Cacti are very elegant and unique plants that beautify every home, regardless of the style and other plants with which they share space. You can find them in all shapes and colors, so they fit very easily. Although their natural habitat is deserts, cacti are very successfully grown in almost all parts of the world. Although they are very resistant and can be grown indoors, they still require certain care that is tailored to them and that ensures that they stay healthy and beautiful for a long time. Here are four tips and tricks to make your indoor cactus healthy.
1. Choose the potting mix that best suits your cactus
When you buy a cactus the first thing you need to inquire about is what kind it is exactly. Why is this important? Because different types of cacti thrive in different conditions. Some of them prefer sand and air of extremely low humidity, while others thrive in tropical forests and prefer moisture. If you are not familiar with what conditions your cactus requires, it is likely that it will not last long in your home. Once you have gathered this information, select the appropriate potting mix.
When it comes to desert cactus, it is a good idea to choose a potting mix that dries quickly, because such conditions will best suit these species. If you can’t find this potting mix, you can also use regular ones, just add substances that speed up its drying. In the cactus store, you can inquire about the best type of soil for your cactus. The forest cactus does not require any special conditions for its maintenance, so the use of a regular potting mix is quite sufficient. These plants do not grow quickly, so it is usually enough to report once a year.
2. Provide sun to the cactus, but do not allow it to burn
For most people, the first association with a cactus is warm weather and lots of sun! That is why you will want to provide a lot of light and heat to your cactus. If you keep it in the house, you can use artificial lamps to ensure that it gets enough light. During the summer, feel free to take them out on the terrace next to other plants to soak up enough sunlight and have perfect conditions for them to grow.
However, do not think that cacti cannot burn, because that is far from the truth! This usually happens when the cacti are placed directly next to the window through which strong sun rays pass, and the glass additionally strengthens them. If you notice that your cactus and starting to change its color to brown, it is time to remove it from there and partially shield it from the sun until it recovers and regains its natural color and vitality.
3. Water it regularly
Cacti belong to the family of succulents – plants that are known to have thick, succulent leaves in which they store water. Click here to check out some amazing, beautiful cacti and succulents that can add some extra harmony to your home. Due to the moisture, they store in their parts, these plants can survive in extremely warm areas, such as deserts, without drying out. However, when talking about growing cacti in your home, it is important to keep in mind that you need to water them regularly. The amount of water will vary depending on the type of cactus, but it is definitely necessary to have a watering schedule and adhere to it in order to preserve the health of your plant.
Cacti require regular watering in the summer months because that is when they grow and develop. During this period, it is necessary to water them once a week, and sometimes even more often, depending on whether it is a desert or forest cactus. The best way to understand whether your cactus is lacking in water is to look at the surface layer of the soil. If it is dry, it is time to add a little water to your cactus, and the same goes when the cactus starts to turn yellow. During the winter, avoid frequent watering of the cactus because then it does not need that much water, and excessive moisture can lead to rot of the plant.
4. Consider using fertilizers
If you want your cactus to grow and thrive as much as possible, it is a good idea to consider introducing fertilizer. During the growing season, which is the case for most species during spring and summer, they need the maximum amount of nutrients. If you do not get it through the soil, you can introduce a small amount of fertilizer every time during the watering of the plant. You can find fertilizers on the market that are specially designed for cacti and that already contain everything they need.
The fertilizer should have a higher amount of phosphorus and a lower amount of nitrogen because this will contribute to the best possible appearance of the plant. If you do not know when it is time to introduce fertilizer, it is best to monitor your cactus. When you notice that it has started to grow, provide it with additional nutrients and help it progress as much as possible. When the winter months come, remove the fertilizer so that the cactus can rest, and then continue next season.
Conclusion
Succulents and cacti are very unusual and beautiful plants that fit into any home, make it more beautiful, and give a special atmosphere to any space. Cacti are very resistant plants and can thrive even when you grow them indoors, but it is necessary to take all necessary measures to preserve and improve the health of your plant. Choose a potting mix that will suit the type of cactus, expose it to the sun, but be careful not to burn it. Water it regularly, but do not overdo it, because excess water can lead to rot. Finally, consider using fertilizer to provide all the necessary nutrients to the cactus and make it healthy and beautiful for a long time.
