Cacti are a popular houseplant choice thanks to their beautiful blossoms, unique appearance, and impressive durability. However, even plants as tough as these need specific care. Whether your specimen is a desert or forest type, here are some tips that will help your cactus thrive indoors. 

How To Take Care of an Indoor Cactus

1. Water Only When Appropriate

For desert cacti, it’s important to water them when the plant is blooming or actively growing—usually in the spring and summer months. Whenever you notice the soil looks dry, water them thoroughly. In the winter, when the plant is in its resting phase, watering should stop almost entirely. The only exception to this rule is if the cactus looks like it’s starting to shrivel. 

If you have a forest cactus, water it like a typical houseplant during the summer. This also applies when the buds first become visible. Otherwise, the plant should only be watered if the potting soil feels dry to the touch. 

2. Provide the Right Light & Soil

Desert cacti need large amounts of sunlight, particularly during the winter months. When choosing a soil, go with a fast-draining mix designed for cacti. You could also make your own by adding perlite or peat moss to regular potting soil. Desert cacti should be fertilized during the summer growing season. 

Forest cacti need strong sunlight as well, but it should be indirect. It’s recommended to move the plants outside in the summer, but keep them in the shade, with minimal light exposure. They can be planted in a standard potting mix and should be fertilized in the growing season. 

3. Sustain an Ideal Temperature

When in the active growth phase, desert cacti need to stay hot and dry. Keep temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit until winter. During the resting phase, these cacti should be kept in cooler temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you have a forest variety, keep it in temperatures ranging from 55 to 70 degrees in the growing season. For the winter resting period, keeping them around 50 degrees is preferred.

For a stunning cactus or any other type of plant, visit Northgate Greenhouses in Cincinnati, OH. Whether you want to decorate your backyard with blossoms, or you wish to add indoor plants to your home, give them a call at (513) 729-1134. You can also visit them online to contact a friendly associate.