How to keep your potted cactus alive?

Hello plant mates!

Isn't it impossible to resist having a cactus in a pot? Cacti are simply perfect for their ability to thrive in difficult conditions and their minimal neediness. But be careful! To ensure that your cacti continue to grow healthy, strong and continue to look fabulous, there are some basic care and key things to consider.

Cacti, part of the Cactaceae family, are adapted to survive in arid, dry environments, making them ideal for growing in pots in homes and offices, especially for people who are just beginning their plant journey. . Cacti not only play their part in adorning our spaces, but they also work very hard to absorb toxins like formaldehyde and purify our air. Who would have thought that something so thorny could be so useful, right?

Let's see how we can return the favor and keep our cactus friends happy in their pots.

Essential care for a strong and stylish cactus

Choose the perfect home for your cactus: the pot

The choice of pot is super important. Make sure it has drainage holes, cacti need to get rid of excess water to prevent their roots from rotting! And be careful with the size of the pot, it should not be too large for your cactus, since excess soil can maintain humidity for too long.

Where cacti have their feet on the ground: the soil

Cacti need to feel at home, so choose soil that mimics their natural habitat, they want sandy, well-drained soil, not thick mud. That's why the best soil for cacti is to get a ready-made mix or make your own with a combination of soil, sand, and gravel.

Less is more for your cactus: watering

Cacti are practically indestructible, but (spoiler alert!) excess water could become their nemesis. You should water your cacti until the water runs out of the drainage holes, but the substrate must be completely dry before the next watering. In summer, watering can be every 1-2 weeks, while in winter it can be as little as once a month. So remember, if you're in the 'more is better' crowd, you're going to have to work at it. With cacti, the mantra is 'less is more'.

Light: the lighting they need

Most cacti are sunlight lovers, but be careful, some cacti can burn if they receive direct sunlight throughout the day, so it is best to provide them with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight; It is your happy place.

Keeping your cacti comfortable: temperature

To make cacti feel at home and cozy, it is best to keep them in temperatures between 20-30°C during the day and around 10-15°C at night. Cacti prefer warm, dry environments. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 8 degrees and cold air currents, cacti are not fans of icy breezes.

A new beginning: transplant

Every 2-4 years, our cacti will need a change of scenery. That is why potted cacti need to be transplanted in this time range, also depending on their growth rate. This is because the soil is depleted and the cactus may need more space to grow. It is best in spring or summer, when they are in their active development phase.

Extra tips:

• Placing a layer of stones or gravel around the base of the cactus helps control humidity levels, in addition to giving it an incredible aesthetic touch. This helps prevent water from pooling directly around the stem, reducing the risk of rot for our cacti.
• To make your cacti thank you with green from within, fertilize them during the growing season (spring and summer) with a specific fertilizer for cacti.

Fun facts:

• There are around 2,000 different species of cacti, which means there is a huge variety of shapes, sizes, colors and types of spines, offering a wide range of options for plant lovers like us.
• Some cacti can live more than 100 years, while potted cacti with proper care can easily exceed 10 or 20 years of life.
• Cacti are capable of storing significant amounts of water in their tissues, allowing them to survive in drought conditions.
• Cactus spines are not only for protection against predators; They also help reduce water loss by breaking up airflow near the surface of the cactus and providing shade.
• Did you know that the more spikes a cactus has, the greater its ability to receive direct sun?

How do I know if my potted cactus is sick?

• If your cactus feels soft or slimy at the base, or if you notice a dark color (black or dark brown) at the bottom, beware! It could be an alert from your cactus to tell you that it is overwatered and that it is a sign of root rot.
• A yellowish or pale discoloration may indicate that the cactus is receiving too much sunlight, or conversely, a lack of light. Brown or black spots can be signs of sunburn.
• Stretched or thin growth (known as etiolation) suggests that the cactus is not receiving enough light, it is asking you to move it to a location with more light.

Why are our Rooties the perfect pots for cacti?

Rooties are modern and colorful pots that are made of fiberglass and resin, we know that a cactus loves to stand out, so rooties are perfect to show off a cactus. We have a variety of sizes and 3 different models, so we assure you that you will find the perfect rootie no matter the size of your cactus.

As we mentioned before, it is very important that the pot has drainage for water. All our rooties have water drainage, from the smallest to the largest. In addition, they all have a plate included so that you do not have any problem with the water spilling, this means that you do not have any problem or worry about it staining your floor or your wood.

Remember that excess soil in pots can be alarming due to the moisture it can retain, with roots it will no longer be a problem for you. Our rooties have a double bottom, apart from the fact that the pot will have less soil and will be much lighter, it also allows moisture not to be retained, preventing rotting of the roots of your plants.

Cacti are robust, unique and resistant plants that can beautify any space. Pay attention to its basic needs such as drainage, soil type, light and irrigation. By following this care, your potted cacti will not only survive, but also thrive, enjoy the satisfaction that their care provides. Remember, each cactus is unique and may require a little experimentation to find the perfect balance of care.

Plant some love!

The Rootmate Team