Cacti and Succulents Care Guide

Most cacti and succulents come from dry areas such as steppes and desert. High temperatures and low rainfall force plants to collect and store water to survive long dry periods. They are very adaptable houseplants and will thrive in a range of indoor conditions. In fact, they are very difficult to kill, and if properly potted they require little maintenance to thrive. Additionally, some cacti and succulents bear extraordinarily beautiful flowers.

Temperature, Light & Watering

Cacti and succulents need warm temperatures and bright conditions for growth and flowering. Prolonged periods of low temperatures can lead to fungal diseases and stunted growth so they should be placed in the warmest and sunniest part of the house. Bright conditions are required – these are among the few plants that can thrive on a south facing windowsill all year round. In their natural environment cacti and succulents absorb nutrients and water from dew or mist so they will benefit from regular misting with water, or a specialist nutrient mist which provides nutrients at the same time. The best time to mist a cactus or succulent is in the morning. Avoid misting in cold weather/during the winter.

Feeding, Flowering & Repotting

Cacti and succulents will respond to regular feeding which will promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a fertiliser specifically formulated for cacti and succulents, at the recommended rate with every other watering during the growing season and occasionally during the winter. Most cacti and succulents will flower once a year – in response to high temperatures and bright conditions (Christmas cactus is an exception and will flower in response to short days and lower temperatures). Unfortunately, the house environment is not warm and bright enough to enable some species to flower. Cacti and succulents need repotting every 24–36 months, or if the condition of the old soil is poor. For best results plants should be repotted early in the year, just before the new spring growth starts, but they can be repotted at any time in the summer.

Problems and Solutions

If you notice shrivelled stems or leaves check the growing medium. If it is too dry the cause is very likely to be under watering. Water immediately and adjust the frequency of future waterings accordingly. White ‘threads’ on leaves / white fluffy insects in plant crevices are most likely mealybugs. Remove with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirit and wipe the leaves or stem clean regularly to prevent an infestation (assuming there are no spines in the way). Brown or mushy parts are most likely due to excess water. Cacti and succulents need to dry between waterings, and to receive plenty of sun light. Too much water makes the tissue soft and easily attacked by fungi.