Cacti have become one of the most versatile plants to add to any room. Although an habitant of the desert, their ability to purify the air has made them the perfect plant for any room.
And although it is true that cacti usually require less care than other species of plants, you have to take several things into account to care for and keep them healthy in closed spaces. Here we will explain everything you need to know:
Choosing the pot
It is always advisable to choose a varnished clay pot, since being made of clay they will allow the evaporation of the water in less time and the varnish will prevent the accumulation of salts that can be harmful to the plant in the long term.
Regarding the size, it is advisable to start with a pot that is at least 10 centimeters in diameter and about 12 inches deep. It is also extremely important that you have one centimeter holes in the bottom for proper drainage.
The substrate
Unlike other species, cacti require substrates that offer greater drainage capacity; This is why it is common for us to see special substrates for cacti. We only have to mix equal parts of black sand and pearl to fill the pot of our cactus, this mixture will prevent the water from stagnating in the pot and rotting our cactus.
Irrigation
Usually, it is advisable to do it once a week in spring and summer and once every fortnight in autumn and winter. For the watering method, it is best to use a spray bottle.
As for water, the ideal is to use rainwater. But living in an area with low rainfall, we can use tap water. In such a case we just have to let it rest for one night to avoid problems with the pH.
Location
Most varieties of cactus requires several hours of sun a day to grow, that is why it is ideal to place them in a window which is exposed to the sun. However , excessive exposure can also be harmful, if we notice that the cactus turns yellowish or begins to bleach, we must place it in an area with less light exposure.
In addition to light, we must also take humidity into account . Bathrooms and kitchens are excellent for cacti as they are able to absorb moisture from the air.
Fertilizers
Ideally, the fertilizer for cacti 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 flowering 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.
Re-potting
Generally, when caring for a cactus indoors, there are three reasons why we will have to re-pot:
- The cactus has exceeded the size of the pot.
- The roots are concentrated in the drainage of the pot.
- The necessity to change the substrate.
Although transplanting a cactus is a simple process, it is necessary to do it carefully to avoid damage to the health of the plant.
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