Cacti have gained popularity due to their resilient nature and minimal upkeep requirements. However, several common mistakes can hinder their growth and longevity. Here, we outline seven crucial points for proper cactus care. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your cacti thrive and remain healthy.
1. Choose Correct Soil Mix
Choosing the correct soil mix is important for cactus health. It is a common mistake to use regular soil mix or gardening soil for cactus. Always use a specialized cactus potting mix. Cacti prefer soil that is well-draining and airy. Regular soil mix could be harmful as it retain too much moisture which could lead to potential root rot. A well-draining mix, typically composed of sand, perlite, or pumice, promotes healthy root development and prevents waterlogged conditions. You should be cultivating cactus in similar conditions to those seen in many desert areas, where cactus are found. Besides, by adding a drainage layer at the pot’s base allows extra water to get out of the soil faster and kept away from roots before it cause damage to the root.
2. Choose Appropriate Container Size
If you are growing cactus in a pot, you should take consideration of the size of the cactus and its roots. If the species you grow has longer roots, you will need a deeper container. Selecting the right-sized container is crucial for cactus growth. An overly large or small pot can restrict growth and negatively impact the plant’s health. It is recommended to choose a container with a quarter to an inch of space between the cactus body and the pot rim. In addition, containers with drainage holes are essential to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to root suffocation and deterioration. Regularly check for protruding roots as a sign that repotting may be necessary.
3. Repotting Rampage
Resist the temptation to repot your cactus frequently. Cacti prefer snug conditions, and excessive repotting can stress them. Repot only when necessary, typically when the plant outgrows its current pot, using an appropriate cactus mix and a pot slightly larger than the previous one.
Although cacti can be repotted throughout the year, doing so during the growing season yields optimal results. Late winter or early spring, such as February or March in India, is particularly favorable. Repotting during these months provides fresh soil rich in nutrients, fostering robust growth while minimizing the risk of dry out as a result of the repotting process.
4. Overwatering and Underwatering
Adhering to right watering practices is critical for cactus health. There are two common mistakes when it comes to watering the cacti, they can be overwater or underwater. Finding a balance is crucial since too little water will make the plant dry up and too much would overwhelm it.
Originating from desert habitats, cacti are adapted to survive on minimal water. Water only when the soil has completely dried out, typically every two to four weeks, depending upon the specific species. During winter, reduce watering frequency even further to prevent moisture-related issues.
Before watering, always inspect the soil by inserting your finger into the pot near the roots and if the soil stick to your finger, you should wait a few more days to water the plants. Always wait a few more days before watering if in doubt. More cacti die from overwatering than for any other cause because over watering will lead to root rot and weakend stem. When watering, pour water until excess water drains from the pot’s bases. To ensure that the roots are adequately soaked, wait until you feel as though the maximum amount of water has been drained out.
5. Providing Insufficient Light or Burning Them
One of the most crucial elements in maintaining the health of cacti is the amount of light they receive. Giving them too little or too much light is a common mistake.
There are two main issues when sunlight is concerned : either putting them outside under harsh sun, which can burn the plant, or keeping them inside with limited light which could impedes growth, weakens the plant, and increases susceptibility to diseases.
A healthy light balance is what you want to give the plant, and this will vary depending on the species you are cultivating. Certain cacti need indirect sunlight, bright light, or a limit on the number of hours they are exposed.
Below are some of the common solutions if your indoor cactus is getting too little light :
– Place it close to a window: A cactus will receive the necessary light without intense heat if it is placed close to a window, which will prevent scorching while allowing for increased light.
– Make use of artificial illumination: Artificial light will suffice in case natural light is insufficient. Since these lights are not as strong or powerful as natural lighting, you merely need to make sure it is exposed to them for a longer period of time.
– Take it outside: Many species will flourish in outdoor settings with lots of sunlight. You may simply move it to a partially shaded spot if it cannot tolerate direct sunlight all day.
For cacti, the adage “the more light & higher temperature-the better it is for the plant” is a common misconception. For some species, it is true that they need lots of light for growth. Others might be more intolerable, especially if it is hot and intense sunlight. For indoor plants, brightness may be more important than direct sunlight. Knowing your particular species will make this easier to ascertain! Cacti can get sunburn and they will show you by having yellowish skin. Should you observe this, move the cactus out of direct sunlight and cultivate it indoors or in a shaded spot.
Most cacti don’t like bright afternoon sun or extremely hot temperatures. For any type of cactus, partial shade or bright indirect light work best. The best temperature range for cacti is 15° to 30° Celsius for maintaining and encouraging growth. Any higher than this could be harmful.
6. Overfertilization
Cacti do not require frequent fertilization. Overfertilization can burn their roots and stunt growth. If fertilizing, opt for a diluted cactus fertilizer once or twice annually during the growing season (spring and summer).
7. Using Pesticides wrongly
Using harmful pesticides on cactus is a common mistake when we want to keep insects and bugs off our plants for best growth. The majority of cacti naturally deter bugs, therefore they mostly deal with bacterial and fungal diseases rather than this issue. When bugs do develop, you must use the right insecticides to prevent further harm to the plant.
Phototoxicity is one of the most prevalent diseases that plants suffer when exposed to pesticides.
Pesticides and sunlight together can cause a chemical reaction on the cacti that is comparable to a sunburn. This is a direct effect of a grower applying a pesticide, which will cause the cactus skin to burn.
The optimal time to apply a pesticide is when there is not direct sunshine present in order to avoid phototoxicity. As long as the application does not come in contact with the sun, it will kill insects or other pests but have minimal effect on the plant’s surface. Before exposing the plant to the sun again, make sure the pesticide has been washed off after the necessary period of time to kill the bugs.
The greatest defense against pesticide-related cactus damage is prevention. Make sure that no pesticides will harm the plant when they come into contact with it. By using a cactus-specific treatment, you can maintain your plants healthy and stop insects or other pests from getting a hold of them. Regularly inspect your plants and promptly address any signs of infestation with natural insecticides or fungicides
By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your cacti thrive and adorn your space with their unique charm.