Last updated on December 7th, 2024 at 06:41 am
10 answers to your questions about growing and caring for Cacti
Cacti are often used as indoor plants because they are easy to care for and look quite interesting, fitting harmoniously into almost any interior.
How should cacti be watered?
In the winter season, cacti do not need moisture for 3 months, but if the plant is located above a heating radiator, it is advisable to water it at least once every 30 days. In summer, the soil in the pot should be allowed to dry out, which will prevent the roots from rotting.
Increasing the frequency of watering allows you to accelerate growth, but if you do not follow the measure, you can destroy the plant. It is not recommended to water cacti more than once a month in summer. But the main criterion is not a specific frequency and regularity, but whether the earth has dried out enough. Loosen the soil in the pot a little to see if there is any moisture left at the bottom. If the soil below is wet, then it is too early to re-water.
There are also special devices that allow you to determine without unnecessary actions whether it is time to moisten the cactus. The water level indicator will show when the humidity in the pot has reached the minimum level, and if an automated system is connected to it, then you don’t even need to fill the container yourself and pour its contents to where the plant is placed.
There is no need to spray water on the cactus even if the air in the room is very dry. But in winter, instead of watering, you can use the spraying method, because these plants can absorb moisture with their skin, while the soil will remain dry. Please note that rainwater or purified water should be used for spraying, as normal tap water may cause limescale deposits to form on it.
How do cacti respond to warmth and light conditions?
Almost all cacti are undemanding in terms of lighting. They can be kept not only in a place where there is a lot of sunlight every day, but also in the shade. Some species, such as Echinocactus Gruzoni, are adapted to life in the sunniest, desert regions. Their spines are a reliable filter against ultraviolet radiation. In other members of the family, small hairs perform a similar function. Still, most of these plants need at least 5 hours of sunlight a day, so they are often placed on the windowsill in front of an east-facing window.
Typically, cacti species that are kept in low light conditions also use less water. Accordingly, they are more susceptible to rotting. Varieties grown in the Netherlands enjoy impressive popularity on the market. Please note that they are extremely sensitive to temperature. After frost they usually die. The minimum permissible temperature for them in the daytime is +15° C, and at night – +1° C.
How do cacti thrive in various light conditions, and what temperature considerations are crucial for their well-being?
Due to their thorns and general fragility, these plants are difficult to transplant. Therefore, it is recommended to perform this procedure only in the most extreme cases, for example, if the individual has grown and feels cramped in the pot, or when oxidation of the soil is observed. Be sure to wear gloves before transplanting to protect your hands from injury.
Additionally, you can wrap the plant with cardboard or newspaper. Species with very powerful spines can be carefully lifted by first throwing a towel over them. The useful volume of the new pot should be at least 20% larger than the previous one. Make sure there is enough soil in it. Large cacti tolerate transplants much easier than small ones.
How should fertilizers be applied to cacti to avoid rotting?
These plants develop extremely slowly, so they do not need to consume large amounts of micronutrients. They do not need to be fed in autumn and winter. In spring and summer, it is recommended to add a cactus fertilizer to the water every fourth watering. There is a liquid nutrient mixture designed specifically for cacti. Strictly follow the dosage indicated on the package to prevent rotting.
How to safely remove small winter leaves from cacti without causing harm?
Some varieties, such as Euphorbia, for example, are distinguished by the fact that small leaves grow on their thorns in winter. Over time, they die but remain hanging on the body for a long time without falling off. They can be carefully assembled with your fingers or using special tools. The main thing is to do everything so as not to damage the plant. You should not try to remove them before they die, as this can lead to the formation of small wounds on the cactus, from which organic liquid will then leak. This can lead to disease or even death of the plant.
How to safely prune overgrown cacti and ensure proper healing?
When an individual grows so much that it begins to interfere, you need to remove some of its branches. To do this, you should use only a well-sharpened knife. Please note that when you start cutting it, a so-called “bleed” will form. After removing the branch, take ashes – cigarette or wood and generously cover the cut area with it.
Please note that the juice of some species is highly poisonous. Therefore, do not let it get into your eyes, mucous membranes or small wounds on your hands. After the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly. After a few days, the damage in the plant structure will completely heal.
How to manage the flowering period of cacti?
The time at which flowers form depends on the type of cactus. If this happens to an individual in the spring, then it is better to plant it in a well-lit, warm place and water it regularly. In winter, on the contrary, it is recommended to keep the pot in a cool room with an air temperature of +10° C to +12° C and not water it for about 3 months. Many species have beautiful flowers, and some die during flowering if optimal conditions are not provided.
How to determine and handle the toxicity of cacti?
There are many poisonous cacti, but there are also edible ones. Before purchasing a plant, consult with experts to ensure that it is not potentially harmful to you, your family, or your pets. Some species are so toxic that once their spines penetrate human skin, it leads to irritation, inflammation, or even poisoning. In such situations, you should immediately remove the thorn from the wound, wash it, and then immediately seek help from a medical facility.
How to manage common cactus diseases and insect pests?
The most common problem faced by cactus owners is the formation of mold if the air humidity in the room where the plant is kept is too high. When a plant weakens or becomes sick, it may become infected with an insect pest: spider mites or mealybugs.
To get rid of them, you can spray the surface of the plant with a healing chemical composition, and then rinse with a strong stream of water. The pressure power should be selected carefully to prevent damage to organic tissues.
What are some new popular types of cacti, to grow today?
Polaskia Chichipe is a stunning looking plant with a strong large trunk and massive branches with sharp thorns. This cactus catches your eye from afar. It is quite difficult to get it, since it is extremely in demand on the market and this is the very case when demand greatly exceeds supply.
Echinocactus Gruzoni or, as it is also called, “mother-in-law’s chair.” It is a large spherical species with a slightly flat top. It is strewn with long and sharp thorns over its entire surface, so it is not recommended for anyone to sit on it, even the most unfriendly mothers-in-law.
Trichocereus is a plant that looks like a long and sharp spear pointing upward. This representative of cacti almost never has branches. As he grows older, he only increases in height. It has a soft, fragile body with a large number of spines.
Another popular plant in this category is Pachycereus Pringle. This may be one of the thinnest cacti in the world. It grows strictly straight and its body is densely strewn with amazingly sharp needles. Like the previous species, it can reach large sizes in height. At the same time, its long needles open beautifully, like a flower bud.
Astrophytum is one of the most common cacti in everyday life, but no less beautiful. This plant is native to Mexico and South America. Its name is derived from words translated into Russian as “star” and “vegetable”. Most varieties of this cactus have a rounded trunk with ribs, which can be either strongly or weakly expressed. The trunk has a brown-green color with many light spots.
Many representatives of the species do not have needles, which makes caring for them more convenient and safe. In summer, astrophytum blooms – large single flowers are formed in the uppermost segment of the body. They are usually white or egg-yellow in color. Recently, varieties in which the flower is two-colored, with the inner part having a strong orange-red hue, have been in increased demand.
Moon Cactus is similar to other Gymnocalycium species, the Moon Cactus requires abundant light, emphasizing the importance of bright conditions. However, it’s crucial to consider the varying intensity of direct sunlight throughout the year.
During autumn and winter, supplementing the Moon Cactus with phytolamps becomes essential. In the summer and late spring, caution is advised during midday, as direct sunlight in the brightest and hottest weather may lead to burns.
BIO; “I am Robert, a dedicated gardening enthusiast, and a certified horticulturist. My profound passion for plant care has led me to share my expertise and knowledge through this blog. With years of hands-on experience, I am committed to providing you with expert tips, practical advice, and valuable insights to help your plants thrive. Let’s embark on a journey together to create flourishing green spaces that bring joy and serenity to our lives.” Visit his website
