Gardening experts offer their best tips for thriving succulents.
If youre looking for low-maintenance and striking greenery, you could learn how to grow cactus plants.
Theyve become popular for accentuating homes and gardens without much maintenance.
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Cacti are succulents, which means they have thick, fleshy parts for storing water.
Most cactus species do not have true leaves but instead have spines, which are highly modified leaves.
Prickly pears produceedible fruitsperfect for jellies, jams, and juices.
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The prickly pear is also used for nopales, a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
Peyote was traditionally used for medicinal and spiritual purposes among Native Americans.
The cactus includes mescaline, which causes it to have a hallucinogenic effect on people.
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Caring for Cactus Plants
Cactus are generallylow-maintenance plants, requiring little water to survive.
“Cacti are an excellent choice for indoor gardens.
Most cacti grow vertically and take up little space outside their pots,” she says.
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Read on for more factors you should consider for your succulent.
Water
Cacti can be damaged by keeping the soil too moist.
Cacti thrive in dry soil that drains well.
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Too much moisture can cause root rot, causing decay and even death of the plant.
Root rot is a common issue that beginners struggle with, Worley says.
Watch for a mushy consistency in your cacti, which means theyrebeing overwatered.
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Most people kill cacti just by watering them incorrectly, Worley says.
The general rule is to allow the growing medium to dry out completely between thorough waterings.
I recommend watering based on the soil moisture rather than a set schedule.
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These succulents need porous, fast-draining soil, as wet roots can easily rot, Worley says.
Sunlight
Cactus plants thrive with plenty of sunlight.
They need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, Worley says.
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South-facing windows or grow lights work well for indoor cactus plants.
When caring for your cactus plants, keep in mind their native desert conditions.
Thesepestscan be removed by hand or with a pesticide.
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Less common problems that cacti may encounter include spider mites and fungus gnats.
Here’s how to do each.
Seeds are inexpensive, and there are generally more varieties available in seed form than in ready-to-go plant form.
Growing cactus from seed takes more time and patience than propagating.
To grow a cactus from seed, you first need to stratify the seeds.
That basically means you allow them to crack open before putting them into soil.
To do this, put them in moist peat in a pot and refrigerate them until they crack.
This process takes about 4 to 6 weeks, so keep that in mind when you’re planning.
In approximately six months, you could transfer the cactus to its own pot or outdoor location.
Cut the pup or the leaf cutting from the main plant using sharp shears or a sharp blade.
Leave the cutting out for a few days so it forms a callus on the cut end.
Fill a pot with potting mix.
Place the plant in bright, indirect sunlight, but don’t water it at this point.
Too much water can cause root rot to form on the roots of a cutting.
Instead, mist it with a spray bottle frequently.
It should root within 4 to 6 weeks.
However, removing any dead parts is crucial to keeping your plant healthy.
you could also prune taller cacti if they start getting too leggy.
Otherwise, you should leave your cactus alone, as it’ll grow better root-bound.
When repotting your cactus, wear gloves to avoid injury.
Start by filling the bottom of your new container with a fast-draining cactus potting mix.
Once it’s loose, lift the plant out of the container and transfer it to the new one.
Cover the roots completely with potting mix, and add just a splash of water.
Popular Cactus Species
A wide range of cacti can flourish in indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cacti generally grow taller outdoors but can also thrive inside with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
These popular cactus species make exotic statement pieces and are low-maintenance.
They grow very slowly but can reach an immense size of over 8 feet when cared for properly.
Barrel cactus varieties come from southwest North America.
Pencil Cactus
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The pencil cactus is another favorite for indoor spaces.
Pencil cactus plants can grow to over 9 feet tall.
These cacti are popular for indoor spaces as they usually top out at two feet tall.
The angel wings cactus features evenly spaced clusters and fleshy parts, including edible fruit.
The plant originates in the rainforest and does well with some moisture and cool conditions.
The cactus has many fleshy pads and a bluish-green color.
This cactus can handle cooler temperatures but prefers the dry regions in higher altitudes.
The claret cup cactus is common in landscaped areas in regions over 2,500 feet above sea level.
This is the Eastern prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa).
This cactus has broad, flat paddles and features bright yellow flowers that bloom in early summer.
This cold-hardy cactus is native to the Great Plains regions and can tolerate cold winters, Ohler says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cacti can live anywhere from a few months to hundreds of years.
The lifespan of a cactus largely depends on its growing conditions.
Indoor cacti have an average lifespan of 10 years.
A lot of cactus plants bloom, but not all.
Whether or not your cactus blooms depends on the jot down and the blooming season.
Some cactus plants bloom in the spring, some in the summer, and some in the winter.
As a general rule, you should not mist your cactus with water.
Misting can also cause leaf rot, fungal infections, dehydration, and stem rot.
Also, remember that some cacti have sharp spines or barbs and can cause injury to pets.
Pruning Cacti And Other Desert Succulents| Extension | University of Nevada, Reno.
Extension | University of Nevada, Reno.
Pertuit A.Indoor Cacti.Home & Garden Information Center | Clemson University, South Carolina.
Cactus Care Guide| University of Iowa Energy Collaborative.
