How to grow a cactus? Detailed guide to care methods and precautions

SummaryMethods for growing cacti: choose 3 parts each of garden soil, leaf mold, and coarse sand, then add 1 part each of plant ash and decomposed bone meal, mix evenly to prepare the growing medium; in summer, provide appropriate shade; the suitable growing temperature is 20-35°C; in spring, summer, and autumn, apply an appropriate amount of decomposed liquid fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution. Precautions for growing cacti: in spring and summer, water once every 1-2 months, while in autumn and winter, water once every 2-3 months, and control light intensity, fertilizer, and so on.

I. Methods for growing cacti

1. Soil

You can choose 3 parts each of garden soil, leaf mold, and coarse sand, then add 1 part each of plant ash and decomposed bone meal, mix evenly to prepare the growing medium, then pot them in early spring. First place a 3cm-thick layer of small stones at the bottom of the pot, and the planting depth should be such that the root crown of the ball is level with the soil surface.

2. Light

Cacti like to grow in an environment with plenty of sunlight, but excessive exposure can also slow down their growth rate. If you want cacti to grow faster, in the hot summer weather, you can place the cacti in a cool environment for growing.

3. Watering

Most cacti originate from the hot and arid desert wilderness areas of South and North America, so their drought resistance is relatively strong. If watered too much, the roots will rot, and some large cacti will not die even if not watered for 1-2 years.

4. Temperature

The suitable growing temperature for cacti is 20-35°C, and all kinds of cacti like a relatively large day-night temperature difference. Generally, under conditions within 35°C during the day and around 15°C at night, it is more conducive to the production and accumulation of organic matter, thereby promoting more vigorous plant growth.

5. Fertilizing

Cacti like fertilizer and are tolerant of it. Generally, topdressing can begin 30 days after repotting in spring. During the growing season, apply 1 topdressing of decomposed 10-fold liquid fertilizer every 20 days or so, then mix with an equal amount of 1000-fold potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution. Fertilizing should be stopped in winter.

6. Repotting

When repotting cacti, part of the old roots need to be cut off, then after drying for 4-5 days, pot them again. Planting should not be too deep; generally, it is suitable for the root neck of the ball to be level with the soil surface. To avoid root rot, newly planted cacti generally should not be watered; simply mist them 2-3 times a day.

7. Pests and diseases

In environments with high temperatures and poor ventilation, cacti are prone to pests and diseases. Generally, diseases can be controlled by spraying carbendazim or thiophanate, while insect pests can be controlled by spraying dimethoate, but no matter which medicinal solution is sprayed, it must be done outdoors.

II. Precautions for growing cacti

1. In the process of growing cacti, it is necessary to control the amount of watering, light intensity, fertilizer, and so on. Once handled improperly, the cacti may not survive.

2. When spring and summer arrive, cacti will resume growth. During this period, apply 1 application of mixed nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer every 15 days. During this period, provide appropriate shading and do not expose them to the scorching sun.

3. In winter, move potted cacti indoors for care. Generally, a room temperature above 5°C is enough for them to overwinter safely. During cultivation, the potting soil should be kept on the drier side, otherwise it can easily cause root rot.

4. Cacti are not suitable for too much watering, otherwise the roots will rot. In spring and summer, generally water once every 1-2 months; in autumn and winter, water once every 2-3 months.

5. Cacti love sunlight and are drought-resistant. When watering, be sure to water thoroughly.

6. Generally, repotting can be done in spring. Newly repotted cacti must not be watered immediately; they can only be watered after 7 days.