Cacti & Succulents
Some people assume cacti and succulents are tricky to care for, but they’re simple & rewarding plants to own.
As it turns out, many people are caring for them too much or too often. Cacti and succulents will do quite well under the same conditions, which would be considered neglect for other plants.
WATERING
The most common problem people have with cacti and succulent plants is over watering. They are water storing plants and will do better with less water than they will with more.
Water cacti and succulents thoroughly and allow them to dry out completely between watering. Stick your finger in the soil, 1” or so, to see if the soil is dry.
Many plants are potted with a sand or grit topping, be sure to check the soil for moisture, not just the topping. If you are still not sure and think it may be too moist, don’t water it! Over watering can lead to disease and rot and will kill your cactus and succulent plants!
LIGHT
Cacti and succulent plants love bright sun and will do quite well on a windowsill or on a porch. Direct sun and light are not the same!
Succulent plants need light, but they grow better if they don’t cook in the midday sun. However, there are some species that will do better in the shade, or partly sunny places. These include some species of haworthias and aloes.
If you think your plant is being dried out or damaged from the direct sun, move it to a less bright location. If you have a plant in a location where there is little or no sunlight and notice it is stretching, it is a good idea to move it into a bright location.
TEMPERATURE
Cacti and succulent plants can survive a wide range of temperatures. But, they preferable to be kept in a warm, bright location for the best results. There are some species of cacti that are actually ‘winter hardy’ and can survive in temperatures well below freezing.
If you are not sure that your plant is winter hardy, do not leave it in the cold! Most species of cacti and succulents do well in locations where the temperature ranges from 40 to 95 degrees.
AIR
Succulents do not like stagnant air. Provide good air circulation for your plants.
FERTILIZE
Too much fertilizer can be worse than none at all. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer at about 1/2 to 1/4 the recommended rate.
Other succulents are more complicated. Many do not adjust their active periods because they are growing in a different hemisphere than their native land. Learn the winter growers and the spring to summer growers and treat accordingly.
SOIL
What is the best soil for cactus and other succulents?
Most commercial potting soils are too rich in fresh organic matter for these plants. Choose a planting medium that allows food, water and air to get to the roots and is porous enough to let water drain through.
Many growers use a mix of a low peat planter mix and pumice (50/50). Sand, small pebbles and vermiculite are ingredients added by many successful growers. Experiment with different combinations to discover the right combination for your conditions.
A top dressing of crushed granite or pea gravel looks good and has benefits as well. It keeps the topsoil from drying out faster than the rest of the soil in the pot. It also keeps the base of the plant dry and assists in the even distribution of water through the soil.
PEST CONTROL
The most common pests to cacti and succulent plants are white fly, scale insects and mealy bugs. These can all be remedied with insecticides. Be careful when buying and using insecticides, many are toxic. Read all manufacturers warnings and instructions before applying.