Cactus in Pots: Learn How to Grow Them

The cactus that we usually place in pots belong to the family of cacti, originating from America. They’re plants that are characterized by having water reserves in their tissues, which makes it easier for them to adapt to arid and hot environments. This quality makes them very resistant, durable, and independent–they require little care.

Growing cactus in pots has its advantages. You’ll always have a decorative element for your home that provides a touch of nature and special subtlety. In fact, it’s also become a very cute and simple gift idea.

The benefit of cactus in pots

Cacti have various connotations, but they’ve always been recognized as a source of energy. Some theories based on Feng shui indicate that they represent balance and protection for those who live in the home.

However, some studies indicate that because the thorns break the energy flow, it’s better to put them on the patio, terrace, or windows. In this way, according to practitioners, bad energies that want to enter the home are removed. But in addition to this vision, it should be noted that potted cacti can help to purify the air.

Learn how to grow cactus in pots

If you want to learn how to grow cactus in pots, we’ll tell you two ways to do it. You’ll realize that this is an easy and simple process, but one that requires a lot of attention to avoid making mistakes. If you follow the instructions and put a lot of love into it, you’ll undoubtedly be able to grow your own cactus. Alongside making them last a long time in your home.

Growing cacti from seed

The first of the methods for growing cacti in pots are from seeds. This is a process that can take months, even up to a whole year, for them to germinate. For this process to take as little time as possible, but with good results, you should use a good substrate. And use a good fertilizer too–preferably organic.

What you’ll need to do is to get a pot and fill it with a good amount of substrate, already mixed with fertilizer. Then, place your seeds in the bottom and cover them with more soil. Cacti don’t need constant watering, but at this stage, it’ll require more attention. Check the substrate and add a good amount of water every 15 or 20 days. Sowing the seeds is recommended in spring.

Cactus in pots: grow cuttings

If you already have an adult cactus with potential cuttings, cut some and let them dry out at room temperature, without direct sunlight. You can water them every week, but in moderation, in order to avoid “flooding” and damaging them. In a pot, put the soil and the fertilizer, and proceed to sow the cuttings. Which will by now, already have some incipient roots.

Choose a pot in which you can water the soil well and ensure that the roots of the cuttings have enough space. After about four weeks, they’ll have a solid enough root to be transplanted to the pot where they’ll be able to germinate completely.

Caring for cactus in pots

All plants need special care to achieve good development. Some need more than others, but all require basic care. In the case of cacti, good planting, lighting, and irrigation practices are needed.

Lighting

In order to know how much light or lighting our cacti should receive, we must first distinguish what kind of cacti we have, since not all of them require the same amount of light.

For example, cacti that have a large number of thorns require direct sunlight. In contrast, cacti that have few or very small spines require spaces with more shade and good airflow.

Watering cactus in pots

As we know, water is one of the most important things for a plant to survive. Although cacti don’t need watering very often if you want to have a healthy cactus be aware of how often you water it and the amount of water you give it.

Irrigation is related to the seasons, because these help us to understand the needs of the plant. In spring, cacti can be watered every eight days, and in fall, every ten to twelve days. When winter begins and low temperatures arrive, it’s recommended to water them every 20 to 40 days.

Remember that it’s important to give them a good watering every time, as the water must reach the bottom of the pot.

Fertilization

If we want our cactus to reflect all the care we give to it and to remain healthy for a long time, we must think about the fertilizer. Some substrates that are bought in specialized stores are complete, but others not so much. Therefore, at the time of sowing, it’s better to make sure that the soil is enriched.

The soil to grow cacti, for example, must have a good amount of phosphorus and potassium–minerals that help resist drought or lack of water. Check at the place of purchase for some organic options to complement the nutrition of your plants.