5 Tips To Keep Your Cactus Plant Happy & Healthy

You may have filled your home with cacti thinking your brown thumb couldn’t kill them. However, while cacti are relatively low-maintenance plants, they still require some care to ensure they stay healthy and thriving. Here are some tips on what you can do to keep your favourite cactus plant healthy. —Vita Daily

Watering: Most cacti prefer infrequent but deep watering, rather than frequent shallow watering. Water your cactus only when the soil is completely dry, and avoid getting water on the leaves or stem. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.

Sunlight: Most cacti need plenty of sunlight to thrive, so be sure to place your cactus in a sunny spot in your home. However, be cautious of too much direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves and turn them brown.

Soil: Cacti need well-draining soil that is specifically formulated for cactus plants. Be sure to choose a soil mix that contains sand or perlite to improve drainage and prevent waterlogged roots.

Fertilization: While cacti don’t need fertilizer as often as other plants, they still benefit from occasional feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) but avoid fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Repotting: Cacti grow slowly and generally do not require frequent repotting. However, if your cactus outgrows its container, you may need to repot it. Wait until the growing season to do so, and be sure to choose a container that is only slightly larger than the current one.