Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 6: Decide how to start growing your cactus.
• Method 2 of 6: Choose the right potting mix for your cactus.
• Method 3 of 6: Choose and prepare the right pot.
• Method 4 of 6: Plant your cactus carefully.
• Method 5 of 6: Provide the best growing conditions for your cactus.
• Method 6 of 6: Control pests and fungi that can harm your cactus.
• Warnings

Known for their sharp thorns and their ability to grow well in hot, dry places, cacti are one of the easiest plants to grow in containers.They do not need much care, but nevertheless, they grow strong colorful plants. Cacti come in a variety of varieties and shapes. Some have striking flowers. All cacti are succulent (that is, they can store water) and all are perennial (that is, they live for many years). However, it is still possible to fail, so knowing a few of the best rules for growing cacti in containers will ensure success.

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Decide how to start growing your cactus.

1. 1 Grow cacti from seeds.
   • While this method is not difficult, it can be difficult to see results. Germination of cactus seeds can take up to a year and several years for a young cactus to bloom.
   • If you don't have a heated greenhouse, it is best to sow cactus seeds in late spring. Seed companies often offer many mixed varieties of cactus seeds.
   • Use clean sterilized shallow pots to sow seeds. Use a mixture of soil and sand. Place the seeds on the soil and cover them with enough sand to set them in place. Keep in mind that cactus seeds will not germinate well if they have been sown too deep.
   • Moisten the soil enough to moisten the seeds. When the soil is completely dry, use a spray bottle to keep it moist. Do not over-water.
   • Cover the seeds with glass or plastic wrap and be sure to wipe off any condensation that may form. When the seedlings appear, remove the cover. Carefully break through the seedlings that have grown together. Place the seedlings in light, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the temperature around 21 ° C.
2. 2 Propagate cacti with cuttings or cuttings taken from mature cacti.
   • Let the cuttings dry and heal the beveled edge for a few weeks.
   • Place the healed stalk in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Make sure the stalk is right side up. If inverted, it will not grow. After a week, start watering the cuttings sparingly.
3. 3 Purchase a cactus from your local garden center.
   • Avoid plants with damaged thorns or those that look lined, long and thin, or lopsided.
   • Read the instructions that come with the plant, or talk to a professional about the best way to care for the variety of cactus you have chosen to grow.

Method 2 of 6: Choose the right potting mix for your cactus.

1. 1 Create a potting mix of 60 percent pumice stone (or perlite or vermiculite), 20 percent coir (or peat), and 20 percent topsoil.
   • Add amendments such as sustained release fertilizers and bone meal.
2. 2 Experiment with other potting mixes to find the one that works best.
   • Remember, cactus roots should be in well-drained, porous soil that can be easily re-wetted. Some commercial potting mixes have been developed specifically for cacti.

Method 3 of 6: Choose and prepare the right pot.

1. 1 Plant the cactus in an unglazed clay pot if possible, as it will help the water evaporate more easily. However, glazed earthenware, plastic, or ceramic pots may work as long as you are careful not to over-water, as this can lead to standing water in the pot.
   • Wide pots are preferred over tall, narrow pots, which can stress the cactus. Wide pots allow shallow root systems to spread naturally, but deep pots do not.
2. 2 Place coarse gravel or lava stones on the bottom of the pot before adding soil. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes.
   • Avoid oversized pots. Large pots hold water, which can lead to root rot.

Method 4 of 6: Plant your cactus carefully.

1. 1 Use tongs to place a small prickly cactus in a pot or rolled newspaper and sturdy gloves to plant a larger cactus.
2. 2 Place the plant carefully in a pot with enough soil to keep the cactus from falling.

Method 5 of 6: Provide the best growing conditions for your cactus.

1. 1 Maintain a very bright light for your cactus indoors or outdoors. Grow lights can help cactus grow indoors if the house is dark.
   • Refrain from placing the cactus in the pot in the sun, as it can burn out and the roots overheat.
   • If your cactus is in full sun, use white or light colored pots to help avoid overheating. Young plants will thrive in partial sunlight.
2. 2 Water when the soil is dry.
   • Simulate natural conditions in the desert by watering, but infrequently in much the same way as irregular thunderstorms in the desert. Excessive watering will lead to the development of rot.
3. 3 Maintain constant temperatures. The cactus will fall dormant if it gets too hot or cold. Bring the cactus pot indoors if it's too cold outside.

Method 6 of 6: Control pests and fungi that can harm your cactus.

1. 1 Treat areas infested with scaly insects with alcohol and nicotine. If the roots are infested, remove the plant, cut off the roots and transplant it into sterilized soil.
2. 2 Cut off any part of the cactus affected by rot or mold before adding soil and planting.
   • Sprinkle the remaining pieces with sulfur or fungicide.

Warnings

• Avoid replanting frequently as this will stress the cactus.