How often should a cactus be watered?
Summary: This article discusses topics related to the frequency of watering a cactus and tips for caring for it, including detailed answers from the editor below.
The cactus is a xerophytic plant with a large, thick fleshy body, leading many people to believe that it is very resilient and does not need frequent watering, as it is not easy to die, which is one of its characteristics. However, if we want the cactus to grow well, it must be watered sufficiently. Only with adequate watering can it grow rapidly and maintain healthy roots, enabling it to bloom well.
Some people may ask, how often should a cactus be watered? Watering a cactus, or any plant for that matter, should not be based on time. The frequency of watering depends on the moisture level of the potting soil. For example, water-loving plants should be watered promptly when the soil surface is dry, while drought-tolerant plants should be watered thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. Since our environments vary greatly and regions differ, watering cannot be determined by a fixed time interval or number of days.
The cactus is highly drought-resistant and requires us to use well-draining and loose soil. I use soil with 60-70% granular material and the rest is nutritious soil, which has good water permeability and breathability. Generally, when using a ceramic pot, the soil can dry out in a day or two after watering. My watering principle is to water thoroughly when the soil is dry. This method should be followed unless it's winter, as we want it to grow and bloom rapidly.
When I first started growing cacti, I used this kind of soil mixture and it was hard to control the watering. Do you know what method I use? I plant cacti in pots about 10 centimeters high and not too tall. I stick a bamboo skewer or toothpick into the pot almost to the bottom. When I want to water, I pull out the skewer or toothpick to check if there is any moisture left at the bottom. If there is moisture, it means the soil still contains water and does not need to be watered. When the toothpick is dry, I wait a day or two before watering thoroughly, which causes no problems, does not damage the roots, and ensures that the cactus roots do not rot. This is the most reliable method for most flowering plants.
Cacti are actually very easy to care for as long as we keep the watering and fertilizing up to date and place them in the sunniest spot. If your cactus is large enough and has reached the flowering age, it will directly produce flower buds and bloom, continuously growing and producing smaller cacti.
The above is the full content on how often to water a cactus and tips for its care, hoping it is helpful to plant enthusiasts!