Cactus plants are associated with the dry, hot climate of dessert regions. However, different varieties of cacti grow in various climates around the world. Gardeners can grow them indoors or outdoors, depending on the conditions. Cacti can store moisture for long periods of time, so they do not need frequent watering. The slow-growing plants are easy to care for and make interesting and attractive additions to garden areas or inside the home.
Cacti have become one of the most versatile plants to give to any room. Gone are the days when they were considered wild plants, because their ability to survive extreme conditions made them synonymous with resistance and their ability to purify the air, has made them the perfect plant for any room.
It is possible that when thinking about cactus, the classic image of dry plants without any attraction comes to mind, that they grow without major complication in the desert. However, we have more than 1700 varieties with different characteristics to choose from. And although it is true that cacti usually require less care than other species of plants, you must take several things into account to care for and keep them healthy in enclosed spaces. Here we will explain everything you need to know:
The flower pot
In any nursery you will find infinity of pots of different sizes and materials, however, if we speak of pots for cactus it is always advisable to choose a pot of varnished clay, since the clay will allow the evaporation of the watered in less time and the varnish will avoid the accumulation of salts that can be harmful to the plant in the long term. In addition, these types of pots are usually more decorative.
Regarding size, it is advisable to start with a pot that is at least 10 centimeters in diameter and about 12 inches deep. This will allow it to develop with enough space. It is also very important to have holes of one centimeter in the bottom for proper drainage.
The substrate
One of the most important aspects to have our healthy cactus is the choice of substrate. Unlike other species, cacti require substrates that offer greater drainage capacity; this is why it is common to see special substrates for cactus; Nevertheless; We can also prepare it ourselves if we prefer. We should only mix equal parts of black sand and perlilla to fill the pot of our cactus, this mixture will prevent the water from stagnating in the pot and rotting our cactus.
Irrigation
Determining the frequency and correct way to water cactus is one of the most complicated aspects of your care due to the number of factors that influence. Basically, the frequency of irrigation will depend on the season, sun exposure and the type of substrate we use. Usually, it is recommended to do it once a week in spring and summer and once every two weeks in autumn and winter. However, the best indicator will be to observe the soil in the pot and water only if it is very dry. For the method of watering, it is best to use an atomizer and avoid applying it directly on the plant, focusing on the edges of the pot.
As for water, the ideal is to use rainwater. But living in an area with scarce rain, we can use tap water, we should only let it rest for a night to avoid problems with the pH.
Location
Light is vital for any plant and cacti are no exception. Most varieties of cactus require several hours of sunlight per day to grow, which is why the ideal is to place them in a window where they are exposed to the sun. However, excessive exposure can also be harmful, if we notice that the cactus becomes yellowish or begins to whiten, we should locate it in an area with less exposure of light.
In addition to light, we must also take into account the humidity. The bathrooms and kitchens are excellent for cacti, they are able to absorb moisture from the air.
Fertilizers
Like any plant, fertilizers and fertilizers will do wonders with our cactus, but to make the most of them without causing damage, we must be careful with their application, especially if it is nitrogen fertilizer, as these will weaken the defenses of the cactus and will more vulnerable to diseases.
There are several kinds of fertilizers and each has different forms of application. Ideally, the cactus fertilizer will be one balanced in equal parts of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus and the frequency of application will depend on the size of our cactus. If we want to stimulate the flowering in the following spring, we will have to start fertilizing once every two weeks from the beginning of autumn and if we want to stimulate the growth of the plant it is advisable to use fertilizers from the bud of the first flowers in the spring.
Transplant
Generally, when taking care of an indoor cactus, there are three reasons in which we will have to perform a transplant: The cactus exceeded the size of the pot, the roots are concentrated in the drainage of the pot or it is necessary to change the substrate. Although transplanting a cactus is a simple process, it is necessary to follow some recommendations so as not to compromise the health of the plant.
Avoid doing it during the winter: The ideal is to do it in spring or summer, since the cactus has a greater ability to adapt because of its growing seasons.
Use gloves: These will prevent you from pricking yourself with the thorns of the cactus and that you will hurt the plant in the process. Otherwise, you can use newspaper to manipulate the cactus.
Be careful with the roots: When removing the old substrate, we must avoid breaking the roots of the cactus, as it will make it more vulnerable to fungi and diseases that could rot it.
Plant it at the same level: When planting it again, we must be guided by the end of the root of the cactus so as not to cover above the neck of the plant.
Avoid direct exposure to the sun for a few days: While recovering, it is advisable to place it in a shady place for a couple of days.
Decrease irrigation frequency: We must reduce the frequency of irrigation by half until we see signs of growth.
Whether we are talking about living rooms or offices, cacti are exotic plants that will stand out in any room thanks to their particular appeal ...
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Wow.. I love cactus. They make a pretty decorations..
I love them too, they are a member of the family
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Me encantó este post Denisse, muy completo, sin embargo tengo una pregunta, ¿todas las fotos son tuyas? porque veo que en ninguna colocas la fuente.
Really cool article!
I love botany :)
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