You can use a soil blend specifically made for cacti, like a store-bought succulent and cactus mix, or create your own blend. An easy recipe for DIY cactus soil calls for three parts potting mix, three parts sand, and two parts perlite. This soil blend is standard and will work for most cacti. Regular houseplant potting mix is not good soil for cacti because it retains too much water and creates poor conditions for the cactus. So make sure you create your own blend or buy an appropriate soil mix at your local garden center.
Temperature
Being native to deserts means that cacti enjoy warm and dry climates. Aim to keep this plant in temperatures between 70° and 90°F (21° and 32°C). If you have your cactus outdoors, bring it inside during winter if it gets below 50°F (10°C) where you live. While cacti can withstand some lower temperatures, it is not frost resistant and shouldn’t be kept in cold temperatures for prolonged periods.
Water
Since cacti are great at storing water, you won’t need to water this plant too frequently. In fact, cacti hate being overwatered, and it is one of the most common issues that people experience with their cacti. A cactus will usually need to be watered once or twice a month, although the exact frequency depends on the cactus’s climate. A cactus will usually only need to be watered once a month if it is an indoor plant or during colder months. In the winter, a cactus will become dormant and slow its growth; thus, less watering is required.
A cactus kept outside where the temperature is typically higher will need to be watered more frequently, about two or three times a month. Your cactus will also need more water during the hot months of its growing season in spring and summer. During this time, you may need to water your cactus once a week.
It will take some time to figure out a watering schedule for your cactus, but checking the soil is the best way to tell if it is ready to be watered. The soil should dry out completely between waterings, so check the top few inches of soil to see if it’s ready for more water.
If the soil is still damp when you check, don’t water it and wait a few more days before checking again. If the soil is dry, you can add more water to your cactus. You should also avoid keeping your cactus in humid areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen. High humidity may keep the soil from being able to dry completely and can lead to issues with overwatering.
Fertilization
Cactus live in sandy, nutrient-poor soil, so they don’t require frequent fertilization. You don’t need to fertilize your cactus during the winter when the plant becomes dormant, although you can fertilize it during the growing season.
You can fertilize your cactus once every eight weeks in the spring and summer. Opt for a fertilizer that is high in phosphorous and avoid ones that are high in nitrogen. Make sure you dilute the fertilizer in water and add it to your cactus during its regular watering schedule.
The roots of cacti can be sensitive to chemicals, so overfertilizing or not diluting the fertilizer can cause your cactus to experience root burn.
Repotting
This is another area where cacti tend to be low maintenance. These plants grow slowly, so they don’t need to be repotted often. Typically, a cactus will need to be repotted every two or three years.
Cacti enjoy being root bound, but when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, that’s a good sign that it’s time to repot. It’s best to repot this plant during its growing season.
When choosing a pot for the cactus, go for one that is only a couple of inches larger than its current pot. This will help you avoid overwatering your plant. Make sure your new pot has plenty of drainage, and use new well-draining soil in the new pot.
Once you’ve repotted your cactus, allow the roots to branch out and settle into the new pot before you do anything else to it, including watering. Once the cactus has been in the new pot for about one or two weeks, you can resume routine care and maintenance.
Final Thoughts!
Taking care of a cactus is simple, and the most important thing is to mimic its natural environment. Keep your cactus in a warm and dry spot, make sure it has plenty of filtered sun, and be careful not to overwater this moisture-retaining plant. Now that you know the basics, you can start caring for your cactus and watch it flourish.
Comments