While not all succulents are cacti, all cacti are succulents. As such, looking after a cactus bears many similarities to how you would take care of a succulent. Loved for their distinctive look and diminutive size, cacti and their siblings are largely prized for their durable and hardy nature when it comes to taking care of them. But, if someone told you that its impossible to kill one, they were wrong.
While succulents are definitely more tenacious than many other plants that make their way into our homes, there’s still several important steps to take to ensure that they thrive under your care. We asked Horticulture Consultant to Yates, Angie Thomas, to put together a helpful guide on how to care for our spiky friends.
Give your cacti the right amount of sunlight
There are many myths around how much sunlight a cactus should have each day. Some cacti are suited to morning sun and afternoon shade, others will tolerate full sun all day. When you purchase your cactus, be sure to check its plant tag or do a bit of research for guidance on the amount of sun your new cactus likes, and monitor your plant for signs of sun stress. Even cacti can get sunburnt!
Don’t forget to feed your cacti
Feeding your cacti is an important part of promoting healthy growth. Choose a complete plant food that contains a balanced blend of nutrients and apply around the soil or potting mix.
Maintain the right moisture levels
Many cacti are adapted to desert environments and will survive on minimal water. However, a correctly watered cactus will look much healthier. Give pots a fortnightly soak during the warmer months to keep them hydrated.
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Indoor loving
Some cacti will grow happily indoors, if given a very brightly lit spot. Hedgehog, ball and San Pedro cacti are all good choices for inside. Watch out for the spines!
Let it drain
Good drainage is key to keeping your cacti healthy. Ensure your desired pot has adequate drainage holes, otherwise your pot can turn into a cacti bath!
Choose the correct potting mix
The potting mix you use for cacti must be porous and free draining. Cacti don’t like wet feet! Choose a specially designed cacti and succulent mix when planting cacti into pots.
