Before youbuy a cactus online, you should research the proper way to care for these popular plants, including tips for watering them. This begs the question: how oftenshould you water a cactus? Experts from The Cactus Outlet are here to explain tips and tricks for keeping your cactus hydrated without overwatering it.
Cactus Watering Tips for Healthy Plants
Cacti don't need a lot of water to thrive, which explains why they're so common in dry, desert climates. However, they are still living things and will need the right balance of water, sunlight, and soil to grow. Check out the various factors that affect your watering frequency as well as tips for overwatering prevention below.
Adjust Water Intake by Location
How often should you water a cactus? The answer partially depends on the plant's location, as experts recommend different timelines for indoor vs. outdoor watering.
Keeping acactus in your home means you'll have to water it every two to six weeks. Check that the soil is completely dry before you supply the plant with water. Outdoor cacti need water less frequently and can go up to six weeks without watering.
These timelines all depend on the environment where your cactus grows. For example, if the soil dries quickly due to extremely hot temperatures, you'll have to adjust your watering schedule. Seasonal watering also comes into play with cacti resting during the winter and receiving more water during the summer growing season.
Plant Cacti in the Right Soil
We recommend growing cacti inwell-draining soil to avoid the risk of overwatering. Using a standard potting soil allows the mixture to retain water and potentially harm the plant. You want to use a mix with a gritty, well draining texture as this prevents the soil from absorbing water.
Learn the Best Watering Techniques
When it comes to caring for a cactus, you'll need to know not just when to water your plant but how it should receive water. The soak-and-dry method works best for cacti.
With this technique, you want to pour enough water into the soil so that it's completely soaked and then give it time to dry out over several weeks. Once the soil is dry, repeat the process using distilled water.
Recognize the Signs of Overwatering
Being too heavy-handed with your watering can have detrimental effects on cacti. You might experience the following issues with your plant:
- Soggy stems
- Discolored leaves
- Foul odors due to root rot
On the other hand, you don't want to underwater your cactus either. This can stunt the plant's growth and cause the stems to become thin and brittle.
Fill Your Home With Vibrant Cacti From The Cactus Outlet
How often should you water a cactus? Why is mycactus turning yellow? The specialists at The Cactus Outlet can answer all of your questions regarding plant care and supply you with healthy cacti and succulents.
Explore our selection of plants online or give us a call at 1-800-826-9396 to learn more about the plants we carry and receive tips for maintaining them. Get in touch today.
