Cacti are fascinating plants to me because they can store water for long periods and survive even long dry spells unscathed. These whimsical plants are tough and can withstand a lot, making them perfect for me. However, I would like to provide a guide here so that your plant is truly optimally cared for, especially since some cactus species are already threatened with extinction:
The origin and information about cacti
Cacti belong to the succulent family, which have the extraordinary ability to store large amounts of water throughout the entire plant, allowing them to survive in steppe and savanna regions. These sun-lovers are found from Canada down to Tierra del Fuego, with the greatest variety of cacti found in Mexico. Cacti can take on very different sizes; some grow up to 15 meters tall and some only a few centimeters. Likewise, the growth rate is always different; some gain more than 1 m per year, while others show hardly any noticeable growth over several years. The age of cacti also varies greatly, as some live up to 200 years, while for others, their lifespan is reached at 13 to 15 years.
Cacti are very undemanding and adaptable, adjusting to the most diverse climatic conditions. If we continue to breed and take good care of cacti, we are making a contribution to environmental protection, because in their native habitats, the plants are often exploited and many are unfortunately on the verge of extinction.
The purchase
If you have decided to buy a cactus, you should make sure to buy only healthy and flawless plants without pest infestation. If the plants are too 'fleshy', it is a sign of excessive nitrogen fertilization, and they are reluctant to bloom, susceptible to diseases, and often lose their natural shape. To be absolutely sure that no pests or diseases can enter an existing collection, repot the new plant immediately.The location
Cacti are sun-worshippers and need a very sunny spot. A sunny windowsill or a garden spot facing the sun are the ideal places for cacti. Just don't hide them in a bookcase or a north-facing room; the cacti won't feel comfortable there. If possible, build a heated glass case for the balcony so the plants can also overwinter wonderfully.
Watering
Always use rainwater or stale water for watering; cold water is not suitable for them or other plants. The cacti must never be wet at the root neck for too long, as this is the most sensitive area and can easily start to rot here. It is best to water the plant from below or cover the soil with pea-sized stones.
Extra tip:Insert a wooden stick or a decoration with a wooden stick; when pulling it out, you can easily check whether the soil is moist or dry. If it is dry, you can water again.
Fertilization
Like any other plant, the cactus also needs food. Special cactus fertilizer is available almost everywhere in stores, which should be applied every three to six weeks from the end of April to mid-August, depending on the weather. If the plants have been freshly repotted, no additional fertilizer needs to be given in the first year, as the new soil contains enough nutrients.
Repotting
Cacti are repotted every two to three years, preferably from spring to mid-September. It is best to use plastic pots for your plants, as the soil does not dry out as quickly and the roots do not cling to the walls. Do not choose a pot that is too large; it should only be one to two centimeters larger than the previous one.
When repotting, carefully remove the cactus from the pot and remove the soil between the roots with a sharp jet of water. After repotting, do not water the plant for two to three weeks so that damaged roots cannot start to rot. Also, do not place the freshly repotted plant in direct sunlight immediately.
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Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
