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How to Keep Your Cactus Healthy & Happy
Cacti are one of the most popular house plants, and for good reasons – they’re easy to take care of and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While cacti are generally pretty low-maintenance, there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and happy. In this blog post, we’ll share our tips on how to care for your cactus. Keep reading for more information!
There has been increased interest in cacti among plant enthusiasts, and rightly so. These peculiar-looking succulents come in all shapes and sizes and are among the most sought-after house plants.
The elegance of cacti is further enhanced with the broad range of varieties available, boasting different styles of thorns and even vibrant flowers.
Even though cacti are known for their longevity and hardiness, they’re a sucker for the right amount of love and care. Love and care make for the most important ingredients they need to live a healthy, happy, and long life.
Whether you’re an experienced cactus parent or have just got your first cacti, it’s important to keep a few tips handy to properly take care of your prickly companion.
So, without further ado, let’s dig deeper!
Old Lady Cactus with flowers
Location Observation
Ensure not to put your succulent directly exposed to sunlight outside your window. While cacti are known to thrive in a typical desert climate, direct sunlight may do more harm than good.
Yes, even cacti don’t like too much sun exposure, causing burns. If your cacti turn yellow or brown on the exposed side, change the location to let the plant cool down.
You can also expose your cacti to bright light if your space doesn’t have access to direct sunlight.
However, don’t forget to keep your cacti outside in summer to let them enjoy the sunlight and be happy!
Hydrate Cacti– Rationally!
One of the most common notions about cacti plants is that it doesn’t need too much water. However, it does need some water like any other plant, but it does have a special ability to survive drought.
Ideally, it’s suggested to water your cacti every week if it enjoys pleasant sunlight throughout the day.
The trick is to ensure you water your plant once the soil is dry. It would prevent waterlogging and rotting, commonly caused due to over-watering. Also, during winter, you might want to cut down on the water as these plants become dormant during this period.
Use the Right Soil
The soil cacti needs are different than what other plants are used to. Cacti enjoy a special type of soil that’s typically more sandy and rocky. Such soil allows water to drain optimally, preventing waterlogging and making the succulent feel uncomfortable and soggy.
Use The Right Pot
It’s important to use a pot with holes at the bottom to allow extra water to drain. Ideally, terracotta pots are suggested, but if you fancy something more elegant, trying a Nordic ceramic pot is also a great idea.
While pots with holes are commonly suggested, it doesn’t mean you can’t use fancier pots without holes. However, it does mean you must take additional care to ensure you don’t accidentally drown your cacti.
Ensure to water only when the soil is dry or measure the water your cacti are used to. Depending on the season, a half or one-fourth of a regular coffee cup of water is sufficient for your cacti’s optimal growth.
Fertilizers – Yes, Please!
Cactus benefits from fertilizers and the market is filled with cacti-focused fertilizers. Make sure the fertilizer you use is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen.
You may use a slow-release pelleted formula such as The Grow Company Plant Food or choose a liquid fertilizer such as our favorite, Espoma Organic Cactus Fertilizer. Either of these options keeps your beloved cactus plants happy and healthy!
Ideally, feeding the cacti soil with fertilizer a couple of times a year is sufficient for cacti to thrive. It helps cacti adapt quickly to a new environment and helps them bloom brighter flowers.
Ready to Keep Your Cactus Healthy and Happy?
Cacti are different with their twisty silhouette, spiky skin, and unique characteristics. And this is why many enthusiasts don’t regard it as just a plant but as a living sculpture. It adds to the aesthetics of the space no matter where you put it.
From your dining table to your home garden and from your window to a bathroom shelf, a cactus adds a unique charm to the space, adding life to even the most mundane spaces.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or considering planting your first succulent, know that it’s worth it. And our tips mentioned above help you take proper care of your cacti. Indeed, once you get used to living around cacti, there’s no going back!
Do you have a cactus in your home? Please share your comments below. We’d love to hear how you care for your cactus and what tips you have to keep them healthy. If you don’t have a cactus but are considering getting one, be sure to check out our top tips above! Cacti are easy plants to take care of – as long as you follow these simple guidelines, your cactus will be happy and healthy for years to come.
FAQ’s to Keep Your Cactus Healthy and Happy
Do Cactus Need to be watered?
Yes! Your cactus plant is able to store water for a long time. But it will need water when the soil completely dries.
Is it possible to over-water my cactus? Won’t the excess just drain off?
Yes, it is possible to over-water. In fact, over-watering is more a problem than under-watering. If you pot and soil are well-draining, a little extra water will drain off. However, too much and your cactus roots will become water logged and probably rot.
Can I put my cactus plant outside in the summer?
Maybe. If you live in a drier climate and it’s very hot, your cactus might enjoy an outdoor vacation. However, if your region is humid or cool, keep your prickly friend indoors.
Will my cactus be happy if I plant it with other types of plants?
Probably not. Cactus do best in a sandy type of soil, whereas many other houseplants need a richer soil. Also, the watering requirements vary between different types of plants.
However, you may keep your cactus in with other cacti. You might even set up a terrarium for your collections!
