The perfect temperature for cactus during winter is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If these plants won’t receive shade/ and cool environment for at least 2-3 months, the chances to bloom are very low.
How to take care of an indoor cactus
Did you just get a cactus or are you thinking of getting one? Cacti are a great choice for plant owners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant for their living space. Cacti are especially great plants for beginning plant owners because they need very minimal care. With just a little bit of care, your cactus can thrive indoors.
In this plant care guide, we're going to look at everything you need to know about taking care of an indoor cactus. With these easy-to-follow plant care tips, you'll help your cactus thrive in your home, so you can enjoy your plant for many years!
How often do I need to water my cactus?
Watering your cactus is one of the most important aspects of cactus care. You want to make sure that you provide your plant with enough water without overwatering it, as this can cause root rot and other issues.
How often you need to water your cactus depends on the type of cactus, the size of the pot, and the environment in which it is growing. Generally speaking, most indoor cacti should be watered only once every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season: usually in spring and summer. It's important to let the soil dry out completely in between watering them, as cacti are sensitive to overwatering and thrive in dry soil.
In winter, most cacti will go dormant and need much less water, you'll only have to water them once per month. To tell if your cactus needs water, simply poke your finger into the soil and see if the soil is dry. If it is, you can water your cactus again.
When watering your cactus, make sure to use lukewarm or room-temperature water. If you use cold or hot water, you might shock the cactus' roots and this could kill the plant. Water thoroughly until the soil is damp all the way through. If you're using a pot with a drainage hole, you should let any moisture drip out of the bottom of the pot for about 5 minutes. This helps to remove any excess water from the pot, as standing water can cause root rot and fungal diseases.
What kind of light does a cactus need?
Cacti naturally grow in warm and dry areas, usually in deserts. In its natural habitat, a cactus is getting strong, direct sunlight all day long. So if we want to help our cactus to thrive, we'll need to give it a similar environment to the desert: lots of sunlight and warm temperatures.
The perfect spot for your cactus is in a spot where it gets direct sunlight: near a south or west-facing window. Indirect sunlight will also work, but be sure it's in a spot that gets bright light for at least 6 hours per day. For the best result, you should also rotate your cactus regularly so that all sides of the plant are exposed to the light evenly. Rotating your cactus has 2 reasons: it helps your cactus get enough light, but it also helps to prevent your cactus to grow to one side if it's never rotated.
Some cacti, especially those with very thin leaves, will do better in spots where they get bright, but indirect sunlight. These cacti aren't as tough as the thicker cacti and could get sunburns from direct sunlight. If you're unsure whether your cactus should be in direct or indirect sunlight, give them the brightest spot you can find where it's not getting any direct sunlight during the day.
Enough sunlight is essential to keeping your cactus healthy, so be sure to give it a spot in your house where it gets the sunlight it needs and it'll be a happy cactus!
Can I put my cactus outside in the summer?
When you've got a nice cactus and it's a little warmer outside during the summer, you might be wondering if you can bring your cactus outdoors to enjoy the sun! The short answer is: Yes, you can put your cactus outdoors during the summer months, but only if you live in an area where the cactus can survive during the summer.
For your cactus to survive outside during the summer, it should be able to handle temperatures ranging from 45-95 degrees Fahrenheit (7-35 Celsius). Even if the temperatures are perfect for your cactus, it’s best to keep it protected from strong winds and direct sun—especially during the hottest hours of the day.
Before you bring your indoor cactus outdoors for the summer, make sure you acclimate it to its new environment gradually. Begin by putting the plant outside in the partial shade or indirect sunlight and eventually move it into the full sun over several weeks. By moving your cactus outside and letting it acclimate, you'll help your cactus adjust to its new environment and avoid shock, sunburns, or other damage.