Cactus Watering Frequency, Planting Methods, and Seedling Stage Care Tips

Cactus is the collective name for succulent plants in the Cactaceae family with a spherical shape, and there are many varieties. Cactus is a plant with high ornamental value in its spherical stem, spines, and flowers. So how often should you water a cactus? What are the cactus sowing methods? And what about cactus seedling stage care?

1. How often should you water a cactus?

1. Look at how long it has been planted. Do not rush to water a newly purchased cactus. First let the soil stay slightly moist, and wait for the cactus to adapt to its new growing environment before gradually increasing the amount of water, otherwise it will only add unnecessary burden.

2. Look at seasonal changes. Spring and autumn are the vigorous growing seasons for cacti, and during this period they should be watered once a week; in summer, water evaporates quickly, so water once every 2-3 days; winter is its dormant period, so it is best not to water it anymore.

3. Look at the placement location. If a cactus is placed outdoors, the moisture will dry out very quickly, and the watering frequency should be higher than for an indoor cactus, but the premise is to only water the potting soil thoroughly, with no standing water at the bottom of the pot.

2. Cactus sowing methods

1. Before sowing cactus seeds, first prepare a container and growing medium. The sowing pot should not be too large; a size suitable for sowing all the seeds is best. Some people also use disposable cups with holes.

2. The soil should be well-draining soil. The soil used for sowing should not be too fertile. Do not use soil for growing vegetables, and do not use soil from flower beds. I use crushed akadama soil. I have also used peat plus perlite before. If conditions do not allow, sand is also acceptable, but it must be transplanted after 3 months.

3. After putting the soil into the pot, place it in a microwave to sterilize for 5 minutes to kill fungi and parasite eggs.

4. Prepare the seeds for sowing. If conditions at home allow, it is best to soak the seeds in potassium permanganate (carbendazim) the day before sowing. My home does not have potassium permanganate, so I skip the soaking. When sowing, place the seeds on top of the soil, taking care that the spacing is not too tight, then sprinkle a layer of soil to cover the seeds or gently push the seeds into the soil.

5. Then spray a little water, and be sure to cover with a transparent sheet to retain moisture. Place in a spot with scattered light. After the seedlings emerge, give them a little sun, but do not expose them to strong sunlight. When the seedlings turn green, give more light; when they turn purple-red, give less light; light red is best.

6. That is all. Seed germination takes from 3 days to several months, varying according to species, temperature, and humidity, so do not rush to throw away seeds that have not germinated. Some seeds take a longer time to germinate and require patient waiting.

3. Cactus seedling stage care

1. Light

One week after emergence, the amount of light can be gradually increased. After half a year, full-sun management can be carried out. At this time, they still need to be kept covered. After one year, the film can be removed for management. After removing the film, they cannot be exposed to strong light for a long time immediately; they need to slowly adapt to the light intensity. Of course, it is also fine not to keep them covered after emergence, but the growth rate will be slower.

2. Water control

Remember that small seedlings are not afraid of water, but they also cannot stay in an overly wet environment for a long time. When the surface soil is found to be dry, replenish water in time. For heavily hairy cacti, it is best to use the bottom-watering method.

3. Sterilization and disinfection

Later management should also pay attention to sterilization and disinfection work, carried out together with water replenishment. For the first three months, do it once a month, and afterward the interval can be increased. If soil watering is not needed, it can be sprayed evenly directly.

4. Fertilizing

With this soil mix, small seedlings do not need fertilizing within one year. If you really cannot resist, it is recommended to apply a very dilute liquid fertilizer at night.