How to Grow Cacti Indoors
Cacti are perfect plants for those who want low-effort greenery in their home. However, cacti are unique from other houseplants and, therefore, have different needs. Here are some tips on how to care for your cacti indoors.
Cacti are perfect plants for those who want low-effort greenery in their home. These humble plants come in a variety of styles and often do better the more you leave them alone.
What’s involved with keeping a cactus alive? A cactus is quite different than the average houseplant and, therefore, has very different needs. Throughout this article, you’ll learn what differentiates a cactus from other plants and how to best care for cacti indoors.
Cacti are a distinctive plant family known for being low maintenance and versatile for indoor growing. Most cacti require minimal watering, as they pull in moisture from dew and mist and store it within their tissues.
They tend to grow slowly and can often stay in the same pot without problem for years. Popular varieties for indoor growing include golden barrel, bishop’s cap, rat-tail, bunny ears, Turk’s cap, and star cactus.
All cacti are a type of succulent, but not all succulents are cacti. What sets cacti apart are cushioned growing points known as areoles that produce tufts of hair or spines. While some other succulent varieties have thorns, they don’t come from areoles, so they aren’t classified as cacti.
Most cacti are split into two categories: forest and desert. Forest cacti thrive in tropical regions, have thick, fleshy stems, and are often known for their blooms. The Christmas cactus falls into this category.
Desert cacti, in contrast, are found in dry arid regions and tend to have sharp needles. As a result, they are more sensitive to over-watering and need more direct sunlight than forest varieties.
While both types of cacti look different from each other and have different growth habits, they require similar indoor maintenance, except when it comes to watering.
It’s possible to have great success growing cacti indoors in the right conditions. Here are eight tips that will help your cactus thrive indoors.
Cacti will thrive in almost any container, so long as it includes drainage holes. Unglazed terra cotta works especially well because its porous nature lets water evaporate away from the plant roots, which reduces the risk of overwatering.
As cacti are slow-growing and usually don’t mind crowding, consider planting multiple varieties in a pot.
Standard potting soil won’t work for cacti because it will hold too much moisture. It’s best to buy specialty cactus soil or consider making your own. Good cactus soil contains one part coarse builder’s sand, one part loam, and one part peat moss.
Cacti are sensitive after repotting, so refrain from watering them for a few weeks to prevent any root damage.
Cacti require at least six hours of light per day in order to thrive. Keep them on a south-facing windowsill for the best results, although east or west-facing windows will also work. It’s possible to supplement with artificial lights if your space doesn’t receive enough naturally.
Once the weather warms, your cacti will enjoy the opportunity to get outside for some direct sunlight exposure. Keep them indoors until the temperature consistently gets above 50°F (10°C) to ensure they don’t become stressed.
It’s best to transition the plants outdoors slowly by placing them in a shaded location for a few hours a day before gradually bringing them into direct sunlight. Make sure your cacti come back inside before there’s a danger of frost.
Less is more when it comes to watering desert cacti. The easiest way to kill off your cactus is by adding too much water. Stick with a watering schedule to ensure you don’t get off track. Each time you water, make sure you add enough so that water seeps from the drainage hole on the pot’s bottom. Water the soil directly so that the cactus itself stays dry.
Always let the top two inches of soil dry again before you add more. This helps mimic the drought conditions cacti have evolved to thrive in. You will likely find you need to water more frequently on hot, bright days when the cacti are in active growth stages. Most cacti need only small amounts of moisture over the winter months.
Forest cacti are more forgiving of overwatering and should be treated similarly to other forms of succulents. Water the soil directly whenever it feels dry to the touch and gently mist the foliage whenever it looks dusty.
Even when grown indoors, cacti are susceptible to pest and disease problems. Overwatering or a poorly draining pot are frequent causes, as they lead to water buildup that rots the roots.
Inspect your plants regularly for insects and signs of eggs under the growths. The plants themselves tend to be sensitive to bruising, so any mishandling may lead to permanent blemishes. However, in most cases, these won’t affect the health of the plant whatsoever.
Cacti do best when kept at a consistent temperature throughout their growth period. Aim to keep them above 60°F (15°C) at night and around 10-15 degrees warmer during the day. During their dormant period, they can handle temperatures around 45-55°F (7-12°C).
If your indoor space seems too hot, keep the cacti next to a window, as the glass will keep it about ten degrees cooler than the rest of the room.
While cacti tend to be slow-growing, they appreciate regular boosts of liquid fertilizer during their active phase. Add a dose of specialty cacti or succulent fertilizer to your pot as directed by the manufacturer over the warmer months. It’s only necessary to fertilize in the winter if you can tell the plant is actively growing.
With proper care, a cactus adds charm to any indoor space. Learn the best ways to keep yours alive, and you’ll enjoy your cactus for years to come.