A mini Cactus

How to Care for Cactus Houseplants

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Table of Contents

THE SCIENCE THE BASICS THE NITTY GRITTY OTHER DEETS

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.

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