Cacti & Succulent Care Guide

Bringing Plants Home

Transport Tips: Keep upright and avoid jostling to prevent broken leaves or spines. Place in a shallow box or tray for stability.


Cold Weather Warning: If temperatures are below 10°C (50°F), wrap in paper, newspaper, or bubble wrap to protect from cold shock. As desert or arid-region plants, they are highly sensitive to cold and frostbite.


Timing: Bring indoors promptly. Avoid prolonged exposure to cold vehicles or direct sun through car windows.

Choosing the Right Location

Light Requirements: Bright, direct sunlight is ideal—aim for 6+ hours per day. A south- or west-facing window is best. Succulents tolerate some filtered light; cacti need full sun.


Spacing: Ensure good airflow between plants to prevent fungal issues. Don’t overcrowd, especially in humid environments.
 

Purpose: Great for sunny shelves, windowsills, or minimalist spaces. They work well as architectural accents or in mixed planters.

Soil Preparation

Soil Type: Use a cactus or succulent-specific potting mix that drains extremely well. You can also mix regular potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice (2:1:1 ratio).


pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0) is ideal.
 

Soil Amendment: Add grit or gravel for improved drainage. Avoid moisture-retentive materials like peat moss.

Potting or Repotting

Pot Size: Choose a pot just slightly larger than the root ball. Overpotting can lead to excess moisture and root rot.


Drainage: Absolutely essential—pots must have drainage holes. Clay or terracotta pots are ideal as they allow the soil to dry faster.
 

Tip: Repot every 2–3 years in spring or when roots outgrow the container. Wear gloves or use folded paper to handle spiny varieties.

Watering

Initial Watering: Let the plant settle for a few days after repotting before watering to avoid root rot.
 

Ongoing Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
 

Method: Use the "soak and dry" method—water until it runs out the bottom, then don’t water again until the soil is bone dry. Water even less in winter.

Feeding & Fertilizing

When to Fertilize: Start in late spring and continue through summer. No need to fertilize in fall or winter.
 

What to Use: Use a diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer or low-nitrogen (e.g., 5-10-10) blend.
 

Frequency: Once a month during the growing season. Skip if the plant looks healthy and is growing well on its own.

Staking or Support

When Needed: Rarely needed, but tall or top-heavy succulents (like columnar cacti or euphorbia) may benefit from support.


How to Stake: Use bamboo stakes and soft ties. Be cautious not to puncture roots or stems.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Common Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and fungus gnats (from overwatering).
 

Common Diseases: Root rot (from overwatering), soft rot, and fungal leaf spots.


Prevention Tips: Avoid overwatering. Ensure airflow and full drainage. Remove pests promptly using rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or insecticidal soap.

Pruning

When to Prune: Prune in spring or summer if necessary for size control, shape, or removing damage.


Why Prune: To remove dead growth, correct legginess, or propagate.
 

How: Use clean, sharp pruners. Let cuts callous over for several days before replanting or watering.

Seasonal Care

Spring: Resume watering, repot if needed, and begin fertilizing.
 

Summer: Water regularly but sparingly. Ensure full sun and monitor for pests.
 

Fall: Begin reducing water as plants prepare for dormancy.


Winter: Water very lightly or not at all. Provide as much light as possible—consider grow lights in dim homes.

Winter Protection

Indoor Adjustments: Move away from cold windows or drafty doors. Use well-lit, dry areas with consistent temperatures.


Dormancy Period: Most cacti and many succulents go dormant in winter—minimal water and no feeding required.
 

Light: Bright light is still essential. Rotate occasionally for even growth.

Helpful Extras

Drought Tolerant: Perfect for busy or forgetful plant parents—just don’t overwater.


Propagating Made Easy: Many succulents can be grown from leaves or stem cuttings. Let cuttings dry and callous before planting.
 

Pet Safety: Some varieties (like aloe and euphorbia) are toxic to pets. Check before placing within reach.
 

Design-Friendly: Cacti and succulents come in endless shapes, sizes, and colors—ideal for creative indoor arrangements and modern decor.