How do you care for a potted cactus, and what causes root rot?

The cactus is a very easy plant to grow, with strong vitality, tolerating both high and low temperatures, and is loved by many people. The cactus is also one of the common potted plants in offices, with almost everyone having one beside their computer. Although the cactus cannot protect against radiation, it can absorb harmful gases from the air, which is one of the reasons people like to grow it. So how do you care for a potted cactus? Why does root rot occur?

1. How do you care for a potted cactus?

1. Suitable growing temperature

Although the cactus can grow under both high and low temperatures, it grows better at 20-30°C. When overwintering, it can safely get through the winter as long as the growing temperature is not lower than 5°C. In summer, if the temperature reaches as high as 35°C, the cactus will enter a dormant state, so it should be moved indoors appropriately to cool down, and should not be moved outside at noon.

2. Appropriate watering

The cactus has the fine reputation of being the flower of the desert, so it is very drought-tolerant; even if it is not watered for a month, it will not die, which is also why it is a potted plant suitable for lazy people to grow. That said, in order for the cactus to grow healthily, it still needs to be watered on time; if it is not watered for too long, it will turn yellow, become woody, or simply die. For soil culture, it is enough for the potting soil to be moist and slightly dry; water thoroughly at one time, and water again once it has dried out. For water culture, it is enough to keep water available for the roots to absorb, though the water should be changed at intervals.

3. Sufficient light

Only when grown in sufficient sunlight can the cactus grow emerald green and bloom with vivid flowers. In summer, it only needs slight shading at noon. In winter there is relatively little sunlight; if conditions allow, artificial light can be used, and whenever there is sun, it should be taken out to bask in it.

4. Appropriate topdressing

Although the care of the cactus does not require too much fertilizer, in order to make it grow quickly during the growing period, organic fertilizer can be appropriately applied as a topdressing, mixed directly into clean water and the potting soil. Remember not to make it too concentrated, otherwise the whole plant will die.

2. Why does root rot occur in cacti?

Although the cactus is easy to grow, many beginners do not understand its growth habits, and root rot occurs during the care process, yet they do not know what causes it. Let us take a look together below.

There are basically two causes of root rot in cacti: one is physiological, and the other is pathological. We will not delve into the pathological one, as different pests and diseases have different treatment plans. There are two causes of physiological root rot:

1. Insufficient light and poor ventilation

Many people, when caring for cacti, place them indoors to decorate the environment, thinking that it can grow well without light; this is a wrong view. The cactus needs to be exposed to sunlight; being kept for a long time in a dark, unventilated room makes it very prone to pest and disease attacks and root rot.

2. Overwatering

Many people who grow potted plants like to water them, watering every day, regardless of the moisture level of the potting soil. Too much water poured into the potting soil will cause waterlogging, so the roots cannot breathe, leading to root rot.

In summary, if you want the cactus to grow well and not suffer root rot, you must pay attention to details such as temperature, light, soil, watering and fertilizing.