How to Grow Cacti? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Growing Methods

The cactus is a relatively common plant. It is a typical tropical plant that can adapt to a variety of environments. Its growing method is relatively simple, and its uses are fairly wide-ranging. Many people like to grow cacti at home. So how should cacti be grown? Join the editor to learn about it.

1. Soil Selection

Soil is where plants grow. Most of the nutrients and water that plants absorb during growth come from the soil, so soil is directly related to the growth and development of plants. Cacti do not have high requirements for soil, but when grown in pots, they generally require calcareous sandy soil or sandy loam with good drainage and permeability. Soil that is too fertile or contains too much soluble salt can very easily cause root rot in cacti and cause damage. The ratio of the growing medium can be adjusted in practice according to the cactus variety, plant size, climatic conditions, and so on. For example, for young plants, which need a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer and water during the growing period, the proportion of leaf mold in the growing medium should be appropriately increased; in areas with a lot of rain, the proportion of river sand should be increased to maintain good permeability.

2. Fertilizing

Cacti need appropriate fertilizing during the growing season, especially seedlings and grafted plants with well-developed rootstocks. For topdressing, fully decomposed soybean cake water can be used, but attention must be paid to the concentration: if the concentration is too low, the effect is minimal, and if the concentration is too high, it easily burns the roots. For some cacti that prefer calcareous soil, lime water can be applied 3-4 times during the growing period to prevent the soil from acidifying and to promote their growth.

3. Watering

The drought tolerance of cacti is well known. They can grow in deserts and the Gobi, so in cultivation, watering should be done reasonably according to the species, season, and plant size, so as to avoid plant shrinkage or premature aging caused by excessive water shortage. Watering should be in direct proportion to temperature. In summer, when temperatures are high and evaporation is great, water once each in the morning and evening every day. In the rainy season, humidity is high and evaporation is low, so it is enough to keep the soil moist, to avoid water accumulation and root rot. In winter, watering must be strictly controlled, and it is enough to keep the soil from becoming excessively dry. The lower the temperature, the more the soil should be kept dry, to avoid frost damage to the roots. After overwintering, master the principle of alternating dry and wet periods and watering thoroughly after the soil dries out, to meet the cactus's requirements for breaking dormancy and resuming growth.

4. Temperature and Light

Cacti are suitable for growing in an environment of 20-30 degrees. The maximum must not exceed 35 degrees, and the minimum must not be lower than 5 degrees. In winter, maintaining a temperature above 5 degrees is enough for them to overwinter safely. Winter temperatures should be relatively stable; too great a difference between day and night temperatures can easily cause frost damage. In spring, above 15 degrees, they begin to grow. In summer, above 35 degrees, they enter a dormant state. After autumn begins, they resume growth. Cacti are light-loving plants and belong to the strong positive type. Only under strong light conditions can their flowers bloom vividly, so a sufficient supply of light is needed, especially in winter, when full light is even more necessary.

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