Why don't cacti need watering? The reason is actually very simple

Although the cactus is considered a relatively easy plant to grow, there are still many things we need to pay special attention to during cultivation, such as watering. Water is a key factor in growing cacti well, so why don't cacti need watering? And how should we water them properly?

Why don't cacti need watering

There are many reasons for their drought tolerance, mainly as follows:

1. The roots are extremely sensitive to water; as soon as they sense the presence of water they absorb it rapidly, and the root system is very well developed so as to absorb more water. In addition, some varieties have roots that also store water, having evolved a lump-shaped main root like a radish.

2. The stem is generally succulent and has a water-storing function; it is also the main organ for photosynthesis.

3. The leaves have evolved into spines, which is meant to reduce water loss from transpiration, and they can also absorb water from the air through tiny pores on the spines. In addition, the spines of some varieties also serve to shade the body and prevent sunburn.

How to water a cactus

Water quality

How to water a cactus? Before that, a prerequisite you need to address is water quality. For watering flowers, it is not recommended to use tap water directly; instead, let it sit in the sun for several days. This allows the water to react with chlorine to form hypochlorous acid, which has a sterilizing effect. If conditions permit, you can also use mountain spring water; mountain spring water contains some water-soluble salts, which undergo hydrolysis, making the pH weakly acidic and the water softer and less likely to produce scale. Alternatively, adding a little white vinegar to the water also works.

Watering time

The second difficulty in watering is the timing. Summer is the growing season for cacti, with high temperatures and a large water requirement. You must water thoroughly, and it is best done in the early morning or evening when temperatures are low; at noon it is hot, and watering can easily cause scorching of the body. During the hot, high-temperature plum rain season, watering should also be properly restrained. For those cacti with a sunken top, be careful not to let water get into the depression, to avoid causing rot; this is even more important when watering in the evening.

During winter dormancy, watering should be restrained, just enough to keep the potting soil from becoming excessively dry; the lower the temperature, the more you should keep the potting soil dry. Mature large cacti are more drought-tolerant than small seedlings. Winter watering should be done on a sunny morning. As the temperature rises, the plant will gradually come out of dormancy, and only then can the frequency and amount of watering gradually increase.

Watering method

As for the method of watering, many people like the bottom-watering (soaking) method. Although bottom watering can use siphon action to draw water evenly up to the top, it can also clog the gaps in the soil. Soaking for a long time is harmful to the root system, because the lack of air spaces causes oxygen deprivation in the plant's roots, producing alcohol. Once problems arise in the roots, problems will also arise in the plant body above, forming a vicious cycle. Watering should be done by slowly pouring along the edge of the pot until water flows out from the bottom. Basically, follow the principle of "spray water for small seedlings, water for mature plants."

Watering principles for cacti:

1. Don't water if the soil isn't dry; when you do water, water thoroughly;

2. Don't water in winter, water sparingly in summer;

3. Don't water a cactus just bought and brought home; don't water a cactus that has just been in the sun; don't water a cactus in early spring; don't water a cactus that has just been repotted or newly cut

and rooted.

Through effective water control, the cactus can be made stronger, get sick less, grow healthily, and produce beautiful flowers.

That's all for now on why cacti don't need watering. We hope the above content can help you better understand this issue. Stay tuned for more great content~