How to Grow Cactus: Easy Tips for Newbies

Growing a cactus can be a fun and rewarding project. These unique plants are tough and easy to care for, making them great for beginners. You don’t need a green thumb to keep a cactus happy and healthy.

To grow a cactus, start by planting it in well-draining soil and placing it in a sunny spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of light daily. Water your cactus every 10-14 days during spring and summer, and every 3-4 weeks during fall and winter. Be careful not to overwater. Cacti prefer dry conditions. If you’re growing from seeds, spread them on top of moist soil and don’t bury them.

Cacti come in many shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your space and style. Some even bloom with beautiful flowers, adding a pop of color to your home or garden. With the right care, your cactus can thrive for years to come.

Why Grow Cacti?

Cacti make great houseplants that add a unique touch to any space. They come in many shapes and sizes, and are super easy to take care of.

Low Maintenance Houseplants

Cacti are perfect if you’re busy or forgetful about watering plants. They don’t need much water or attention to thrive. Their ability to store water allows them to withstand periods of drought, but they still require proper care, including adequate sunlight and occasional watering, to flourish.

Cacti grow slowly, so you won’t need to repot them often. They also don’t need much fertilizer. This makes them ideal for beginners or anyone who wants low-fuss plants.

Most cacti like bright light, but some can handle lower light spots in your home. They’re tough plants that can adapt to different conditions.

Striking Variety and Beauty

Cacti come in tons of cool shapes and sizes. You can find tiny round ones, tall columns, or weird-looking ones that almost look fake. Some have colorful flowers that can bloom multiple times during their flowering season, which typically occurs in spring or summer.

You can create eye-catching displays by grouping different types of cacti together. Mix and match shapes, sizes, and textures for a mini desert garden in your home.

Some cacti have fun nicknames like “old man cactus” or “bunny ears cactus” based on how they look. Collecting different types can be a fun hobby.

Choosing Your Cactus

Picking the right cactus for your space and needs is key to success. Think about where you’ll put it, how big you want it to grow, and what look you’re going for.

Cactus Varieties

There are tons of cool cactus types to choose from. Some popular ones include:

• Barrel cactus: Round and sturdy
• Saguaro: Tall with arms
• Prickly pear: Flat pads with fruit
• Christmas cactus: Colorful blooms

Each type has its own care needs. Some grow fast, others stay small. Pick one that fits your style and space.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Cacti

You can grow cacti inside or outside. Indoor cacti like bright spots near windows. Good choices are:

• Moon cactus
• Fairy castle cactus
• Old lady cactus

Outdoor cacti need lots of sun and can handle more extreme temps. Try these:

• Golden barrel cactus
• Organ pipe cactus
• Cholla

Remember, outdoor cacti might need protection from harsh weather in some places.

Size Considerations

Think about how big you want your cactus to get. Some stay small, perfect for desks or shelves. Others can grow huge over time.

Small cacti (under 6 inches):

These are excellent for terrariums, small pots, and desk plants. Examples:

• Button Cactus
• Star Cactus
• Thimble Cactus

Medium cacti (6-24 inches):

Suitable for larger pots, patios, and as focal points in gardens. Examples:

• Hedgehog Cactus
• Rat Tail Cactus
• Bishop’s Cap

Large cacti (over 24 inches):

These are best suited for outdoor gardens in suitable climates.

• Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
• Mexican Fence Post (Pachycereus marginatus)
• Totem Pole Cactus (Pachycereus schottii monstrosus)

Pick a size that works for your space. Remember, some grow slowly while others get big fast.

Cactus Planting Essentials

Planting cacti is easy when you know the basics. The right soil and container are key to helping your cactus thrive.

Selecting the Right Soil

Cacti need well-draining soil to grow well. Regular potting soil holds too much water and can make your cactus rot. Instead, use a special cactus soil mix. You can buy it ready-made or make your own.

To make cactus soil, mix:

• 3 parts potting soil
• 3 parts coarse sand
• 2 parts perlite or pumice

This mix lets water flow through quickly. It also gives roots air to breathe. If you’re not sure, it’s better to use soil that’s too dry than too wet.

But, buying all those separate ingredients can be a hassle and leave you with a lot of extra stuff.

For an easier way, try our cactus soil. It has all the right stuff, and we’ve done all the work for you. How about giving our soil a try?

Ideal Containers

Pick a pot with drainage holes. This lets extra water escape. Clay pots are great for cacti. They let water evaporate through the sides.

Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches wider in diameter than your cactus’s root ball. Too much space means the soil stays wet too long. A snug fit is best.

Don’t forget to put a saucer under the pot to catch excess water, emptying it regularly to prevent root rot.

Proper Lighting and Temperature

Cacti need lots of light and can handle a range of warm temperatures, but they are not suited for prolonged exposure to cold conditions. Getting these two things right is key for happy, healthy plants.

Sunlight Needs

Cacti love bright light. Give them at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A sunny window is perfect. South-facing windows work best for cacti, while west-facing windows can also be suitable but are not as optimal. If you don’t have enough natural light, use grow lights. Aim for 2,000 lumens per square foot of growing space.

Some cacti can burn in harsh sun. Watch for signs like yellowing or brown spots. If this happens, move them back a bit or add a sheer curtain.

For baby cacti, provide bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours daily, gradually increasing exposure to direct sunlight as they acclimatize.

Temperature Tolerance

Cacti are tough plants that can handle heat and cold. They generally thrive in temperatures between 70°F (21°C) and 100°F (38°C) during the day and prefer cooler temperatures at night, ideally between 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C).

In summer, they can take high heat, even up to 100°F or more, depending on the species. Just make sure they have enough water.

Certain cacti, particularly those in the Opuntia and Echinocereus genera, can tolerate temperatures well below freezing, with some surviving down to -20°F (-28°C) or even lower. However, the degree of cold tolerance varies significantly between species.

Avoid big temp swings. Don’t put cacti near drafty windows or AC vents. If you move them outside for summer, bring them in before it gets too cold at night.

Watering Your Cactus

Watering is key to keeping your cactus happy. Cacti need less water than other plants, but getting it right is important. Let’s look at how often to water and signs of watering issues.

How Often to Water

Water your indoor cactus every 10-14 days in spring and summer. This is when it grows most. Reduce watering to every 4 to 6 weeks in fall and winter, depending on the specific cactus and environmental conditions.

For outdoor cacti, check the soil first. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. Hot weather might mean weekly watering.

Always water deeply. Let the water drain out the bottom of the pot. This helps the roots grow strong.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer in the growing season for an extra boost.

Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering

Too much water can rot your cactus. Watch for these signs:

• Soft, mushy parts
• Yellow or brown spots
• A bad smell

Not enough water is also bad. Look for:

• Wrinkled or shrunken skin
• Dry, crispy parts
• Slow growth

If you see these signs, adjust your watering. It’s better to underwater than overwater. Cacti can bounce back from being too dry easier than too wet.

Remember, each cactus is different. Pay attention to your plant and you’ll learn its needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Growing cacti can occasionally be tricky depending on the type but it’s rewarding. Here are answers to some common questions about cactus care, from starting seeds to keeping your plants happy indoors and out.

What’s the best way to start a cactus from seeds?

To germinate cactus seeds, start by carefully positioning them on top of a well-draining soil mix. Then, apply a very thin layer of the same soil mix over the seeds. To maintain humidity, seal the planting container within a plastic covering, such as a bag or wrap. Finally, place the container in a spot with ample, but diffused, sunlight and consistent warmth.

Got any tips for growing cacti indoors without killing them?

Indoor cacti need lots of light. Put them near a sunny window. Don’t overwater, that’s the biggest killer of indoor cacti.

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Use a pot with drainage holes and cactus-specific soil.

How often does a cactus really need watering?

Cacti might need watering every 1-2 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), but every 4-6 weeks during dormancy (fall and winter).

Is propagating a cactus from cuttings as easy as it sounds?

Propagating cacti from cuttings is pretty simple. Cut a piece of the cactus and let the cut end dry for a few days.

Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus, then plant it in well-draining soil that is not overly wet. Avoid watering the cactus for 4-8 weeks until you observe the first signs of root development.

Can cacti thrive outside and, if so, how do you make that happen?

Cacti thrive in environments that mimic their natural desert habitats. For those residing in regions characterized by extended periods of intense heat and sunlight, outdoor placement in a sun-drenched location is ideal. Conversely, in areas with milder temperatures, or when cultivating cacti indoors, positioning them adjacent to a window facing south will maximize their exposure to essential sunlight.

What’s the secret to keeping a potted cactus happy?

The key to happy potted cacti is good drainage. Use a pot with holes and cactus-specific soil. Don’t use regular potting soil.

Give your cactus lots of light and don’t overwater. Repot every few years to refresh the soil and give the roots more space.