PLANT SMILES. GROW LAUGHTER. HARVEST LOVE
Although we classify most cactus as desert plants, they hail from diverse habitats from all across the globe; each genus and species thrive best in personalized environmental conditions. Due to these differing needs, we highly recommend you do some research into the name
of your prickly buddy to get an idea of how you can best love your chosen species.
That being said, Cactus Vision has some general tips you can apply to most cacti species
to help you remain a “cacti lover” as opposed to a “cacti killer”.
Follow the below guidelines, and you'll do great as a plant parent.
Before you select a prickly friend for your home, you first need to consider the best position for your plant to sit and whether this will be indoors or outdoors.
Too much or too little sun or water can be fatal to your cactus; so just like Goldilocks,
your cactus needs a home that is “just right”.
cactus care tips
GENERAL CARE FOR
INDOOR CACTUS
CARE TIPS
Light
Place cacti near a sunny window, ideally a north-east or north-west facing window
in Australia. Most cacti need 3+ hours of direct sunlight, although some mature species can handle lower light conditions. Full spectrum light is necessary for cacti
to survive; consider using a full spectrum lighting system for low light areas or moving your cactus to a sunnier location if your plant doesn’t get any direct sun or changes colour or elongates over time. Optional: Rotate cacti over overcast days occasionally to prevent sun bleach marks and promote even growth. Be wary, do not rotate plants on a hot day, as new skin facing the sun could get burnt.
Watering
FREQUENCY:
Water cacti when soil is almost completely dry in spring through to early autumn (warmer months). In most cases, for cacti with 3+ hours of direct sunlight, this is once a fortnight-monthly watering.
It’s important to note that water frequency depends on light conditions,
humidity and the season.
For cooler months, water less as your plant may be dormant (and thus, require less water). This means watering every 5-6 weeks in late autumn through winter for cool climates.
Some indoor areas in Australia don’t experience much of a winter, therefore it is safe to continue to water as per your summer routine all year around “When the soil is almost completely dry” it’s time to water again.
QUANTITY:
In all cases, provide enough water until it drains out the bottom
of your pot, and avoid watering too frequently to prevent root rot.
TOOLS:
The use of a moisture meter helps you determine when the soil is dry
and ready for watering again.
Ventilation
Cacti benefit from good airflow to minimize the risk of bacterial infections
and to discourage pests. Avoid drastic temperature changes and keep cacti
at least a meter away from heating and air conditioning units.
FertiliSer
Use slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10 NPK) to promote healthy, strong growth and good flowering. A cactus-specific fertiliser is important. Only fertilise actively growing plants - MOST plants prefer not to be fertilised during winter. For indoors environments, fertilise once a year in Spring. Scotts Osmocote Cacti & Succulent Controlled Release Fertiliser is a great product, found at Bunnings.
OUR journey
visit our blog for detailed care advice, plant profiles and styling tips
GENERAL CARE FOR
OUTDOOR CACTUS
CARE TIPS
Light
II bet you didn't know that cacti can get sunburnt! It's because of this fact that we suggest forgetful plant parents position potted cacti in an area that receives half-day direct sunlight, either in the morning or afternoon, as opposed to full-day direct sunlight. This will help prevent dehydration during summer and reduce the need for consistent watering. But for the rest of us (who have our plant watering alerts on our phones), full-day direct sunlight for potted cacti is great for optimal growth. Cacti simply require a little more frequent watering in warmer months when in full-day sun (especially in small pots).
If your plant is in the ground or in a raised garden bed, full-day direct sun is less of a risk for sunburning your cactus, because your plant has access to a larger water reserve. However, be sure to water when needed in summer to prevent scorching.
Some cactus species can also thrive in bright, shaded outdoor areas as long as they receive enough UV light for growth. However, we typically suggest a minimum of 2 hours per day of direct sun, depending on the species.
Watering
FREQUENCY:
During the warmer months, it is generally recommended to water cacti
when the soil is almost completely dry.
Outdoor cacti need more water during the growing season (spring to early autumn) and may prefer to be watered twice a week if they receive all-day sun over the peak
of summer.
In late autumn to winter, cacti go into a dormant phase and should be watered minimally, once every 5-6 weeks, until the weather warms up again.
If the plant is not protected from rain during winter, make sure it has adequate drainage and consider moving some cacti species to drier areas if possible.
It’s worth searching the exact species of cactus you have to determine if your plant
is one of the rare few that prefers to be VERY dry in a cold winter climate.
Some outdoor positions, particularly those facing East, West or North, may receive a lot of warm, direct sun during winter and may require more frequent watering over these months to prevent dehydration and sunburn. In such case, continue to water as per your summer routine “when the soil is almost completely dry, its time to water again”.
QUANTITY:
In all cases, provide enough water until it drains out the bottom
of your pot or to saturate the soil around your plant and avoid watering too frequently to prevent root rot. The use of a moisture meter helps you determine when the soil is dry and ready for watering again.
Sun damage
Cacti are susceptible to sunburn, especially during heat waves. To prevent this, ensure your cactus is well-watered, and over the days of extreme heat (+38c) consider providing a temporary shade with a breathable material like a shade cloth or fly-screen. Avoid transplanting, re-potting, or changing the plant's position during this time. If you have recently purchased a cactus, gradually introduce it to a sunny area
to allow an adjustment period of up to three weeks. If your cactus is suddenly moved from a shaded area to a sunny location, it can become sunburnt in just a few hours. This damage can be permanent, so it is important to be cautious.
FERTILISER
Use slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10 NPK) to promote healthy, strong growth and good flowering. A cactus-specific fertiliser is important. Only fertilise actively growing plants. MOST plants prefer not to be fertilised during winter. We suggest fertilising once or twice during the spring and summer, using Scotts Osmocote Cacti & Succulent Controlled Release Fertiliser, found at Bunnings.
NOT A BIG READER?
hey there skimmer!
Too busy to read all the deets? (no judgement!)
Just make sure you don’t skip these two essential watering tips:
ONE: WATER FREQUENCY
Water when soil is pretty much completely dry through warmer months (spring-autumn). Water every 5-6 weeks through winter months. Be mindful that Australian “winters” can be hot, so you may need to continue watering more frequently to prevent dehydration.
TWO: WATER QUANTITY
Water generously, until water comes out of the drainage hole (or is given enough time to soak the roots).
NB: The key is to try and allow the soil to dry out between waters and give your cactus a good drenching when you do water.
extra POINTERS
FOR YOUR POINTY PLANTS
Pest CONTROL PREVENTION
Pests can be a pesky problem for cacti, but with a little bit of prevention and early treatment, you can keep your plants healthy and pest-free. The most common cactus pests are mealybugs, red spider mites, fungus gnats, aphids, and scale. To prevent infestations, make sure your cactus is getting adequate sunlight and fertilization, and keep an eye out for early warning signs such as white dots, sticky webs, or red spiders on the plant. If you do spot any of these, don't panic! There are plenty of effective treatments available, both topical and systemic, that can help get rid of the pests and keep them from coming back. Just be sure to isolate any infected plants and consider treating nearby ones as a precautionary measure to prevent the pests from spreading.
If pests do appear, use a gentle insecticide or try the most common all-rounder treatment of wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in Isopropyl alcohol (fragrance-free) diluted with water to make a mix of 50% water 50% alcohol. Temporarily move all treated plants away from direct sun to avoid sunburn on affected areas. Read through our blog for specific treatment advice.
ENOUGH LIGHT?
If your cactus is starting to stretch at the tips and growing elongated, it is telling you that it needs more sunlight. This is especially common
in faster-growing cacti that are grown indoors, where there may not be enough light to support their growth. If you notice this happening to your cactus,
you may want to consider moving it to a sunnier location or providing it with additional artificial light. However, be mindful when introducing your cactus
to a sunnier location, as it can be susceptible to sunburn. Signs of sunburn include lightening or discoloration of the skin, scarring, and wrinkling
or shrinkage due to dehydration. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may need to water your cactus more frequently and move it to a less sunny spot or provide it with some temporary shade, while it adjusts to its new home.
Hairier cacti, such as Cleistocactus and Mammillaria’s tend to prefer 4+ hours of direct sunlight and will not thrive if grown indoors in a low-light environment. Similarly, Burbank prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.) do not grow well indoors with less than 4-5 hours of direct sun. Overall, it's important to do your research and understand the specific needs of your cactus in order to ensure it is getting the right amount of sunlight to thrive.
more WATERING tips
Watering your cactus is all about balance! The size of your pot can play a big role in how often you need to water your cactus. Smaller pots tend to dry out faster, so if your cactus is in a smaller pot, you'll need to keep a closer eye on it.
Keep an eye on:
> the amount of direct sunlight your cactus gets
> the temperature of the room
> windy conditions that could cause the soil to dry out faster.
When it's time to water, make sure to drench the soil around your cactus, but be careful not to water too often. It's important to let the soil dry out a bit before watering again. To avoid over-watering, which can be just as harmful as under-watering, consider using a moisture meter to help gauge when the soil is dry and ready for more water
Another thing to keep in mind is that cactus pots should have drainage holes to help prevent water from accumulating and potentially causing the roots
to rot. Try to avoid letting your cactus pot sit in a tray of water for too long.
As a general rule, the best time to water your cactus is in the morning or late afternoon. When watering, try to focus on the soil around the base of the plant, rather than watering the plant itself. If you notice your cactus's skin starting to split, it could be a sign of either under-watering or over-watering.
Take a closer look at your watering habits and consider switching to a larger pot if needed.
DISCLAIMER
BEING A PLANT PARENT IS AN HONORABLE RESPONSIBILITY
We trust that with these tips and a little reading about your exact plant, you’ll be independently capable of caring for your cactus. Cactus Vision does our best to provide advice, but please do your own research to ensure all information is accurate and interpreted correctly.
