Cacti are hardy, slow-growing plants that can tolerate heat.
Don’t stress too much as they are forgiving, drought-tolerant plants. Although pokey and prickly, they make for great houseplants. They are structurally intriguing and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, adding an exotic edge to your collection. Low-maintenance is the name of the game when it comes to cactus care. These are the basics you need to know when caring for your cactus.
Water
During the growing season, a cactus should be watered thoroughly and allowed to completely dry out between waterings. The easiest way to check for soil moisture is to extend a slender object to the bottom of the soil and check for any damp soil clinging to it as it is removed. During the winter, a cactus should be watered no more than every few weeks. The amount of watering required and how often a cactus should be watered depends on the species and growing conditions.
Light
Cacti are able to tolerate direct sunlight; they should be placed in a window with a southern or western exposure where they will get sunlight for at least a few hours a day.
Temperature
During the summer months, a cactus can tolerate temperatures of up to 100 degrees F during the summer. During the winter, cacti prefer temperatures between 45-55 degrees F. Low temperatures during the dormant season will encourage flower growth in mature cacti.
Soil + Fertilizer
Cacti mature well in rich soil that is free-draining. Espoma Organic Cactus Mix is ideal for a variety of cacti, or you can make your own by combining one part potting soil to one part coarse sand or grit. Fertilizer such as Schultz Cactus Plus can be added as part of every other watering during the summer. A low-nitrogen mixture of house plant fertilizer such as a 5-10-5 or 0-10-10 will also work as long as it is diluted by half. In the winter, it is recommended that the frequency and concentration of fertilizer be reduced.
