6 Caring Tips and Tricks for Cacti & Succulents

6 Caring Tips and Tricks for Cacti & Succulents

March 19, 2021 0 By Edward H. Howard

Succulents are known as the favorite plants of every household, and their appearance is not the only reason. In addition to being tiny, easy to fit and look very nice, they are also grateful for maintenance. In fact, they are the plants that are the easiest to maintain because they do not require too much care, watering and dedication. They look very interesting, but they are also useful. They have the ability to protect against harmful radiation which makes them very desirable in any home. However, although the leaves of these plants have the ability to accumulate water for supplies, it is necessary to take proper care of them.

They may water themselves this way and do not require specific conditions, but it is important that you are familiar with the basics of maintenance. Otherwise, these plants can end up in your trash. Since they thrive both indoors and outdoors, you will be glad when they master the basics of maintaining cactus and succulents. We are sure that you will want to decorate the whole home only with them. Keep reading and learn a few caring tips and tricks for cacti and succulents.

Choose a pot according to the needs of your plant

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When you choose between several types of pots, there are mainly two types – ceramic and plastic. People are guided by some of their desires or needs which means they do not use only one type. They are equally interested in both types of pots, because each has its advantages. The logical conclusion would be that tall plants are ideal for this type of pot. This choice will certainly help when it comes to excessive watering, but on the other hand, you need strong shelves to withstand these pots. You can also choose between shallower and deeper pots and keep a few things in mind.

First of all, shallower ones are great for most ball succulents and cacti. They do not need as much root space as columnar species. Never forget about drainage. Each plant needs space to drain excess liquid, and it is desirable to put a piece of brick or mesh over the hole to prevent the substrate from spreading. In case you are not sure what to choose and you do not want to mess with it, you can always buy potted succulents. At succulentmarket.com you can see what it looks like when you buy potted succulents, which is ideal both for you and if you want to give someone a gift.

Find a suitable substrate

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Although it is important that the pot has good permeability in order for the drainage to be done successfully, this is also important for each substrate. However, it is also important to retain enough moisture as well as nutrients. There are different types of sulfates on the market. Don’t forget the pebbles and sand that are necessary for the substrate to be water-permeable. However, the universal substrate would consist of an equal amount of peat, garden soil and fine gravel. You can always learn a little more about this yourself, so experiment. Then it is best to focus on the dosed amount of humus, pebbles and sand. Our advice is to transplant younger plants every year in the spring. This will provide them with a fresh substrate and a good place to grow. Of course, this is a great situation in which you can examine your plant in detail when it comes to their roots. Keep in mind that any plant disease can be cured if detected in time.

Be gentle during transplanting

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Therefore, it is desirable to transplant succulents and cacti. However, this is determined by the needs of the plant. Never follow a regular schedule, because that is the wrong approach. The safest sign you can see is when the roots come out of the hole in the bottom of the pot. Don’t worry about something being wrong, it just means it’s definitely time for a transplant. Of course, during this process, you have to be very careful with the thorns. In addition, it is important to protect yourself so that you do not injure yourself. Therefore, it would be good to use a cloth, newspaper or paper towel to wrap the plant when transplanting.

Do not wrap it too tightly, and use wire to secure the paper. When choosing a pot in which to move the plant, pay attention to its size. It has to be appropriate, which would mean it should be a little bigger. When you finish this job, let the plant rest, because it has experienced a certain type of stress. Wait a few days before watering it again for about a week.

Succulents and cacti do not like too much water

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Since these plants accumulate water in the leaves, they do not need much water. If you are not sure when you last watered your plant, it is best to wait a few days before doing so. It is always better to keep it a little longer dry than to water it too often. They simply adore dry land and such landscapes are their natural habitat. It is best to water them more, but less often. You should also always think about the correct outflow of water from the drainage hole. And always let the soil dry a little before it’s time for the next watering.

Keep the plants in the sunlight

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They need enough light during the day. Our recommendation is to place them in a place where they will never be below ten degrees of Celsius. Otherwise, they can easily freeze and die. So, all they need is enough natural light and a pleasant room temperature. Avoid placing them in places where there is a draft or climate.

Supplementation is a great thing

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Although these plants do not require much supplementation during the winter period, because they are half asleep, this is certainly always good for them. Given this situation, make sure you provide adequate nutrients at least once a year to help them grow as well as possible. When choosing a supplement, it is important to use a balanced, multi-purpose fertilizer that is soluble in water according to the instructions on the package. The ideal period for supplementation is spring and summer.

Conclusion:

We hope that these tips will be useful to you, regardless of whether you have one plant or an entire collection. Keep in mind that even the most appreciative plants deserve proper care. If you have any further doubts you can always consult with some experienced breeders who have more experience than you. However, it is enough to follow a few classic tips that will certainly not endanger the life of your plant.