SAS Interiors
  • Nederlands
No Result
View All Result
  • Houseplants
    • Houseplants
    • Propagation
  • Home interior design
  • Garden & Gardening
    • Garden & Gardening
    • Outdoor plants
    • Outdoor furniture
  • About us
  • Contact
SAS Interiors
No Result
View All Result

How to care for a Cactus

by Danique
9 November 2020
in Houseplant care, Houseplants, Plant care

Cactus (plural: cacti, scientific name: Cactaceae) is a succulent plant from the plant family Cactaceae whose name is derived from a Greek word, kaktos, which means spiky plant. It has 127 genera and 1750 species. Cacti are mostly found in water-scarce conditions, ensuring they can survive in homes with warm environments.

Cacti are graceful and stylish plants with distinct shapes and color variations. Mini-cactus plants are a good fit for tailoring contrasting home decor. Cacti handling is tricky initially, but it isn’t demanding as they quickly adapt to conditions unless they’re set-up in a freezing area.

Sunlight

Cactus requires bright and direct sunlight for ideal and sustained growth. These are generous to medium to high-intensity light. One has to be cautious while placing them indoors, before a window, as the window-glass magnifies and concentrates heat. This will result in the death of the plant. 

Watering

This is a critical aspect as we’re told that cacti don’t require too much water. Contrary to that, they need regular watering once per week. Water is essential for the growth of cactus, but excessive watering can rot the plant. During the winter season, watering should be halted as it becomes dormant.

Temperature

The optimum temperature ranges from 5°C-32°C as cacti vary in general and species. A species of cacti Rebutia minuscula can endure even -9°C. Therefore, any temperature of a warm spot is ideal for prime growth unless too harsh.

Age and Flowering

Cactus live for 100 years outdoors, but their life indoors gets reduced to 10 years. They usually get messy and less appealing outside over time as they keep the scratches as long as they live. If kept properly, many cacti bloom and produce bright flowers in the summer months.

Humidity

House Plants Expert advise that cacti, due to their thick fleshy leaves, can sustain and survive below 30% humidity. To keep it from rotting, the soil should be evenly moist instead of overly wet or dry. 

Plant Nutrition

A 10-10-10 fertilizer is best for cactus nutrition. This fertilizer contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphate, and 10% of potash. Little doses should be fed with each watering in summer and cut-off in winter months. This even helps them flower.

Toxicity

Experts at Cactusway suggest that spikes of cactus are not poisonous, but they might contain fungi or bacteria on their tips, making the human-body prone to infections in the body if they are lodged into the skin. Moreover, spikes can also distort body tissues or muscles, causing injury. If someone is planning on eating them, consultation with a doctor should be obliged. 

Air-purifying

Succulents are an excellent source of oxygen production. Similarly, the cactus improves air-quality as it produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide all through the night. It reduces radiations and bacteria, thus impeding air-pollution. 

Repotting

BBC UK advises that cactus should be repotted as roots begin to appear at the drainage holes (preferred pot). As a rule of thumb, the fast-growing species should be repotted every 2-3 years. Whereas the slow-growing species after every 3-4 years. Cactus enjoy active growth in the spring months and, therefore, be repotted in these months.

Additional Care

Broadly, the cactus is a plant that needs little attention. The lesser you do, the better it is. It will flourish once it’s set.

  • Good air circulation
  • Well-kept drainable pot
  • Sparingly watering
  • Adequate fertilizer dosage
  • Appropriate usage of pesticides and fungicides
  • Handling with gloves

Common Issues

There could be several issues that could range from pests-attack to root-rotting and softening of the plant. Too much or too little light and water factors can further contribute to issues.

Diseases

If not kept supervised, cactus can catch several diseases, including:

  • Cactus Anthracnose
  • Charcoal Spot
  • Dry Rot
  • Scorch or Sunscald
  • Cotton Root Rot
  • Soft Rot
  • Nematodes
  • Fungal Diseases
  • Stem Rot of Cacti

Final Thoughts

Now you’re ready to adopt any of the mini-cactus plants at home for decorative or health purposes. Cactus is super easy to look after and appears like a beautiful living sculpture. It adds an aura to every room it’s in and is an artistic piece on its own.

Related Posts

Grow lighting for indoor plants: how to choose?
Houseplants

Grow lighting for indoor plants: how to choose?

24 March 2022

Grow lighting for plants, you may already be familiar with it, but using the lighting itself is probably a different...

The 6 most beautiful large houseplants
Home interior design

The 6 most beautiful large houseplants

9 January 2022

1. Strelitzia A real jungle plant with very large leaves. The bigger the plant, the bigger the leaves. The leaves...

Propagation Palm plant
Plant care

Propagation Palm plant

18 August 2021

Palm plants are very easy by nature. Take an example from the Kentia palm. This plant belongs to the Araceae....

5 indoor shade plants
Home interior design

5 indoor shade plants

14 August 2021

Als je een woonkamer gaat inrichten is één van de belangrijkste aspecten de sfeer. Je wilt natuurlijk dat jouw huis...

How to care for Prayer plant (Maranta)
Houseplant care

How to care for Prayer plant (Maranta)

7 August 2021

Some of the most beautiful, profound plants you will find are prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura). These plants, native to the...

How to care for Peperomia
Houseplant care

How to care for Peperomia

6 August 2021

Peperomia is an attractive option for someone who is a first-time plant enthusiast. Also known as the radiator plant and...

Next Post
How to care for an Anthurium plant?

How to care for an Anthurium plant?

How to care for Calathea

How to care for Bromeliad Plants

How to care for Bromeliad Plants

SAS Interiors

SAS Interiors is a home inspiration blog with an overdose of green. We love plants! At SAS Interiors you will find useful tips and inspiration for home, (business) interiors, plants and gardening. Do you share this passion as well? There is always room for extra knowledge on our blog.
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Blogs

© 2022 - SAS Interiors

No Result
View All Result
  • Houseplants
    • Houseplants
    • Propagation
  • Home interior design
  • Garden & Gardening
    • Garden & Gardening
    • Outdoor plants
    • Outdoor furniture
  • About us
  • Nederlands

© 2022 - SAS Interiors