Thousands of species of cacti exist in the wild, including two large groups of cacti grown as houseplants. The two subcategories include the desert cacti and the forest cacti. Indoor conditions suit both these plants and they require very little attention and are available in different sizes although plants of small to moderate size are common.
Most of desert cacti have spines or hair-like growths and its shape may be a paddle, ball, or obelisk. These plants are similar to Bromeliad succulents and are found in wooded parts of temperate forests in subtropical and tropical climates. They are scandent or epiphytic and some of the wild plants grow on trees and these are great for hanging baskets. The most famous of the ornamental forest cacti is the Christmas cactus, originating in Brazil, and having flowers of red, pink, purple, and yellow. Desert and forest cacti are slow to grow, have attractive flowers, and are some of the most hardy indoor plants.
Cacti can be found to need between 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. The species of the desert and forest cactus can be burnt if exposed to direct sun rays. Put your cactus near a window or door, and choose a place that gets bright but indirect light during summer and direct sunlight, for example, a south or west-facing window, during winter. You can only take the cactus out during summer nights when the temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Desert cacti prefer a light, porous, and quick-draining soil mix that has been designed for use with cacti. They also do well in the typical garden soil while in pots or containers, they need to be planted in a high drainage soil mix supplemented with sand, pebbles, or perlite. Forest cacti require well-draining soil, but forest cacti can also be grown in a standard planting
In the spring and summer when your cactus is growing and flowering, water it about once every ten days and then discard the water. In winter when it is a dormancy period reduce the watering frequency to once a month at most and even less often some of the desert plants. The soil should feel bone dry in between waterings in the summer and mostly dry during the winter. Always search How Often & How Much You Should Water Houseplants before buying houseplants.
The suited climate for the growth of cacti is warm, more specifically 70 – 80 F. During winter, the plant requires a cool down as well, with temperatures ranging to just above 13 degrees Celsius. In natural conditions, a desert cactus grows under very low temperatures during the night and some species can survive even temperatures that reach 2 degrees Celsius at night. There is still a need for indoor plant protection from winter drafts if it is not hardened off. Cacti require moderate humidity that is relatively simple to maintain in most homes since most homes’s humidity levels are moderate. Forest cacti prefer slightly higher humidity than the desert cacti. And if you find your succulent plant drooping, then spray it once in a while. People often struggle with maintaining humidity for houseplants but don’t worry it isn’t a big deal.
Some of the harshest environments on planet Earth can support the growth of cacti. Some gardeners get poor results using regular houseplant fertilizers (probably because of the wrong proportion of nutrients), so look for an organic cacti fertilizer that contains more phosphorus than nitrogen. Water your cactus twice or thrice a year, only during the growing period, and use the quantities advised by the manufacturer. Use less or no fertilizer during the winter season. Make sure you know How to Fertilize Your Houseplants.
Most issues related to cacti and other succulents that are grown indoors are bacterial or fungal diseases due to over-watering. However, they are troubled by insect pests such as mealy bugs, and root mealy bugs. To ensure that your plants do not get infested by pests, ensure you place them in a dry, sunny area that is well aerated and always ensure that your cactus is planted in fast-draining soil so that it does not remain wet for long.
There are times that your cactus is attacked by pests like the Cochineal scale bugs. These small insects are a problem because they drain the strength of your cactus by feeding on their leaves and ultimately killing them. Cochinealis are found on cactus of the Opuntia genera such as Angel Wing or Rufida Minima Cinnamon cactus and with a simple spray of water they can be treated. To prevent your plants from being infested by pests, make sure to keep them in a dry, sunny spot with a lot of airflow. Use fast-draining soil to prevent your cactus from sitting in the wet for too long. If you are curious Why Does My Plant Have Pests? Then make sure you read our blog for more info!
Corking is a perfectly natural process with cactus and will not hurt the plant in any way. It is just a sign that your plant has grown and has grown big enough to need a little more attention. If you cannot bear to look at a corking cactus you have the choice to take a cutting and start a new plant in another pot and get rid of the old cactus or pass it on to someone who does not mind a little corking at the base of the plant. It is crucial to check your cactus carefully to make sure that it is corking and not a sign of pests, damage, or disease. Remember that corking is not a very fast process and originates at the base of the cacti, so if your cactus is experiencing sudden changes then it most likely is not corking.
Now licensed for a full-scale nursery with an extensive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the largest houseplant collection. If you want to enhance your curb appeal or turn your porch into a class act, Eureka Farms can guide you on how to do it all, from topiary trees and hedges to everything in between. You can rest assured that we will handle the shipment with the utmost care across the country so that when your plants reach you, they will be as fresh as new. These indoor plants require less upkeep, improve home air cleanliness, brighten moods, and provide essential touches of the natural world to the work-from-home office. Happy Planting!
