Garden Tips for Cactus

If you plan on keeping your plant(s) in your home this Winter, choose a bright, sunny location that is well protected from the heat of the day and ventilated with moving air. A south or west-facing window works fine during Winter’s short days, but in the late Spring and Summer, it would be too hot and scorch the plant’s leaves. East exposure is also fine. In the Winter, even cacti and succulents need to rest a bit, and can’t take blistering sun in the dormancy. If the plants become brown and shriveled, they’re getting too much sun: move them to a more shady location. If they develop pale and elongated growth, they’re not getting enough sun: move them to a sunnier location. That’s simple enough.

The growing season for all cacti and succulents is roughly March through September—again, depending upon the weather. Water thoroughly every 2 weeks during this season. During the non-growing season, water every 4–5 weeks. This will help compensate for rainy days. Best to give them a good drink and let them dry out between waterings.

Put a saucer under the pot. Fill the pot from the top with water. Let the saucer fill below as water runs out the drain holes. Then walk away for two or three hours. When you return, all the water in the saucer will be gone: the soil acts as a wick and takes up the initial excess.

Schultz’s Cactus Food is recommended for fertilizing. Stay away from products which promise “miracle growth”. Anything as phony as this stuff is with the word ‘miracle’ in the name is too high in nitrogen, and is a waste of your money.

When re-potting newly acquired plants, use a slightly damp soil mix. Tamp down by hand, but do not water-in. A quality nursery or garden center has cactus soil mix in 1lb bags that you can purchase. Or you can make your own. Peter’s all-purpose potting mix is good to start with, then add 25% perlite and 25% builders sand for drainage.

Remember that cactus are some of the most hardy and toughest plants anywhere on earth, as long as they’re not over-watered or kept in a dimly-lit place.