Growing a cactus at home

Content

To step
Tips
Warnings
Necessities

Plant enthusiasts who don't think they are capable of growing healthy houseplants may want to learn how to grow a cactus. The desert succulents require minimal care and are robust plants under the right conditions. Several hours of sunlight a day and well-drained soil are vital for a cactus to thrive. A bonus for those who want easy-to-maintain plants in the home is that minimal care is required once the succulent's basic needs are met. In addition, several unique varieties are available for indoor growing that can decorate any windowsill without the work required to care for other types of houseplants.

To step

Choose a shallow growing dish or container for your indoor cactus. About 10 inches deep is a good choice for growing cacti.
Buy the necessary tools for growing cacti.
A potting soil for cacti, gravel or sand and houseplant food with nitrogen and phosphorus are all essentials for growing indoor cacti.
Fertilize the cactus once or twice a year with nitrogen and phosphorus houseplant food.
Dilute it to half the recommended amount and then give it to the cactus in the spring or summer months.

Tips

A good growing tip for cacti in the home is to lift the pot to see how heavy it is. If it feels lighter than usual, then it is time to water your cactus.
Always place your cactus in the sunniest spot in the house. A windowsill or table near a window is a good place.
When you have a pot for growing plants, be it cacti or other, check if there is a drainage hole, otherwise even a little water will keep the soil saturated and rot the roots.
When learning to grow cacti at home, be careful not to sting your fingers. Always use gardening gloves when working with the succulents.

Warnings

Never overwater your cactus and never leave it in a container where water is not drained. Since cacti don't need a lot of water, this can damage or even kill them.
When it gets colder, don't leave your indoor cactus on the windowsill. This can inhibit the growth of your cactus and even kill it if the cactus gets too cold.
Do not plant indoor cacti in deep pots. Shallow dishes or containers will drain the water more effectively. Additionally, cacti don't produce deep root systems, so deep soil isn't necessary.