6 tips to take care of your cactus

Contents

1. But how do you take good care of an indoor cactus? Follow the guide!
   1. Where should I put my cactus?
   2. Which cactus to choose for my interior?
   3. Watering my cactus
   4. Which potting soil to choose?
   5. Repotting a cactus
   6. Cactus maintenance

 

 If the whole world is a cactus as Jacques Dutronc used to sing, it's good that this ultra-decorative plant makes us all crack, especially in summer, when it reminds us that the heat has arrived. 

But how do you take good care of an indoor cactus? Follow the guide!

With its 1800 different varieties, 

the least we can say is that the cactus is protean! Spherical like the Echinocactus or flat like the Opuntia; round, oval or even vertical like the Cereus, this plant full of character will find its place in your home as well as on a balcony or terrace. 

A real decorative touch, it brings a tropical touch to our living room, our kitchen and even our bedroom. Discover all our advice to take care of your pretty cactus!

Where should I put my cactus?

Cactus, also known as cactus or cactaceae, are plants adapted to dry environments. 

These plants of the succulent family store water in their tissues, which allows them to survive in arid and almost desert regions.

It is essential to provide luminosity to cactus, which are always thirsty for sunlight. 

Place it in the brightest place in your apartment, on a window sill or under a skylight. 

Remember to turn the pot of your plant regularly so that all parts receive on average the same amount of light. 

This will allow your cactus to grow harmoniously!

In the autumn and winter, the cactus needs a little less light and a little more freshness: 10°C suits it very well. 

Beware, it does not tolerate negative temperatures and a too humid climate very well... 

If you live in an apartment or a house with high humidity, turn to species that adapt well to this type of environment such as the sea urchin cactus and the Acancthocalycium.

Which cactus to choose for my interior?

There is an infinite variety of cactus. 

If you don't have a green thumb, opt for the Opuntia (or snowshoe cactus), the Echinocactus, the Candle Cactus, the Mammilaria or the Parodia, which are easy to care for. 

You can also crack on the Rhipsalis, also known as the coral cactus: this singular species has no spines. 

Thanks to its rounded, hanging stems, this plant likes to be hung in the air to add an original touch to your decor.

If you want to bring colour to your plant corner, favour cactus that flower easily like Gymnocalycium or Rebutia.

Watering my cactus

The cactus, like most desert plants, does not need much watering. 

Try to conserve rainwater or non-calcareous water for watering your cactus. 

If you only have tap water, let it sit for a day or two before using it.

In winter, water very little, only when the surface soil is dry. 

This dehydration will encourage a beautiful bloom in the spring to brighten up your home. 

The rest of the year, cactus should be watered about once a week.

Be careful not to leave standing water in the saucer under the pot after each watering.

Which potting soil to choose?

Wet soil can cause your cactus to rot. 

So choose an aerated and draining substrate so that water does not stagnate around the roots. 

Topsoil, sand and gravel will be perfect for maintaining your cactus. 

You can easily find cactus compost on Amazon.

When the cactus is grown in a pot, a supply of special houseplant fertilizer can be useful once a month in spring and summer to give it a little boost.

Repotting a cactus

To keep your cactus in good shape for a very long time, 

remember to repot it every three or four years, using a special cactus potting soil that you place on clay or gravel logs to facilitate drainage.

Cactus repotting should only be done when the soil is dry and it is best to wait until the month after repotting to resume watering.

Cactus maintenance

The cactus is an independent plant that requires very little maintenance. 

There is nothing specific to do, except to place it in a very bright place and offer it some fertilizer during the summer to help it regain its strength.

If you observe the presence of scale insects under the leaves (they can be recognized by the white mass they form), 

eliminate the parasites with soapy water before treating your plant with an anti-scale product.