- Choosing the perfect location and soil
- Water and fertilize properly
- Hibernation and rest period
- How about repotting?
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Cacti are considered extremely hardy and easy to care for plants that many of us plant in the house or even in the garden. Although that should be true on the whole, the right cactus care is definitely an important factor for the well-being of the prickly succulents. This article is therefore about what you should consider when it comes to location and soil, watering and fertilizing as well as when repotting.
If the cacti care is right, you can definitely see it
Choosing the perfect location and soil
In principle, cacti like it rather bright and warm, but in most cases direct midday sun gives them trouble. Many of the species are even very sensitive to strong sunlight and can even get sunburned under certain circumstances. A rule of thumb says: the lighter green and the older the plant, the more light it can tolerate.
It is very important when caring for cacti to protect the plants from drafts, because they do not tolerate them at all. Therefore, you should be careful when choosing the location and find rather quiet places for your cacti. Window sills are basically suitable, but you should be careful with the hot air from the heater if it is underneath. It can dry out the substrate too quickly and too intensively. The same applies to underfloor heating if the cacti stand directly on it. In such cases, it would be appropriate to place an insulating wooden base under the planters.
Creating a mini garden with cacti on the windowsill
The ideal substrate is a mixture of humus-rich potting soil, sand and clay granules. However, you can always use commercially available cactus soil and mix it with some sand or tiny pebbles if you wish. The main thing is that the substrate is optimally permeable and prevents the accumulation of excessive water.
Water and fertilize properly
It's not for nothing that cactus soil is supposed to prevent water from accumulating, because the last thing prickly plants like is waterlogging. This can have a fatal effect on their root balls and lead to rot. Therefore, you should generally be economical with watering. In spring and summer, once a week should be sufficient. Water penetratingly or immerse the cacti in low-lime water. In this way, the substrate is evenly moistened and can dry out completely before it is watered again. In winter, however, only once a month is enough to water. With some cactus species, the water supply can even be completely stopped.
Water your cacti with lots of love and care!
It is similar with fertilizing. You shouldn't fertilize the cacti in winter, but from May to September they still need a bit of cactus fertilizer, especially if you want beautiful flowers.
Hibernation and rest period
Depending on the type of cactus, the conditions for designing a perfect hibernation differ. Because some cacti can thrive well in winter at the same temperatures as in summer. But others need lower temperatures, between 4 and 12 degrees. A stairwell, the guest room or the conservatory are therefore perfect as a cozy winter quarters for your cacti. As already mentioned above, you should completely stop the supply of water and fertilizer in winter.
Important: Not all cactus species rest during the winter months. Some, such as the Christmas cactus, already have them in August.
Secure your plants the best conditions for the perfect overwintering
How about repotting?
Cacti usually grow very slowly. That's why you don't need to repot them too often. This usually happens once every three or four years. You notice when the right time has come, when the flower pot has simply become too small for the plant. It is also possible that the cactus roots have grown out of the drainage holes. The repotting itself is in principle similar to other plants. The only difference here are the spikes. You must not underestimate these. On the one hand you should protect them from breaking off, but on the other hand you should also think about your own fingers. Therefore, use special cactus gloves and tongs, especially for larger, prickly specimens. Alternatively, you can also use styrofoam plates and newspaper. When repotting, be careful not to damage the delicate roots.
Large cacti cut a fine figure in any room
Check out all our tips for the right cacti care again and provide your prickly darlings with everything they need. Then in most cases they will even form flowers and become real eye-catchers.
Cacti and succulents look particularly chic when arranged nicely on the windowsill
The matching flower pots are just as important for the stylish look
Cacti also do well outside in the garden
The Christmas cactus rests in August and blooms in winter
With the right cacti care, your plants will soon bloom too
