Cacti Will Beautify Every Your Room – When people think about cactus they generally think about parched deserts and large spiny cacti growing under the hot sun as seen in old westerns movies. But the cactus is not a plant only for desert conditions. There are many varieties that do well in hot climates with little water but there are also many that have been propagated for indoor use.
Cacti are low maintenance and drought resistant and can make an ideal indoor plant for just about anyone, including those not blessed with a green thumb.
The biggest threat to cactus is over-watering which will often result in disease, fungi gnats, and rot. When watering, the soil should be saturated completely and all excess water removed. Keep an eye on the foliage to check for any soft areas and have a natural fungicide on hand when you suspect pests have taken up residence.
Though they require very little care, there are a few rules to keep in mind to keep your cacti thriving
Cacti are succulents, which mean they are adept at storing water. They are a perfect for those who have busy lives and a watering schedule is not a priority. Though watering is done less often it is important to water consistently even when they are in their dormant stages. Each type is different but generally every 3 weeks is plenty.
Sunlight and plenty of it. Cacti need ample direct and filtered sunlight depending on the variety to thrive. Artificial lighting such as fluorescent can be used as well where sunlight is in limited supply. You can move your cactus to several sunny locations within your home, however keeping it cool when it is in its dormant stages makes for a sturdier plant.
Depending on the type of cactus it may need to be move to a cooler location with less light to encourage it to ‘winter’. This will promote flowering when it comes out of its dormant stage. Cacti thrive well in just about any container, but a clay pot is best overall as it encourages quick water evaporation and prevents excessive soil saturation. Whatever container used, it’s important that it have an effective drainage system to prevent rot.
Re-potting regularly in larger size pots as they grow keeps roots healthy and aerates the soil. Adding fresh soil regularly helps introduce more nutrients for better growth.
Cacti need fertilizer, as do all plants and there are many types to available to choose from. Research your plants to determine the most suitable and when is the best time fertilizer should be applied.
Fortunately for many, cacti are very tolerant to imperfect conditions. As long as you provide the best conditions for the plants you have, the cactus will do the rest.
