Growing a cactus indoors can be a difficult task, especially if you don’t care for it properly. But if you follow some simple steps, then your cactus plant should thrive in its indoor habitat.
Temperature and Light –
Cactus plants can withstand cold and heat, but it’s best if you keep them in a temperate environment. Between sixty and eighty degrees Fahrenheit should be sufficient. As for light, bright indirect light will do. If you place a cactus in direct light, then it might be okay in the long run. It’s like going outside without sunscreen; however, eventually the cactus skin will probably acclimate itself to the light. However, some types of cactus will develop severe types of sunburn. This could eventually kill the plant, so if you notice your cactus turning an odd shade of color then you should probably move it to a shadier area.
Soil –
As with most types of cactus plants, you’ll want to have a soil that is fast draining. Cactus are especially prone to developing root rot, which is caused by over-watering. So the soil type is extremely important.
Watering and Fertilizing-
Water your cactus when the soil is dry, and make sure that the water drains away from the soil completely. You may want to water your cactus less in the winter, due to it not growing as much. Remember, over-watering is the worst thing you can do to a cactus plant. As for fertilizing, take care of that in early summer or late spring.
Type of Pot –
For cactus plants, you may want to use clay pots because they allow moisture to escape more rapidly from the soil. Ceramic pots are also okay, and you can use plastic pots. Just remember that the plastic pot retains moisture better, so it’s more likely to kill your cactus.
Flowering –
Cactus plants tend to flower outdoors for the most part. Due to the temperature never fluctuating much in an indoor environment, flowers rarely occur for indoor cactus. But you can try placing your cactus plants outside some of the time to encourage growth. Just make sure you place them in the shade if it’s daylight.
Problems –
Cactus plants are relatively easy to care for. Of course, as mentioned above, over-watering is the main reason why cactus plants are difficult to grow. Other than this, you have to remember that cactus plants tend to have thorns. And some of them have really tiny thorns that itch when they get on your skin. These small thorns are really difficult to get off your hands too. So be sure that you wear gloves if you ever have to directly handle them, or transplant your cactus plant.
Propagating –
For many types of cactus, you can just break off a piece of the plant to grow a new piece. After you snip off your preferred plant piece, let it dry for a few days. When the bottom of the cactus cutting is no longer moist, you can then apply a fertilizer to it. Then just place it in the soil, and you’re all set. You’ll probably want to keep the soil a little wetter than usual for the first couple of days. Then just treat it as you would your other cactus plants.
Cactus are a fun type of houseplant to grow, but they do have their problems. But as long as you’re diligent about watering your cacti correctly, then you should not have many problems.
