How to Care for Cactus Houseplants
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Table of Contents
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
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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.
- Check out Pests 101 for more info!
