Introduction
Cacti are a great addition to any indoor space. Want to know how to take care of cactus indoors? Well, we have all of the answers.
Cacti are relatively low maintenance, and their unique shapes and sizes make them a great conversation starter. Learning how to take care of cactus indoors and growing cacti indoors can be a bit tricky, but with the right care and attention, your cactus can thrive in your home.
How to take care of cactus indoors
Here are some tips on how to take care of and grow a cactus indoors:
Choose the right cactus
There are hundreds of different species of cacti, each with its own unique characteristics. If you want to grow a cactus indoors there are some cacti that are better suited for indoor growing than others. Look for species that are known to thrive in indoor environments. Some good options include the Christmas cactus, the prickly pear cactus, and the bunny ears cactus. With the right species, how to take care of cactus indoors becomes a lot easier.
Provide the proper lighting
Cacti require a lot of light to thrive, so it’s important to place your cactus in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. South-facing windows are usually the best option, as they provide the most direct sunlight. If you don’t have a south-facing window, you can use artificial grow lights to supplement the natural light.
Use the right soil
Cacti require well-draining soil that is specifically formulated for succulents. Avoid using regular potting soil, as it will retain too much moisture and can lead to root rot. Instead, look for a cactus or succulent soil mix that contains sand or perlite to improve drainage. This will ensure the optimum soil to support how to take care of your cactus indoors.
Water sparingly
Cacti are adapted to survive in arid environments, so they don’t require a lot of water. In learning how to take care of cactus indoors, you can almost ignore a cactus. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make when growing cactus indoors. Only water your cactus when the soil is completely dry to the touch. When you do water, do so thoroughly, allowing the water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
Drainage holes are a must:
Your cactus pot must have drainage holes to ensure the free flow of air and water around the roots.
Provide proper humidity
While cacti don’t require a lot of water, they do require a certain level of humidity to thrive. When growing cactus indoors in drier indoor environments, you may need to provide some extra humidity. You can do this by placing a tray of water near the cactus, misting the cactus with water, or using a humidifier.
Fertilise occassionally
Cacti don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but they do benefit from occasional feedings. Use a cactus-specific fertilizer and apply it according to the instructions on the package. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant. This will ensure the optimum nutrients to support how to take care of your cactus indoors.
Prune as needed
Cacti generally don’t require a lot of pruning, but in learning how to take care of your cactus indoors, you may need to learn to remove dead or damaged growth from time to time. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors to snip off any damaged or dead growth. Be careful not to damage the healthy parts of the plant.
Beautiful indoor cactus pots
Cacti are simply stunning in their diversity of shape, colour and sizes. But it is important to house your indoor cactus in a pot equally as beautiful. These are our favourites:
Final thoughts
Learning how to take care of your cactus indoors and growing a cactus indoors can be a rewarding experience. With the right care and attention, your cactus can thrive in your home for many years to come.
Remember to choose the right species, provide plenty of light and well-draining soil, water sparingly, and provide proper humidity and nutrients. That’s how to take care of your cactus indoors and grow a cactus indoors!
With a little bit of effort, your cactus will be a beautiful and unique addition to your indoor space.
Make sure you hang around and check out our other indoor gardening blog posts.
Remember, life is better with indoor plants!
Credits: Main photo by Ashleigh Robertson on Unsplash
Photo by Thomas Verbruggen on Unsplash.
