Plant and Care for Your Cactus With These Easy Steps

Looking to add some greenery to your home or landscape? In Scottsdale’s climate, cacti are a practical choice. Not only do they add a lot of visual interest to any space, but they’re pretty easy to care for as well. The key is to get your cacti properly planted and established. From there, caring for a cactus is a breeze!

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got some tips and tricks.

Decide Whether or Not to Pot

First, you’ll need to decide whether your cactus will be potted or planted directly into the ground. Which option is best for you will depend on a few factors. For starters, if you’re thinking about planting a cactus during the cooler months of the year, it may make more sense to start it in a pot and keep it indoors until it’s established.

On the other hand, most cacti (especially larger varieties) will do just fine when planted directly into the soil, especially during the summer months.

Plant With Care

When it comes time to plant your cactus (whether in a pot or directly in the ground), there are a few important things to keep in mind. If you’re planting in the ground, make sure the area you’ve chosen has proper drainage. Standing water is one of the worst enemies of the cactus, as too much water will lead to root rot.

If you’re potting your cactus, make sure that your pot has enough drainage holes. If not, you may need to drill some additional holes or use a planter insert inside the pot. You can always check for drainage by pouring water into the hole you’ve dug for your cactus; if there’s still water standing after a half-hour, you need better drainage.

Water as Needed

Cacti don’t need a lot of water once they’re planted—and over-watering is actually one of the most common reasons that cacti die or fail to thrive after being planted. In general, outdoor cacti should be watered no more than once or twice a month during the driest times of the year. If rain has been heavier, watering once a month at most is recommended.

Use a Fertilizer

During the warmer months, it’s also a good idea to treat your cacti to a fertilizer treatment; this can help your cacti thrive and ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need. Just be sure to select a fertilizer that is specifically designed and formulated for cacti—and apply it as recommended. Keep in mind that it’s also best to avoid fertilizing while a cactus is still getting established (within the first couple of months after being planted).

Looking For More Help?

With a little care, you can plant cacti on your property and keep them thriving for many years to come. If you have any questions about caring for cacti or need help choosing the cacti that are right for your property, our team at Think Green is here to assist you!