Cacti

It is best to give the mini plants a lot of water at once. In their natural environment, they are often watered during huge downpours. Make sure no water remains in the pot afterwards, as this is bad for the roots. Then let the soil dry out completely before you water again. This is about once a month in summer and once every 2 months in winter. As with all other plants, rainwater is recommended over tap water for cacti and succulents. Tap water contains too much lime which does not benefit the health of the plant. Also, always make sure the water is at room temperature. During the summer months, the plant requires more water than during the period of winter dormancy. Keep in mind, however, that if the plant is near the heater it can dry out faster.

Although these little plants are not demanding in terms of location, they do best in a bright spot such as the windowsill. Their natural habitat is often one with many hours of sunlight per day. When the plants are too dark, you will notice this because the growth will deform. A cactus will not be round, but thin and elongated or pointed. The plant is then looking for light. In the summer months, be careful not to burn the cactus. On the windowsill behind a window, it can get so hot with bright sun that it becomes too much even for cacti. Put them temporarily in a different (but still light) position.

Cacti also benefit from occasional extra nutrition. For this purpose, special nutrition has been developed that is completely tailored to the cactus and succulent. An occasional cap of nutrition with the water does wonders for these plants!

Cacti are not a champion fast grower, but new soil does these little plants good. A Cactus only needs to be repotted once every four years. To do this, however, always use soil specifically designed for the cactus and succulent and get a pot that is slightly larger than your current pot.

Repotting a Cactus can be a tricky job, due to the spines on the plant. Always protect your hands by wearing gloves, or by lifting the cactus out of the pot using a tea towel. Fill the new pot with Cactus soil and carefully put the cactus back using the tea towel. When the plant has just been repotted, extra nutrition is not necessary for a while. For the first few weeks, the plant will get that from the new soil.

It may be, that despite all the care tips, the plant is still not doing so well. It is then advisable to check a few things or do them differently. If parts look limp or wilted, or if the plant seems to be shrinking, it may be that the plant has had too little water, or that the plant is too dark.Water the plant or move the plant.

A Cactus may also have had too much water, which can cause mold and rot. The best thing to do then is to carefully remove the plant from the soil and put it in new soil, especially for cacti and succulents. It is important to make sure that excess water can always drain out of the pot, by putting the plant in a pot with holes at the bottom. If you put the plant in a closed pot, the excess water cannot drain out, making root rot inevitable. Should there already be rot in your cactus, you can save it by cutting the healthy part. To find out how, read tip number 10: How to take cuttings from cacti.

Flowering cacti, such as the Lid cactus, for example, require slightly different care. The flowers of a flowering cactus arise after a period of dormancy. During this period (winter), the plant does not need water. Put the plant in a cool place (around 12 degrees) and leave it alone. In spring, move the plant to a warm and sunny location and water the plant. In the flowering period, the plant needs regular watering.