Cactus are the perfect low-maintenance plants for busy individuals and forgetful gardeners alike. These prickly powerhouses are not only stunning to look at but also incredibly resilient, making them ideal for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
But here's the catch: while cacti are known for their hardiness, they still require proper care to truly thrive. In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide everything you need to know about planting, growing, and caring for these fascinating desert dwellers.
When and Where to Plant Cactus?
Now that you've decided to grow cacti, it's crucial to understand the ideal conditions for planting these unique succulents. By providing the right environment, you'll set your cactus up for success and ensure healthy growth. We've listed down some conditions you can look out for before planting cactus;
Location and Light
Cacti are the sunbathers of the plant world. They love to soak up those rays! But while they do thrive in bright sunlight, in actuality, if they could have it their way, they would be spending at least 6 hours each day basking in the sun.
But even these most hardy of desert-dwelling plants have their limits as they may get sunburned. This manifests itself as white or brown blemishes on the skin of the plant. Afternoon shade will assist in this aspect. This can be done by putting it in locations where they would be subjected to morning light with partial shade.
Soil
Successful growing of the cactus requires well-draining soil, mimicking what they would find in their native desert habitats. Look for a specialized potting mix for cacti, or mix your own using regular potting soil with coarse sand and perlite.
Additionally, the pH of the soil must be kept between 6.0 and 7.0 because this is within the ideal range for most cactus species. There should be no thick, clay-like types of soil that retain water since these make the roots waterlogged and rot after some time.
Spacing
While planting more than one cactus, distance should be such that it allows them to grow healthy and fight less for elements to survive. For the small ones, a space of 6-12 inches is essential so that they may spread out and still appear in a compacted form.
Medium ones need even more room about 12-18 inches. The large ones, however, will require a distance of at least 18-24 inches to fully grow. Spacing the plants this way will give them a chance to fully develop without competing with others for some vital elements.
Plant your cactus during its active growing season. This is the best time to make sure your plant is going to have the most potential to grow and develop. Spring is especially good with most species of cacti; the temperatures are mild, and daylight is increasing, so it allows for strong growth and the formation of roots.
Early summer works specifically for desert cacti, which are adapted for warm conditions and thus quickly establish themselves in the heat. In most cases, it is undesirable to plant cacti during their dormant period in winter. Provided you time it correctly, your cactus will be nicely established before the onset of cold weather.
How To Grow Cactus: Step-by-Step-Instructions
Are you a super enthusiast and looking forward to growing your variety of cactus? We've listed out the correct steps to grow cactus so your planting experience becomes one huge success!
Step 1: Selecting the Best Kind of Cactus
Before setting out, determine which species or species of cactus would suit your surroundings, relative to climate, space, and mature size of the plant. Some species will certainly require very hot and dry placements; others can tolerate more moisture or even less warmth.
Selecting a cactus that is appropriately adapted to both the local climate and an indoor or outdoor situation will establish the basis for success in growth.
Step 2: Choose the Right Pot and Soil
Another thing that will determine the way your cactus grows is the pot and soil you select to use. Opt for those pots that have drainage holes at the bottom to keep the water from collecting against the cacti, which may cause root rot. Terracotta pots work wonderfully since moisture evaporates from the surface.
For the soil type, a specialty cactus potting mix is what you may want to buy, or you can prepare yours by mixing regular potting soil with coarse sand and perlite; This mix should be gritty and well-draining, similar to, as close as possible, the natural desert, soil that cacti are adapted to. Avoid heavy, clay-like soils that hold a lot of moisture.
Step 3: Plant the Cactus
First, in the planting pot, make a layer at the bottom of gravel or small stones to improve drainage. Then, fill the pot half full with your prepared soil mix. Gently take the cactus from the original container without injuring the roots.
Locate the cactus at the center of the pot and finish filling around with more soil over; ensure to bury the roots well but not the base of the cactus. Lightly press the soil to hold the plant in place.
There are quite a few rules for growing strong and healthy cacti. They need lots of sunlight, so they should be placed where they will get at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
An ideal location would be a south-facing window or a sunny spot outdoors, but in very hot locations, some cacti could use a little protection from intense afternoon sun to avoid sunburn. If you are growing them inside, rotate the pot from time to time to receive an even amount of light; otherwise, the plant will droop in the direction of light.
Step 5: Water and Fertilization
When it comes to cacti, there is a balancing act that should be performed while watering, as this plant species is specially adapted to live in arid conditions. Waters should be done when the soil becomes pretty dry, then soak the soil thoroughly for the water to drain away.
Water less in the winter months when the cactus is dormant. During the growing season, from spring to summer, provide a balanced cacti and succulent watered-down fertilizer. Be cautious, as cacti are harmed by over-fertilization, and only use the recommended dose.
Step 6: Aftercare and Maintenance
Once you are done growing a healthy cactus, care must be taken. Look out for pests chewing upon the cactus, such as spider mites and mealy bugs. It is always a good idea to prune away any dead or damaged parts of your cactus to make way for new growth from within.
Repotting after every 2 to 3 years, or when outgrowing the present pot, also ensures your cactus has access to new nutrients available in a new soil mix. If you are growing outdoor cacti, protect them from drastic conditions such as heavy rain or frost by moving them to a more sheltered location or with protective lashings.
How To Care For Cactus?
Growth Habit
Knowing the growth habits of your cactus is essential when applying proper care. Cacti have a wide range of growth habits, columnar, sprawling as ground covers, and others with sprawling shapes. The identified growth habit of your cactus will enable you to give it proper space and support.
For instance, columnar cacti will need space to go upward, whereas spreading kinds like the prickly pear search for horizontal space By observing your cactus regularly and adjusting its placement or support accordingly, you are trying your best to ensure the development of your plant healthily and naturally.
Watering
Proper watering is critical to maintaining the health of cacti. Cacti are adapted to the arid climate and are adjusted for very little water. Thus, one must allow the soil to completely dry between waterings, letting the roots recover and not rot in waterlogged soil.
While it is actively growing usually in spring and summer make sure you fully soak your cactus when you water, allowing any excess to drain from the pot. Cut back watering substantially during the winter dormancy, because the cactus needs much less moisture then. Overwatering is the number one problem in cactus care.
Fertilizing
Fertilization provides the cactus plant with materials for healthy development and bright coloring. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer designed for cacti and succulents during the active growth periods of spring and summer.
Dilute the fertilizer to half its strength so that you do not apply too much fertilizer, as this results in the accumulation of salt that damages the plant. In application, do it every month or as indicated, and make it as even as you can
Some cacti will still benefit from mulching, especially when in the outdoors, only this should be done while taking special care in the process. Mulch the surface of the ground with a thin layer of light, sharp, fast-draining material, like gravel or small stones.
For indoor cacti, this isn't appropriate because usually, the pot and good drainage are sufficient for the plant. If you need to mulch outside, then care must be taken that the mulch does not rest on the cactus stem or base directly, to avoid issues with moisture.
End Of Season care
Previously we learned about how to care for cactus, and this section is here to enlighten you about the areas that need to be considered as an end-of-season care for cactus. If you care about it during the end season only then the next growing season will gift you with healthier plants.
Pruning
Sometimes, toward the end of the growing season, pruning your cactus is much like giving a very spiny hedgehog a haircut. First of all, you'll take off dead or damaged pads, stems, or branches, just like you were cleaning up the bad hair day for your cactus.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears but just don't get them too close to your cactus, since their spines really can pack a punch. For those cacti that have grown a little unruly or overzealous, prune them selectively so they look refined and put together. But don't overdo it: too much pruning might stress out your cactus.
Protection
Protection of the cactus is very important in case your cactus is grown outdoors, mainly during the growing season when it starts slowing down and temperatures start to drop. Bring potted cacti to a protected area, for instance, a garage or some bright indoor area.
Use frost cloths or covers on outdoor cacti for insulation during the coldest nights. Avoid at all costs any protection that will hold moisture on the cactus; it will make it start to rot. Waterless while going into dormancy.
Propagating Cactus: Stey-by-Step-Method
Propagating cactus is very common and we've listed out just the right steps in growing cactus. If you have made it this far, follow along;
Step 1: Selecting a Healthy Parent Cactus
First, select the cactus from which you will propagate. Choose an adult parent that has no signs of any diseases or pests or is damaged in any way. Look for a mature, robust, well-formed pad or stem, depending on the species.
A healthy parent cactus will ensure the new plant has a very strong start with a good chance of thriving.
Step 2: Propagation Preparation
After selecting a nice, healthy cactus, you will need to prepare all materials and equipment. You will need a sharp knife or clean scissors, a small container for rooting and well-draining cactus potting mix.
Sterilize the tools to avoid the slightest chance of transferring diseases. To be more cautious, you may want to wear gloves while working with this type of plant since spines can easily puncture skin. Preparing these items in advance will make the process smoother and help avoid potential issues.
Remove a cutting from the parent cactus, ensuring that the segment is healthy and well-developed. With pad cacti, one needs only to twist or cut off a mature pad. A clean and sharp knife should be used in order not to injure the plant.
For columnar cacti, cut a healthy section of the stem. Allow the cutting to callous over for 1-2 weeks before planting. This callousing period is important in the prevention of rot and provides a better establishment of the cutting in its new environment.
Step 4: Prepare the Cutting for Planting
After the cutting has had time to callous, it's now ready for planting. Place this calloused cutting onto a bed of very dry, gritty cactus mix, making sure the cut end is down. Be sure that your soil mix will not become waterlogged, as such waterlogging may make the cutting rot.
This step is important in setting the cutting in its new environment for potting and in promoting successful rooting.
Step 5: Plant the Cutting
Carefully place the calloused cutting in a small container filled with cactus potting mix; only the cut end will be buried, and allow the rest to remain above the soil. On the base, firm up the soil to hold the cutting in place, but not too tight.
Place the container in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight that allows the roots to grow through without the harsh conditions that would expose the cutting to undesirable stress. Be patient, it could take a few weeks to some months for the cutting to develop an entire healthy root system.
Step 6: Watering and Aftercare
The cutting should be watered very minimally during this period of initial rooting. Let the soil dry out completely before the subsequent watering as cacti are prone to rot in case of constant soaking in water.
As you begin to see signs of new growth and the cutting has developed a strong enough root system, you may gradually increase the frequency of watering. Once the new cactus has matured, you can start treating it like any other big one—meaning, with adapted care based on its needs.
Potting and Repotting Cactus
Potting a Cactus
Selecting the Right Pot: Select a pot that has holes for good drainage at the bottom. Cacti require an extremely well-drained condition, so a pot that allows excess water to drain out is quite important. Terracotta pots are in great demand because they tend to wick away moisture from the soil.
Soil Mix Preparation: Use a specialized cactus potting mix, or you can make it by mixing regular potting soil with plenty of coarse sand and perlite. The mix has to be gritty and must be fast-draining, just like how it is in the natural desert habitat of the cactus.
Prepare the pot: Place a small layer of pea gravel or small stones at the bottom of the pot to give additional drainage. Just to avoid water logging in the soil, this provides some good aeration in general.
Plant the Cactus: Carefully remove your cactus from its nursery container. Be careful of the spines; use leather gloves or tongs to avoid punctures. With the cactus in the center of the pot, fill with the rest of the soil mix, ensuring that the base of the cactus is pressed firmly against the top of the soil—lightly firm to hold the cactus in place.
Watering: After potting, give a light watering. After repotting, the potting mix should be allowed to dry out fully before watering again. The initial watering should be very light in general.
Use a Bigger Pot: For repotting, choose a pot that is only one size bigger than what the cactus is currently in. Your new pot should have holes for drainage and be just a little bigger so it can accommodate the growing root system of your cactus.
Prepare New Soil Mix: Store-bought, fresh, and well-drained cactus potting mix will mostly do just fine. If the new pot is going to be significantly larger in dimension than the old pot, be careful to add sand and perlite to the soil mix to ensure good drainage.
Remove the Cactus: Take the cactus out of the current container, carefully. If your cactus is stuck inside the pot, you might need to tap the sides of the pot or use a knife to loosen the edges.
Inspect the Roots: Cut off roots showing rot or any signs of disease with a clean pair of scissors or sharp pruning shears. Healthy roots are usually firm and white.
Plant in the Fresh Pot: Spread a thin layer of gravel or stone at the base of the fresh pot. Fill in a small amount of this cactus-prepared soil mix in the fresh pot. Then set the cactus in the center of the fresh pot and replace it with the remaining prepared soil mix.
Types of Cactus
Despite being full of thorns, cactus have somehow made their way to the gardens and even indoors. We have listed some most popularly grown cactus all across the world.
It is certainly one of the most iconic cacti, with its towering, tree-like structure and branching arms, and it is instantly evocative of the American Southwest and its desert landscapes.
Although it is normally cultivated outdoors, where there may be enough space for it to reach its full size, it is still a very popular plant among those who have space for its grand dimensions.
Christmas Cactus
One of the more popular house plants and, specifically, those flowering during the winter holiday season. The color of the otherwise cold winter months is provided by segmented stems with very colorful, tubular flowers. Unlike most desert cacti, this cactus prefers bright, indirect light and additional humidity.
Prickly Pear
The most distinctive features of prickly pear cacti are their flat, paddle-shaped pads and beautiful, fleshy flowers in bright shades of color. Versatile and often cultivated for gardens and landscapes, especially in dry regions the majority of prickly pear varieties have edible pads and fruits, used in many food preparations.
Barrel Cactus
One of the most popular and cultivated for desert gardens, as well as for ornamental purposes, is the barrel cactus. It has a unique shape, with a round, fluted body and long, sharp spines.
This cactus creates dramatic structure and interest in landscapes, with little maintenance required.
