Cactus

March 16th, 2021

Hey plant friends!

This week we are going to talk about general Cactus care. These prickly plants are a part of the Cactaceae family which includes thousands of species. Cactus grow in many parts of the world but mostly in arid desert environments.

Growing Cacti in your home is extremely rewarding and super easy if you follow these tips and tricks.

Bright, strong light is essential for good growth, and bright direct light is preferred. Afterall these plants do grow in the desert with full sun. There are certain cacti that do not like as much direct light as others. These include Epiphylums, Rhipsalis, Gymnocalicium, and Zygocactus.

All cacti like a very gritty, well-draining soil. At Tonkadale , we recommend using the Espoma Cactus Mix with a little added Perlite or sand to increase drainage. Cactus do not like to sit in damp soil, this will lead to root rot. Watering is easy if you let your Cactus dry out completely between watering. In the winter you really want to cut back on watering because growth is very slow. In the summer, cacti will dry out more quickly so water a little more often. Water your cactus well during active growth to help them grow nice and tall!

Cacti do sometimes battle pests like mealy bug and scale, fungus gnats, and spider mites. Check your plant while watering to catch these pesky bugs before they take over.

Fertilizer during active growth with Cactus fertilizer to help encourage blooms. Cactus come in so many different shapes and sizes and are extremely unique and quirky! Perfect for the busy human considering these plants love neglect.

We carry a diverse collection of Cacti in the greenhouse, and they are available in plethora of shapes and sizes. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy planting!