Cactus is a famous drought-tolerant plant, with the ability to thrive in the harshest conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for areas with arid climates or for those who love plants but do not have much time to care for them. In this article, we will learn how to grow and care for cacti so that they grow best in drought conditions.

Choosing the Right Type of Cactus

There are thousands of different species of cacti in the world, from small ones suitable for decorating your desk to larger ones grown outdoors. When choosing cacti for growing in dry conditions, choose species that are drought-tolerant, such as the ball cactus, the clematis cactus, or the prickly pear cactus.

These cacti have succulent stems that help them store water to sustain them through long periods of drought. They also have deep and extensive root systems that help them absorb water from deeper layers of the soil.

Preparing the Soil

Cacti grow best in well-drained, mineral-rich soil. You can make your own soil mix by combining sandy soil, loam soil, and a little compost or compost to provide nutrients for your plants. Some people also add a few pebbles or small rocks to the mix to improve drainage.

Avoid using soil that is too heavy or clay-based, as this can retain water for too long, causing root rot in your cactus. A good tip is to use a terracotta pot or a pot with drainage holes to ensure the soil stays dry and well-ventilated.

Growing Cactus

Once you have prepared the soil, you can start planting your cactus. First, add a layer of gravel or small rocks to the bottom of the pot to improve drainage, then add potting soil on top. Place the cactus in the pot so that the base of the plant is firmly held, then lightly press the soil around the base of the plant to secure it.

If you are growing cacti from seeds, you will need to sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and spray a thin layer of sand on top to keep it moist. Then, place the pot in indirect sunlight and make sure the soil stays lightly moist until the seeds germinate.

Watering

Although cacti are drought-tolerant plants, they still need to be watered regularly, especially when they are young or newly planted. However, you need to be careful not to overwater them, as this can cause root rot. Water your cacti when the soil feels completely dry.

During the rainy season or when the weather is humid, you should reduce the amount of water or stop watering completely. In winter, when the cactus enters the resting stage, you should also limit watering to avoid waterlogging.

Light and Temperature

Cacti need a lot of light to thrive, so place the pot in a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you are growing cacti indoors, place them near a south-facing window or use a dedicated LED light to supplement the light.

Cacti grow best at temperatures between 20-30°C. In winter, when temperatures drop, you need to protect the plant from cold winds and frost, you can move the plant indoors or cover it with silk.

Fertilizer

Cacti do not need to be fertilized very often, but to help them grow well and bloom beautifully, you can fertilize them with organic fertilizer or cactus fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer. Use a fertilizer high in potassium and avoid fertilizing with too much nitrogen, as nitrogen can cause the plant to grow long and weak.

When fertilizing, make sure the soil is dry and apply fertilizer early in the morning or late in the evening for best absorption. Avoid fertilizing in winter, when the plant is in its dormant stage.

Growing cactus

Growing and caring for cacti in dry conditions is not only easy, but it is also a joy to watch them grow and bloom. By choosing the right type of cacti, preparing the soil carefully, and watering and fertilizing them properly, you can easily create a beautiful and unique cactus garden, even in the harshest conditions.