Cactus and Succulent Care Tips

Perhaps you've noticed the growing popularity of cacti and succulents in garden centers. With the easy growing requirements and distinctive beauty of these plants, more people are choosing to grow them as indoor houseplants and in outdoor landscapes. The growing rules for cacti and succulents are surprisingly simple. Even if you have a brown thumb, you will probably be able to grow a succulent garden successfully.

Watering

The typical belief about a cactus or succulent garden needing only very minimal amounts of water is not completely accurate. These plants can survive with little water, but they probably won't thrive.

For best results, water a cactus or succulent about once per week until the soil is thoroughly soaked.
Use rainwater if possible.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once per week during the growing season.
When the growing season ends, stop fertilizing and space out the watering to the point where you just keep the leaves from shriveling.

Light

A cactus or succulent garden will thrive in bright light, but avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures. The amount of light needed will depend on the plant species. You can usually figure out whether your cactus or succulent is happy by observing it.

If the leaves look bleached out or are turning strange colors, the plant is probably getting too much light.
If a plant seems to be stretching toward a light source, it probably needs more light.
Slight stretching toward a light source is normal, and you can avoid a misshapen plant by rotating the pot regularly.

Potting

The type of cactus or succulent you have will determine the best style of pot. Some cacti have fibrous roots that will demand a shallow pot with a large diameter. Other plants have large root systems that require large and deep pots.

Pot materials may be clay, ceramic, or plastic.
The main feature to ensure that any pot has is adequate drainage. Make sure that your pot has drainage holes in the bottom, or drill them yourself before planting.
Soil for a cactus or succulent needs to drain well. A premixed succulent potting media will usually have horticultural-grade sand or grit added to it.
You can also make your own potting media by combining one part compost, one part horticultural sand, and one part grit. Try horticultural pumice or pearlite to make up the grit component.
Repot cacti and succulents once each year to ensure that the plants have fresh soil and enough growing room. When roots begin encroaching on the sides of the pot or through the drainage holes, it's time to repot.
To repot a plant, wearing gloves to protect yourself from spines and sap, loosen the soil gently to remove the plant from the pot. Remove as much old soil from the roots as possible without damaging them. If you see dead areas of roots, cut them away. Then, place the plant into a larger pot with fresh potting media.
After repotting, wait a week or two before watering the plant for the first time. Keep it out of direct sunlight for the first two weeks as well.

Pests

Cacti and succulents are at risk for pest infestations. Some pests will kill a plant, while others will just be a nuisance to you.

Mealybugs are a common pest that can lead to poor growth. If the infestation is minor, you can kill them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You may need to soak the roots and repot if mealybugs are attacking the roots.
Spider mites will make white webs on the plants. Over time, you'll know you have spider mites if you see brown spots on the plants. Try watering from overhead or misting the plants to get rid of spider mites.
Scale will look like brown spots on the plants as they consume the sap. Treat scale in the same way you'd treat mealybugs.
Fungus gnats are small, black flies that may damage your plants. Avoid using soil with peat moss to avoid fungus gnats.

More Cactus and Succulent Resources

Best Succulents for Indoors: Succulents generally have thick and fleshy leaves, and they don't tolerate cold temperatures well.
Succulents: The Camels of the Plant World: Not unlike camels, succulents can go for long periods of time without water.
Cacti and Succulents: Many people who struggle with growing houseplants can grow a cactus garden successfully because they don't require extensive care.
Overview of Succulents: The fleshy stems and leaves of succulents are where the plants store water for future use.
Plant Talk: Succulents: Some succulents have prickly spines, but not all of them have this feature.
Aroma and Succulent Gardens: Succulents are known for being able to thrive in extreme growing conditions.
Cacti and Succulents: Succulents can grow in unexpected and unusual shapes, and some produce breathtakingly beautiful blossoms.
Care of Non-Hardy Cacti and Succulents: For best results, water a succulent when the potting soil dries out completely, and then wait to water again until the soil is dry.
Cacti and Succulents: Cacti have areoles that produce spines, leaves, or flowers.
Secrets to Success When Propagating Succulent Plants: If you want to make new succulents from an existing plant, you can use vegetative propagation.
Succulents Shine in Winter: If you overwater a succulent or don't give it at least six hours of sunlight each day, it may not grow well.
Cacti and Succulents: Get Stuck on Them! All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.
Growing Succulents in the Pacific Northwest: The more fleshy the cacti or succulent, the less water it needs.
Cactus Tips: Many types of cacti grow readily in a home landscape.
Haworthias: Super Succulents for Small Spaces: A haworthia is a type of succulent that is small and attractive.
Indoor Cacti: Cacti vary widely in shape and size, and most are indigenous to the Americas.
Cactus Spines: In most cases, cacti spines are modified leaf clusters that have evolved.
Saguaro and Other Towering Cacti Have a Scrambled History: Explore the history and lineage of the saguaro cactus.
Christmas Cactus Facts: If you keep the growing environment cooler, a Christmas cactus may keep its blossoms longer.
Growing a Cactus or Other Succulents: With the right amount of care, a succulent garden may grow successfully for decades.
How to Propagate Agaves and Cacti From Cuttings and Seed: To propagate a succulent, take a cutting when the overnight temperatures will not dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the cutting takes root.
Growing a Cactus From Seed (PDF): A ripe cactus fruit may enable you to propagate a new cactus from seed.