Desert cacti typically bear spines or hair and are shaped like paddles, balls, or obelisks.
They are climbing or epiphytic plants that cling to trees in the wild and make excellent indoor hanging plants.
However, some species of both desert and forest cactus can burn in direct sunlight.
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Soil
Desert cacti grow best in a fast-draining soil mix specifically formulated for cacti.
They also grow well in regular potting soil amended with sand, pebbles, orperliteto increase drainage and aeration.
The soil should be dry to the touch in between summer waterings and mostly dry in the winter.
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Still, any indoor plant that’s not hardened off needs to be protected from winter drafts.
Cacti prefer average humidity levels, which are fairly easy to achieve in most homes.
Forest cacti like the air slightly more humid than desert varieties.
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So if you see yoursucculentplant wilting, mist it occasionally.
Fertilizer
Cacti can survive some of the harshest conditions on earth.
Any effort to fertilize is welcomed but is not necessary.
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Reduce or eliminate fertilizer during the winter.
Removing dead or damaged parts, however, can be done with clean, sharp garden shears.
Gardeners typically trim their cactus only to remove new offshoots (or pups) to propagate new plants.
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When doing so, always wear protective gardening gloves so that you don’t injure yourself in the process.
Harvesting and propagating pups contributes to the health of the mother plant while allowing you to replicate the plant.
Some cacti might never flower indoors, so buying packaged seeds from a nursery might be your only option.
Potting and Repotting Cactus
Cacti are slow-growing plants that will rarely need repotting.
Actually, many species of cacti will bloom better when they are slightlyroot-bound.
To do so, first, put on a pair of protective gloves.
Next, remove your plant from its current pot using a clean trowel to loosen the roots.
Fill the bottom of a terra-cotta or clay pot with a fast-draining cactus potting mix.
Add your plant, backfilling around the sides and taking care to cover the roots, and lightly water.
For starters, ensure to locate your cactus in your sunniest window.
Because the winter sun sits low in the sky, this will allow your cactus to thrive without burning.
Most plant pests have grown resistant to insecticides, and using chemical insecticides indoors should be your last resort.
Bacterial rot can also cause your cactus to ooze a black liquid.
It is during this time that some forest cacti (like theChristmas cactus) bloom.
Common Problems with Indoor Cactus
The most common mistake cactus gardeners make is overwatering in the winter.
Conversely, certain species can live up to 300 years outdoors in their natural habitat.
Cacti feature areoles, small cushion-like structures with trichomes, or plant hairs.
Native Americans believe that a cactus is a symbol of warmth, protection, and motherly love.
Many cacti prefer dry conditions, so misting them is ill-advised.
Care of Non-Hardy Cacti & Succulents.
Insecticides for Indoor Use.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
