When to Water a Cactus?

Your Cactus's Water Needs

Too many people believe that cacti and succulents need little water to thrive. In fact, they are very resistant to droughts thanks to their water storage capacity.

The plant cells in their tissues , stems and roots are soaked with water, and their thick surface prevents water loss through the leaves . However, despite the robustness of these plants, lack of water and humidity affects their normal development.

It is then important to distinguish between the growth phase and the resting phase of your plant.

The growing phase generally extends from spring to fall, when temperatures are warm. The dormant period extends from fall to early spring, when days become shorter and the weather becomes cooler.

Watering & Fertilization during growth periods:

During their growing season, cacti and succulents like to be watered and fertilized regularly.

Cacti require well-drained soil . Generally, water should be added when the top surface of the soil feels dry. When watering, moisten the soil thoroughly, allowing it to absorb the water. If absorption is rapid, add water until it runs out of the pot's drainage holes.

Most cacti need to be watered once a week during their growing season. During active growth, cacti require an indoor temperature between 18 and 32 degrees.

Cacti generally require little fertilization. During their growing season, a balanced fertilizer can be added to the watering water. This should be diluted to 1/4 strength. A balanced fertilizer is one that contains approximately equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A 10-10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength is ideal.

⚠️ Be careful not to fertilize unrooted or newly repotted plants!⚠️

Watering during rest periods 🌵:

As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, plants enter a dormant period . During these periods, cacti need little water. Increase the interval between waterings and allow the soil time to dry out between waterings.

Some claim that during dormancy, cacti and succulents should receive just enough water so that they show no signs of drying out.

Use common sense. If your plants are kept indoors, on a windowsill, in a heated room during the winter, they will need more water than if they were outdoors. The ideal temperature is then between 7 and 12 degrees.

⚠️ Be careful, some cacti grow in winter! ⚠️

Regarding fertilization , it is not necessary during these periods, given the low growth of the cactus.

The first signs of a cactus's lack of water

Despite succulents' high resistance to dehydration, there are some telltale signs. It's important to check the leaves, pads, and stems of your cacti , which indicate the first signs of stress. These checks should be done at dawn, rather than during the hottest hours when plant wilting may only appear temporarily.

Conversely, cacti do not tolerate overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging. Make sure your soil is always loose and well-drained to avoid rotting the roots of your green plant. In case of overwatering, we recommend aerating your soil and exposing it to more heat and sunlight. If you are growing your cactus indoors, you can temporarily place it next to a radiator.

To help you care for your small green plants, we offer a variety of accessories!

• Designer Watering Cans : Ideal for watering your cactus while decorating your home.

• Vaporizers : Perfect for refreshing your plant without drowning it.

• Self-watering : Essential when going on vacation.

BONUS: Offer reserved for our readers…