The first plant I ever got was a division of a plant from my great-aunt Flora. It was called a Stapelia. Aunt Flora told me it was a cactus. I had no clue how to take care of it, but she gave me instructions. So how do you take care of a cactus?
Cacti or Succulent? Well, Yes!
Cacti are part of a larger group of plants called succulents. One of the defining characteristics of a succulent is that it has fleshy stems or leaves that retain water. This enables it to survive in environments with limited rainfall. So how is a cactus different from a succulent? A cactus has evolved to have spines. Believe it or not, a spine is a modified leaf! A few varieties of cactus do have true leaves, as well. And there are a few succulents that have spines. What makes a cactus different from any other succulent with spines is that on a cactus, the spines grow in what is called an areole—a circle.
How to Care for Your Cactus
Whether a plant is a cactus or a succulent is not as important as ensuring the care is pretty much the same. Most do not like temperatures below freezing because the leaves and stems are filled with extra moisture. They prefer temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees. They prefer very bright light, but not direct midday sun, which can cause sunburn. Direct morning sun before 10:30 a.m. or afternoon sun after 2:00 p.m. is best.
Choose the Right Plant Food
Feed your cacti and succulents with a plant food high in Phosphorus—the middle number (12-36-14 for example or 10-30-20). Do not feed in winter when days are shorter and sunlight is less intense. They are not actively growing then.
How Much Water Do Cacti Need?
Because they are native to areas with less rain, let them dry out almost completely between waterings and never allow them to stand in water.
What About Christmas Cactus?
Now, Christmas cactus are true cactus, but they are native to the tropical rainforest in Brazil, so the rules for successfully growing them are a little different from those for other cactus. Based on their native environment, allow Christmas cactus to go partly dry (let the soil dry out about two-thirds of the way down but NOT bone-dry). They prefer very bright but indirect light.
How Much Light Do You Need?
Cacti and succulents are fun and satisfying plants to grow if you have a bright window. Check out our collection of cacti at the Great Big Greenhouse and Nursery and choose one—or more—for your home.
Enjoy!