How To Maintain Succulents And Cacti?

This comprehensive guide provides essential tips and techniques for watering cactus and succulents, including proper frequency, methods, and the best watering technique. Soak the soil completely using a watering can to establish a healthy root system and wait until the soil is dry. Overwatering is one of the easiest ways to accidentally kill your succulents due to their susceptibility to root rot. The best way to water container succulents is by making two trips, watering once with a slow, steady stream.

The best water for succulents and cacti is rainwater, which is not contaminated and is considered a source of pure water. Distilled water is also better for plants. In the growing season, the plants should be watered at least once a week, allowing excess water to drain away and allowing the compost to dry out slightly between each watering. The best practice for watering is to pour water directly near the base of the plant and on the rest of the soil.

Watering is essential infrequently but using plenty of water. Try to water directly at the base of the plant, not on the leaves. Never water your plants with icy cold water as this will shock them and their roots. Ideally, use tepid rainwater, as the minerals in tap water can build up to damaging levels in the compost and leave white chalky deposits on the plant.

When it comes to watering your cactus, it’s best to use filtered water that doesn’t contain any chemicals like chlorine. Chlorine can harm the plant’s growth and health.

What is the best way to water succulents and cactus?

From an evolutionary perspective, deserts typically experience heavy rainfall a few times a year, which is why cacti and succulents should be completely drenched when watered. Water should only be stopped when water begins to come out of the bottom of the pot. Fat plants should not be watered sparingly, except in containers without drainage, like a terrarium or teacup. Watering should be done carefully to prevent watering from trapped in the container. This helps in understanding when to water succulents and the appropriate amount of water to pour on them.

Do cacti need sunlight?

Cacti and succulents thrive in bright, south-facing positions, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause them to turn yellow. The ideal light depends on the plant variety, with forest-growing epiphytes needing semi-shade and Echeveria needing bright light. In autumn and winter, keep the plants cool at night with temperatures around 8°C to 10°C, while in spring and summer, they need good ventilation but can survive high temperatures. A free-draining compost, like Westland cacti and succulent potting mix, is ideal for cacti and succulents due to its girt and sand for optimal drainage and nutrient levels.

How to tell if a cactus is dehydrated?

A cactus’ appearance can be affected by inadequate water, leading to wrinkles or shriveled skin. This indicates a need for more hydration, which can be addressed by increasing watering frequency and ensuring well-draining soil. Over time, the cactus should regain its turgidity and healthy appearance. If the stems of an underwatered cactus become dry and brittle, they should be watered until the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Repotting the cactus in well-draining soil can prevent future issues with dehydration. Insufficient water can also hinder a cactus’ growth.

Should I spray my cactus with water?

To water cacti, ensure the soil is easy to drain and has holes in the bottom. Most cacti require a sandy and porous soil mix. Mist cacti, except for some exotic varieties. There are two ways to water a cactus: add water to the surface soil, drain excess water, or allow the cactus to take it up from the bottom. If you’re new to cactus watering or have recently added a new plant, monitor the plant and touch the soil regularly to determine when it’s time to water again.

How often should I water my succulents?

Succulents should be watered every other week during non-winter months, and once a month during winter months when temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some succulents may need more frequent watering due to their smaller leaves, which can store more water. It is important to monitor your succulent’s needs and adjust the frequency as needed. Frost protection tips from gardening experts for winter plants are also provided.

How do I know if my succulent is overwatered?

Succulent leaves and stems are water balloons that can only take up a certain amount of moisture until they are fully hydrated. Overwatering can cause cell structures to be severely damaged, leading to rotting leaves and roots. These leaves can look translucent, discolor, feel soggy, and fall off easily. Echeverias, a sensitive succulent, has lighter color centers. To prevent rotting, take unaffected leaves and cuttings to form new plants.

The amount of water stored in the leaves and stems can help plants last at least a month in drought condition. It’s important to distinguish between dying old leaves and shriveled underwatered leaves. Dry leaves caused by underwatering are softer to the touch but don’t look translucent or soggy. As moisture pressure reduces, the leaves will appear droopy with sagging tips. Dying old leaves are the lower leaves at the bottom of the plant, becoming brown and thin. Dead old leaves can be dropped or removed to maintain the plant’s appearance.

Do cactus need direct sunlight?

Cactus require some degree of direct sunlight, and all species thrive in full sun. Exposure to sunlight gradually is crucial to prevent sunburn and etiolation, which can lead to thin and pale cactus. This irreversible condition requires cutting and re-rooting healthy parts. If you’re unsure about the amount of light your cactus has received, follow the instructions for freshly rooted cuttings and gradually move it into sunlight, even if it’s an established plant.

Is rain water good for succulents?

Rain water is beneficial for all plants, including succulents. It’s worth collecting buckets or five for later use. Indoor houseplants and other succulents that didn’t get exposed to rain are also great. Rainwater is too much for succulents, so if you live in an area with 20-25 inches of annual rainfall, you can plant them in an exposed garden. However, ensure your plants can handle winter temperatures and have fast-draining soil.

How often should I water a cactus?

To water a cactus indoors, ensure the potting soil is at least 90 dry, which is about every 10 days in summer and spring and every 4 weeks in winter. The best watering method is to completely saturate the soil with rainwater or distilled water and stop when water starts to disperse from the drainage hole in the potting vessel. Proper watering is crucial for promoting growth and flowering in cacti. Familiarizing yourself with the factors affecting a plant’s watering needs will help you grow beautiful and healthy cactus plants in your home.

Should I spray water on my succulents?

To ensure healthy indoor succulents, water them directly by soaking the soil mix until it runs out of the drainage holes, without using a spray bottle. Place pots in a pan of water and allow the water to absorb through the hole. Once the soil is moist, remove from the pan. Keep the plants clean by wiping off leaves and spines gently with a damp cloth or a soft paintbrush. If pests are a concern, spray the soil with 70% isopropyl alcohol to eliminate eggs and larvae, as gnats are attracted to wet and poorly drained soil.

Do succulents need sun?

Succulents require 4-6 hours of daily indirect sunlight to thrive, but they can be kept in the dark for various reasons, such as shipping, decorating, or protecting from bad weather. However, no succulent can survive without light in the long term, just like any other indoor plant. Succulents can survive for a short time without direct sunlight, but the lifespan depends on the species. Succulents can survive in a dark location, such as a basement apartment with no windows, but they cannot survive without light in the long term.