The cactus is a highly ornamental plant, known for its unique appearance and drought-resistant characteristics, making it a popular choice for many households and offices.

With proper care, cactus can not only add greenery but also become a focal point in your home.

This article provides some practical tips for cactus cultivation, helping you become an expert in growing cactus.

1. Choose the Right Variety

Before starting to grow cactus, it’s important to choose a variety that suits your environment. Cactus species are diverse, including round, columnar, and multi-branched types.

Different species have different environmental needs, so you should select a variety based on your climate and light conditions. For example, the common “Golden Barrel” cactus is suitable for indoor cultivation, while the “Giant Ball” cactus is better for outdoor planting.

2. Provide Adequate Light

Cactus are light-loving plants, and sufficient sunlight is crucial for their growth. If you are growing a cactus indoors, it’s best to place it on a windowsill or in a location with direct sunlight. For outdoor cactus, avoid placing them in overly shaded areas, as this will cause the cactus to stretch and lose its aesthetic appeal.

3. Water Properly

Cactus are very drought-tolerant, so their watering needs are minimal. Excessive water will not promote growth; instead, it can lead to root rot. Generally, watering frequency should be adjusted according to the season.

During the spring and autumn, when the temperature is moderate, watering once every two weeks is sufficient. In the hot summer months, you can water once a week to keep the soil slightly moist. In winter, when the cactus is dormant, it requires very little water. When watering, ensure that the water completely penetrates the soil, rather than allowing it to remain at the bottom of the container.

4. Choose Suitable Soil

Cactus prefer well-draining soil. If the soil doesn’t drain well, water may accumulate and cause root rot. You can use sandy soil or soil specially formulated for cactus.

Alternatively, you can mix your own soil, typically a combination of garden soil, sand, and perlite in a 2:1:1 ratio. Additionally, adding a layer of gravel or clay pellets at the bottom of the container helps improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.

5. Fertilize Moderately

Although cactus are tolerant of poor soil, proper fertilization can promote growth. When fertilizing, it’s best to choose low-nitrogen fertilizers, as too much nitrogen can cause the cactus to grow too quickly, affecting its shape.

Spring and summer are the growing seasons for cactus, so you can fertilize once a month with diluted compound fertilizer or cactus-specific fertilizer. In winter, when the cactus is dormant, no fertilization is needed.

6. Repot When Necessary

As the cactus grows, the soil in the container may become depleted, or the container may become overcrowded with roots. At this point, repotting is necessary. Generally, cactus need to be repotted every two to three years.

When repotting, choose a new container that is slightly larger than the old one, and make sure the container has sufficient drainage holes. After repotting, the cactus will need some time to adjust to its new environment, so avoid watering immediately or exposing it to direct sunlight.

7. Propagation Tips

Cactus can be propagated through seed planting or division.

For smaller cactus varieties, propagation by seed is a common method. Sprinkle the seeds on moist, sandy soil, maintaining the right humidity and temperature until they germinate. For larger cactus, division is a common method. Select a healthy cactus, gently separate the roots, ensuring each section has enough roots, and then replant.

Cactus, as drought-tolerant and easy-to-care-for plants, are suitable for most households. By mastering the basic cultivation techniques and properly managing light, temperature, watering, and soil, your cactus will thrive in your home, becoming a vibrant and attractive addition to your living space.