Contrary to popular belief, it's actually pretty hard to keep them alive —here's how...
July 27, 2018| Rebecca Gillam
That Pepto-Bismol pink, flat whites, avocados… There are some things that are unavoidable and unashamedly ‘millennial’. And the penchant for filling one’s small city flat with cat lady levels of cacti, succulents and air plants is one of them.
The one teeny problem is, though they’re all meant to be invincible, they’re actually pretty easy to kill. Even air plants, which literally need nothing apart from the occasional spritz turn out to be pretty, well, vincible.
So, we decided to find out what we’re doing wrong and how to actually keep cacti alive…
DON’T OVER WATER
Drowning a cactus is actually one of the most common causes of cacti death. Make sure you feel the soil before watering to check it’s completely dry. If it isn’t, wait a few days. To avoid the dreaded root rot, get a spritzer. On average, they should be watered every week or misted every two.
AIR CARE
As pretty as jars and terrariums are, cacti and succulents need air. For aesthetics and aeration, pot the plants in an old-fashioned fish bowl.
SEASONAL WATERING
Just because the soil is usually dry in 5-7 days, it doesn’t mean that’s the case all year round. Typically the plants will need more in summer, when it’s hotter and growing season, and less in winter, when it’s cooler.
USE SPECIAL SOIL
It doesn’t have to be that special, but you can by ‘cactus soil’ which holds the right amount of moisture and enables them to drain the correct amount. If you’re having trouble finding it, just mix your regular soil with a bit of sand.
NOT TOO HOT, NOT TOO COLD
Avoid extremes by leaving your plants somewhere out of direct sunlight, but not in the dark. Try moving it around, for bursts of sun, then time in the shade, for maximum health.
PLANT FOOD
Like us, plants need food as well as water and, as they’re not in their natural habitats, they need us to provide it.
UPSIZE THE POTS
Though the mini cacti you buy on Columbia Road are cute, they’re only that size as the pots don’t leave them room to grow.Repotoccasionally to allow them to get bigger. Even if it means spoiling a ‘Grammableset-up, it’s the kind thing to do.
TOO LATE FOR TLC?
If your precious pot plant has got root rot, look for healthy parts, take some cuttings, wait for them to seal and then replant in new, fresh soil.
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FAQs
Make sure you place them wherever you get the best sunlight in your house, like a windowsill. Now just enjoy their presence, and give them a good soak every couple to few weeks. If you want to get really fancy, you can fertilize your cactus or succulent every few months too.
How do I not kill my cactus? ›
Make sure you place them wherever you get the best sunlight in your house, like a windowsill. Now just enjoy their presence, and give them a good soak every couple to few weeks. If you want to get really fancy, you can fertilize your cactus or succulent every few months too.
Why do I keep killing my cactus? ›
Overwatering is notorious for its cactus-killing capacity. Despite most plant owners being aware of this, it remains one of the leading causes of cactus mortality to this day! It's important to remember that a proper watering schedule has to be paired with the right soil to keep your cactus healthy.
How do you keep cactus from dying? ›
Ensure roots are moist (not wet!) and check soil moisture. If dry, water promptly; if wet, allow plant to dry slightly before watering. Inspect the plant regularly for any signs of wilting or discoloration to assess its hydration needs. If your cactus plant is wilting, yet not dying, it is possible to save it.
Should I spray my cactus with water? ›
Most cacti require a soil mix that's sandy and porous. You should not mist cacti with the exception of some exotic variants. There are two ways to water a cactus: Add the water to the surface soil until it runs through and out of the plant pot drainage holes.
What do cactus hate? ›
Cacti have a built-in tolerance of extreme drought, leading many to believe they don't need a lot of water. While it's true they're tough, most cacti won't thrive without water. That said, overwatering is where many go wrong. Too much water encourages botrytis fungus to rot the roots and base of the plant.
What kills a cactus? ›
You can achieve 76 to 100 percent mortality by spraying with one of several herbicide options, including MezaVue (aminopyralid + picloram + fluroxypyr), Surmount/Trooper Pro (picloram + fluroxypyr), or PastureGard HL (triclopyr + fluroxypyr).
What does an overwatered cactus look like? ›
If a cactus is overwatered, you may notice signs such as yellowing or mushy stems, wilting, or black spots on the cactus. The soil might also stay consistently damp or have a foul odor. It's important to adjust your watering routine if you suspect overwatering to prevent root rot and other issues.
What helps a cactus survive? ›
A cactus has special adaptations in its roots, leaves as well as stems that enable it to thrive in desert environments. These adaptations include: Leaves are reduced to spines to reduce water loss through transpiration. Wide and deep roots absorb rainwater on the surface and reach the underground deep water.
What does an unhealthy cactus look like? ›
Overwatered or Rot
Overwatered cactus will show a sign of browning or blackening leaves or stems, browning or blackening at the base of the plant, and will eventually lead to root rot. The stems will feel soft and mushy when touched. If you see these signs from your cactus, check its roots right away.
If the cactus appears wilted or wrinkled, it needs to be watered. Pot your cactus in an area where excess water drains with ease. Adjust watering patterns by the season and temperature. Watering once a week while during the hotter months, while adding water only when the soil is dry during colder months is suggested.
How to tell if a cactus needs water? ›
How do you know when a cactus needs water? Only water a cactus when the soil is completely or nearly completely dry. Use your finger or a hygrometer to check for soil moisture.
Is it safe to touch a cactus? ›
You might be surprised to know that most cacti aren't poisonous. However, you might want to keep your distance, specially from these ones. Cacti can be great friends to humans, or the complete opposite as well. It all depends on the type of cactus you own or go near.
What will kill cactus? ›
You can achieve 76 to 100 percent mortality by spraying with one of several herbicide options, including MezaVue (aminopyralid + picloram + fluroxypyr), Surmount/Trooper Pro (picloram + fluroxypyr), or PastureGard HL (triclopyr + fluroxypyr).
How do you permanently remove cactus? ›
There are two generally recommended ways to get rid of pricklypear: spraying or mechanical removal with a grubbing hoe (isolated plants) or a skid-loader (large stands). Occasionally, controlled burns can be used, but burning requires lots of ancillary dry brush (cactus don't burn easily) and fire isn't selective.
