Cactus and succulents, as all plants, depend on their owners for adequate light, temperature, water, and nutrition.
Adequate sunlight promotes healthy growth. For most succulents, the best sunlight comes from a south, west, or east window. Cactus prefer south or west windows. Jungle cactus (epiphytic plants, which often grow in trees) prefer strong indirect light or morning sun from an east window.
Knowing your plants origin will help you determine its temperature requirements. In general, avoid prolonged temperatures below 50ºF. Optimal growth usually takes place when temperatures stay around 70ºF –– 85ºF.
Proper watering and good drainage is essential for growth. Therefore, it is best to use pots with a drain hole. A general rule of thumb is to water your plant when the soil is dry or lightly dry to the touch. If the soil has shrunk away from the sides of the pot, it is too dry. Avoid overwatering, which can cause roots to rot, but water deep enough to hydrate the full root system. Water through to the bottom of the pot but avoid standing water. Cactus and succulents require less water during colder winter months with shorter days and more water during hot summer months with longer days.
Regular fertilizing during the summer months helps keep plants healthy. A balanced water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) used once a month coupled with a time release product (Osmocote) enhances the growth of your plants and encourages flowering. Repot your plant every couple of years, or as needed into a slightly larger pot, to refresh the soil and allow for further root growth.
Adequate sunlight promotes healthy growth. For most succulents, the best sunlight comes from a south, west, or east window. Cactus prefer south or west windows. Jungle cactus (epiphytic plants, which often grow in trees) prefer strong indirect light or morning sun from an east window.
Knowing your plants origin will help you determine its temperature requirements. In general, avoid prolonged temperatures below 50ºF. Optimal growth usually takes place when temperatures stay around 70ºF –– 85ºF.
Proper watering and good drainage is essential for growth. Therefore, it is best to use pots with a drain hole. A general rule of thumb is to water your plant when the soil is dry or lightly dry to the touch. If the soil has shrunk away from the sides of the pot, it is too dry. Avoid overwatering, which can cause roots to rot, but water deep enough to hydrate the full root system. Water through to the bottom of the pot but avoid standing water. Cactus and succulents require less water during colder winter months with shorter days and more water during hot summer months with longer days.
Regular fertilizing during the summer months helps keep plants healthy. A balanced water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) used once a month coupled with a time release product (Osmocote) enhances the growth of your plants and encourages flowering. Repot your plant every couple of years, or as needed into a slightly larger pot, to refresh the soil and allow for further root growth.
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