Cactus Care

Sunlight and heat should constantly be on the mind of the cactus grower. These plants require desert-like conditions and should receive no less than four hours - sunlight a day. Cacti cannot be damaged by too much sunlight. Give them as much as is available. Unobstructed exposure from the south and west will benefits cacti most.

Position cacti in front of a window. Consider ventilation, positioning cacti away from humid air. During stretches of hot summer weather, take cacti outside.

Between March and October there's no need to worry about overheating cacti. But cooler conditions are preferred between October and March.

When watering cacti the rule is "less is more." Only water when soil is very dry. Overwatering can result in many problems. Water a cactus every two to four weeks during the spring and summer, less frequently during the winter. Plants in smaller pots need water more often than plants in larger pots. Increase watering when new growth appears. Resume with a regular watering schedule once the new growth is developing freely. Evenly moisten the soil while avoid standing water.

Fertilize only in the spring and summer months. Every third watering use an all-purpose fertilizer.

Insects are an uncommon problem with cacti but may occur. The most common pest is the mealybug which is white, has a waxy shell and is covered with white filaments. Its eggs resemble cotton. Check the plant for mealybugs on a regularly. Insecticide will damage the plant and will not penetrate mealybugs' waxy shell. Instead use tweezers or a paintbrush to remove them.

Disease among cacti is very rare. The most common explanation for ailing cacti is overwatering. Too much water rots cacti roots. A well-watered cactus is quite rigid. Overwatered cacti will have soft spots and weak stalks.

Cacti that receive too little light will become yellow and pale and new growth will be spindly.

Cactus Varieties

Star cactus, astrophytum is low-growing and its protruding ribs give it a star shape. Its areoles are close set. The surface is covered in white flakes and a yellow flower grows from the top of the plant.

Bunny ears cactus, opuntia microdasya are found from Canada to South America. The joints between its stems are flat. Its barbed stems add texture to any collection though they can be quite sharp.

The silken pin cushion cactus, mammillaria bombycina is a cylindrical plant that varies in size. Its ribs spiral up to the top with columns of areoles following them.

Golden ball cactus, notocactus leninghausii is a tall-growing South American plant. Its bristling, golden spines complement its yellow flowers.

Chin cactus, gymnocalycium multiform are low-growing, spherical plants that can grow to six inches in diameter. Eight to nine firm curving spines are found in each of its areoles. The plant bears large pink flowers.

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