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With their spikes and unique shapes, cacti plants will stand out in your home. And the bonus is that they are low-maintenance plants! Now, they still require some care to stay healthy and look their best. So, keep reading for some easy cactus care tips. Background Cacti are indigenous to the Americas, with most species concentrated in Mexico. Cacti are also found in the Mediterranean region, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. There are over 2,000 different species of cactus. They come in a wide variety of forms, sizes, and shapes. The tallest is Pachycereus pringlei, with a height of 62 feet (19.2 meters), and the tiniest is Blossfeldia liliputiana, measuring just 0.39 inches (1 cm). Cacti are succulents due to their thickened flesh, which holds water. They make great houseplants because they are easy to care for and don’t require much water. Light Cactus plants prefer bright, direct light to grow. Placing your plant near a south-facing window is ideal. As well, be sure to rotate your plant every few days so that all sides of the plant get an equal amount of light. Now, too much direct sunlight can damage your cactus. If your plant turns from green to brown or yellow, it is getting too much sunlight. And if this is the case, move your plant to a shadier spot. Watering Cactus plants are very drought tolerant and can go for long periods without water. Generally speaking, you only need to water your plant about once a week or every two weeks. Water your plant deeply to encourage deep rooting. When you water your plant, make sure the soil is completely saturated and then allow the plant to drain before putting it back in its pot. Never leave your cactus plant sitting in water, as this can lead to root rot. If your plant starts to shrivel, it is an indication that it is not getting enough water. On the other hand, if your plant starts to get mushy or its leaves start to fall off, it is getting too much water. Fertilizing Cactus plants don’t need much fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can damage the plant. If you do choose to fertilize your cactus, do so about once a month, using a half-strength cactus fertilizer. Potting Mix and Repotting The best potting mix for indoor cactus plants is one that is well draining yet still holds moisture. A potting mix that is too sandy will not hold enough moisture and a potting mix that is too clay-like will not drain well. There are many commercially available potting mixes that will work well for cactus plants, or you can make your own. A pot with drainage holes in the bottom is necessary to allow excess water to escape. Cactus plants should be repotted every two to three years. When repotting, be sure to use cactus potting mix or add sand to regular potting soil to increase drainage. You'll know it's time to repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. When repotting, be sure to handle your cactus plant carefully as they are susceptible to damage such as broken spines. Also because of the plant’s spikes, it's important to wear gloves when repotting cacti to avoid getting pricked. Pruning Cactus plants don’t need much pruning, but you can trim off any dead or dying leaves or stems. You can also remove any offsets (small cactus plants that grow around the base of the main plant) that you don’t want to keep. Propagating Cactus plants can be propagated from offsets or seeds. To propagate from offsets, simply remove the offset from the main plant and pot it in cactus potting mix. To propagate from seeds, sow the seeds in cactus potting mix and keep them moist. The seeds will germinate in two to four weeks. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. Common Problems One common problem with cactus plants is root rot. This can happen if the plant is overwatered or if the pot does not have adequate drainage. If you notice your plant wilting or its leaves turning yellow, it is an indication of root rot. To save the plant, you will need to repot it in fresh cactus potting mix and be sure to water it only when the soil is dry. Another common problem with cactus plants is mealybugs. These are small, white insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing it to weaken and even die. If you notice small white bugs on your cactus plant, be sure to remove them as soon as possible. You can do this by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use an insecticidal soap to get rid of mealybugs. Temperature Cactus plants are generally tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer warm temperatures. During the winter months, you should keep your cactus plant in a cool spot that is between 50°F and 55°F (10°C and 12°C). However, if the temperature dips below 50°F, your plant may start to experience cold damage. This is indicated by the leaves turning brown or black. If this happens, you will need to move your plant to a warmer location. Humidity Cactus plants prefer low humidity levels, so be sure to keep them in a dry location. If the air is too humid, the plant may start to rot. You can improve the air circulation around your cactus plant by placing it on a tray of pebbles. Flowering Indoor cacti flowers are not as common as outdoor cacti flowers, but they can be very interesting. The flowers of some cacti are very small and barely noticeable, so they are often overlooked. Other indoor cacti produce large, showy flowers that can be quite spectacular. There are several different types of indoor cactus plants that produce beautiful flowers. Some popular varieties include the Christmas cactus, and the Easter cactus. These plants produce flowers in a wide range of bright colors, including red, pink, orange, purple, blue, and yellow. Popular indoor cacti varieties Christmas cactus Botanical name: Schlumbergera Easter cactus Botanical name: Hatiora gaertneri Barrel cactus Botanical name: Echinocactus grusonii Moon cactus Botanical name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii Fairy castle cactus Botanical name: Acanthocereus tetragonus What does a healthy cactus plant look like? A healthy cactus plant has green, plump leaves and is free of any brown or black spots. The plant should be firm to the touch and have no signs of wilting. If you see any insects on the plant, be sure to remove them as soon as possible. How long does a cactus live? Cactus plants can live for many years, with some varieties living for over 100 years. With proper care, your cactus plant can thrive for many years to come. Is the cactus plant pet-friendly? No, cactus plants are not pet-friendly. The spikes on the plant can cause injury to your pet, and if ingested, the plant can cause stomach upset. If you have a cactus plant, be sure to keep it out of reach of your pets. Summary: cactus care tips Cactus soil: cactus potting mix or add sand to regular potting soil to increase drainage Fertilizer: once a month using a half-strength cactus fertilizer Water: when the soil is dry Pruning: remove any dead or dying leaves or stems; remove any offsets Potting and repotting: every two to three years Common problems: root rot, mealybugs Temperature: warm; if temperature dips below 50°F (10°C), plant may start to experience cold damage Humidity: low humidity levels; if too humid, plant may start to rot With these cactus care tips, you can keep your cactus plant healthy and looking its best. Be sure to give your cactus the proper care it needs, and it will thrive for many years. Here's a short video highlighting some cactus care tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnHB8w9yIAo

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