How to care for cacti
The sunny, south facing window sill in our new kitchen has turned out to be the perfect spot for houseplants, so I’ve recently added a few more cacti to my collection.
Although I can’t claim to be a horticultural expert I do have an entire shelf full of books on the subject that I dip into from time to time.
Here’s what I’ve learnt about how to care for them.
1. Place them in a sunny spot
As desert plants cacti need as much sun as possible, especially if you want to encourage them to flower. Keep them away from shady corners. A south facing window sill is ideal. Open windows during the summer months to allow them plenty of fresh air, or pop them outside on the patio. During their winter rest period when they are not growing 50º to 55ºF is ideal but they will manage at 40ºF.
2. Water them regularly during the summer months
They will need fairly regular watering from Spring onwards and will benefit from occasional feeding with a liquid fertiliser. I use this one. Water them thoroughly when the compost begins to dry out during the summer. Most cacti require little or no over winter watering from November to February. The general rule of thumb is summer care and winter neglect, although jungle cacti varieties may need some water and feeding during the winter months.
3. Keep them well drained
Plant your cacti in soil that will drain easily. Add horticultural sand, grit or perlite to aid drainage if necessary and avoid peat based compost. You can also add a top dressing of grit to help the water penetrate more quickly.
4. Don’t give them too much space
Keeping the cactus slightly pot bound will help to stimulate flowering, so if you are repotting them choose a pot which is only slightly larger than the one you are transplanting it from.
5. Don’t assume that all types of cacti have the same care needs
Jungle cacti like Rhipsalis grow naturally in rain forests rather than deserts, so they require slightly more water. They don’t like to sit in standing water though. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, but not to the point where it becomes becomes bone dry, and give them an occasional misting. They will also benefit from a loose textured soil mix – try adding some orchid bark.
I’d love to know how you keep your cacti happy. Share your tips in the comments below.
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Green glazed pots & plant mister – Arket | Grey concrete look pot – Hay | Cream stoneware pot – H&M | All other pots vintage | Tap – Abode | Worktops – Caesarstone
