In this blog post, we share information and tips on how to care for a cactus plant indoors. If you want to have effortless plants to decorate with, the cactus is among the most sort after because of its ease to grow.
Cacti are some of the most intriguing desert plants that have seen a strong and steady interest the world over. Not only do these plants represent resilience and the ability to thrive, but they also have a natural ability to improve the quality of air in any room.
These plants fall into the family of succulents, but unlike conventional succulents, they have evolved to suit drier regions. Their leaves are morphed into small sharp thorns so as to lose less water due to a reduced surface area and also for water storage. Have a look at the information below to learn more!
What To Consider Before Growing Cactus Plants?
Cacti are low-maintenance plants that require moderate care compared to other types of plants. This makes them perfect for beginner gardeners and it is also a great housewarming gift. Additionally, they make excellent indoor houseplants.
To ensure their success, though, a few things need to be taken into account. So, the following information is essential if you want to know how to care for a cactus plant indoors.
Choose a Forest Cactus
Cactus plants come in two varieties which include the desert and forest types. Because they have spines to support them, desert cacti are more likely to survive harsh conditions. Contrarily, forest cacti with no spines, such as the Blue Candle or Christmas cactus, are better suited to being grown indoors because they lack the strength to withstand harsh conditions.
Make Sure your Plants have Enough Light
As long as they are placed in an area that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, cacti can be grown indoors. To ensure they are etiolated, we advise rotating them daily on your brightest windowsill, which is typically a southeast-facing window.
Choose a Green Cactus
Green cactus plants are more tolerant of low light conditions than other succulents. So, if you think your home isn’t adequately lit, Blue Candle and Angel Wing are great options.
Underwatering is Preferable to Overwatering
Although they can tolerate some water neglect, cacti are very sensitive to overwatering. Ensure the soil is completely dry before watering again. One way to do this is by stabbing a wooden chopstick or moisture meter into the ground or potting soil.
It’s not yet time to water your cactus if there is soil or water on the chopstick. Additionally, it is strongly advised to give your plant a soil mix that is 50% organic and 50% inorganic. Doing this will enable you to prevent root rot caused by overwatering, by enhancing the infiltration of water into the soil.
What Is The Best Soil For Cactus Plants?
When learning how to care for a cactus plant indoors, it is also important to have knowledge about the best soil to grow them in. The best soil for these plants shouldn’t be constantly wet because this will cause root rot, killing your plants. Cacti thrive in porous, pebbly, or sandy soil as long as it has good drainage and aeration.
Although this soil is not particularly unique, it does differ from typical soil in some ways. In order to provide the plant with nutrients, the ideal soil must also contain a significant amount of organic matter. This is because it also helps to retain moisture, preventing the soil from drying out after watering.
A good cactus soil mix is also quick-draining. Commercial potting mediums contain peat moss in addition to the essential components of good potting soil, which is excellent for growing cactus plants. The majority of commercially available cactus potting soils on the market are capable of producing mature plants from seed.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all strategy as each plant will have its own demands depending on several factors. Therefore, you must develop your own unique cactus culture if you want your desert or jungle cactus to flourish. Here’s a video that will enlighten you on the cactus varieties.
What Pots Are Best For Cactus Plants?
If you know how to care for cactus plants indoors, then you will know that plastic, terracotta, or ceramic glazed pots or containers are best for cacti. Their growth is significantly influenced by the type of container, its shape, and size.
While some containers are ideal for growing your plant, others may not be suitable. Take note of the container’s shape when buying one for your cactus plant.
When purchasing a planter, here are some qualities that you should consider:
1. The size of the container should be similar to that of the cactus. This is due to the fact that cacti’s roots are frequently short, and if they are planted in a big container, they will stay in the middle of it.
2. Cacti grow best in cylindrical, short, and square containers. Avoid selecting containers that are too deep, tall, or narrow.
3. All of the soil in the container should be “used” by your cactus. Therefore, there shouldn’t be an excessive amount of soil that the cactus roots can’t penetrate. There should only be a little room for drainage at the bottom and surrounds of the plant.
How to Care for a Cactus Plant Indoors?
- A cactus plant requires little maintenance once it has become acclimated. These are the basics to learn when figuring out how to care for a cactus plant indoors.
- The soil should be kept damp beneath the surface in the spring and early summer when the cactus is doing the majority of its growth. So, the soil should always be damp at a depth of about an inch from the top.
- Adequate temperature ranges are important for your plant to grow its best.
Lots of sunlight is recommended as these plants grow best with at least eight hours of direct light daily. - Specialized fertilizers should be used for cacti. Cacti will lack nutrients from the majority of common fertilizers.
- When repotting your cactus, it is advisable to use the same potting medium as the plant is sensitive to change and can take a while to adapt.
Conclusion
We certainly hope that you have learned enough pointers on how to care for a cactus plant indoors. These plants are hardy and easy to grow whether you’re an avid or new gardener. Aso, they lend an exotic look to any interior setting or landscape which is an added bonus.
Affording them the proper growing medium and maintenance will allow these stunning plants to reach their full potential. A happy gardener often has a thriving garden to admire. This can only be achieved if efficient plant care is taken.
Remember that you need to consider where in the house you want to place your cactus as it needs sufficient sunlight. Also, take care to only water the plant when the soil is dry as this will avoid overwatering, root rot, and other plant diseases.
If you’re a beginner gardener, go for the green cacti plants as they need the least care. Click on the link for a beginner’s guide to indoor cactus gardening.
FAQs
You should water your indoor cactus once or twice each month in the summer season. However, watering your plant in the cold season is not advised because cacti become dormant during the winter months. The key rule is to not water as per schedule but to water it when the soil is dry. Yes, you should mist your cactus depending on the variant. However, most cacti are desert plants and are naturally able to survive with little or no misting. Some tropical variants might need a little bit of mist. You can tell that your cactus plant has been overwatered when the soil is soggy or waterlogged. This in turn causes root rot and can destroy the plant. Cacti will show evidence of underwatering when the soil starts to become extremely dry and crack. Yes, indoor cactuses need sunlight as in the wild, these plants grow best in a hot and sunny environment. So, put your cactus close to a window in a well-lit room that gets lots of primary and secondary sunlight.How often should you water your indoor cactus?
Should I mist my cactus?
How do you tell if a cactus is over or under watered?
Do indoor cactuses need sunlight?