Cacti (Cactaceae)

Notes: cacti are at home around the world and are adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. Cacti are unique in their ability to store water in their stems. This allows the plant to survive extended periods of drought in their native habitat. As a houseplant, this means less frequent watering is required as is a soil mix that won't retain excess water. 

Light: Full sun

Water: Infrequent. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings and give them a good drink when you do water them. Watering frequency and volume should be enough to prevent shriveling. Generally, water up to once a week in the summer (May-Sept) and once a month in the winter (Oct-April). See WATER for more details.  

Fertilizer: Cacti are not heavy feeders. All-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer can be used if diluted to 1/4 the recommended rate or use a specially formulated fertilizer for cacti as directed. Our recommendation is to fertilize only during the early spring and summer (May-Aug). A slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote is also a good option.

Soil: 2 parts soil, 1 part peat, 1 part perlite, 1 part course sand or use a preblended cactus mix

Temperature: Unless cold hardy, do not expose to temps below 50 degrees F

Humidity: Low to average