Cacti, with their unique shapes and resilience, bring a touch of the desert into your indoor garden. Whether you're a seasoned succulent enthusiast or a beginner in the world of cacti, keeping these hardy beauties is easy!
THE SCIENCE
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: so many!
Commonly: lots!
THE BASICS
WATER
Cacti have adapted to survive in arid environments and prefer very infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely (and then some!) between waterings.
Did you know? During colder months, you can “winter over” your cacti by reducing watering (or stopping completely) to mimic dormancy and retain energy.
LIGHT
Cacti thrive in bright, direct sunlight. Place them near a south or west-facing window where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day 🌞
HUMIDITY & TEMP
Warm temperatures would be best during the growing season, ranging from 70-90°F. They can tolerate cooler temperatures during winter dormancy, down to around 50°F.
THE NITTY GRITTY
SOIL
A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite provides the ideal growing medium. Avoid heavy, water-retentive soils, as they can lead to rot.
Repot every 3-4 years to refresh nutrients and give your plant room to grow.
FERTILIZING
Cacti are not heavy feeders and prefer to be fed sparingly during the growing season. You can skip fertilization in the fall and winter!
PESTS
They are generally resilient against pests but occasional checks are still crucial, especially in spiny, bumpy varieties where pests like mealy bugs and spider mites can hide.
