When watering, the soil should be given a good soaking, allowing excess water to drain away. In the growing season, the plants should be watered at least once a week. Minerals also disrupt the flow of essential nutrients to the plant. This is because the minerals in tap water build up in the soil and can cause deposits on the leaves. Tepid rainwater should be used for watering, rather than tap water. Overwatering will stunt growth, but under-watering causes shrivelling. Watering is an essential part to how well your cacti or succulent grows. Even though they have water-storing characteristics in their leaves and stems which allow them to survive in dry habitats, they will certainly not thrive with little water. There is a common misconception that cacti and succulents only require a small amount of water. It also contains the right level of nutrients for your cacti and succulents. CompostĪ free-draining compost, such as Westland cacti and succulent potting mix is a good compost to use as it has added girt and sand for optimum drainage. In the spring and summer the plants need good ventilation, but will survive in high temperatures. For example, forest-growing epiphytes, such as Rhipsalis, need semi-shade, but an Echeveria needs bright light.ĭuring the autumn and winter months, it is best for the plants to be kept cool at night with temperatures of around 8☌ to 10☌. The optimum light depends on the variety of cacti and succulent that you are growing. However, be careful to not put them in direct sunlight because the intense light can make the plants turn a yellow colour. A south facing position will provide good sunlight. Here are the main things that you need to consider when caring for your cacti and succulents.Ĭacti and succulents thrive with good light sources, and it is best to place cacti and succulents in a bright place. To care for a cacti and succulent, it is best to try to recreate their natural habitat. However, there are some cacti and succulents, such as Schlumbergera, which have a native environment of a rainforest so prefer semi-shade and humid conditions. Therefore, they will grow best in lots of light, good drainage, high temperatures and low moisture. The native habitat for most cacti and succulents is a desert. Cacti and succulents fall into the same group because they both have characteristics meaning they can survive in arid environments. They come in a vast range of shapes and sizes from the petite to the grand. Cacti and succulents are now a very common houseplant and caring for your cacti and succulents is important.

Cactus flower plant care