Cactus/Succulent Care

March 18, 2025

Pink Poncho Plantery Guide: Caring for Your Cactus & Succulents

Cacti and succulents are the low-maintenance, sun-loving wonders of the plant world! Whether you have a towering Cereus, a spiky Echinopsis, or a plump Echeveria, these drought-tolerant beauties will thrive with the right care. 🌵💖

Light Requirements

☀️ Bright, direct light is best! Most cacti and succulents need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

🌿 Low-light varieties like Haworthia and Gasteria can tolerate bright indirect light.

💡 If indoors, place near a sunny window or supplement with a grow light.

Watering

Less is more! Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Cacti: Water every 2-4 weeks depending on temperature and humidity.
Succulents: Water every 1-3 weeks, adjusting for season and climate.
Use the soak-and-dry method: Water deeply, then allow excess to drain fully.

🚨 Avoid overwatering! Too much moisture leads to root rot.

Humidity & Temperature

🌵 Cacti and succulents love dry air and warm temperatures.

🌡 Ideal Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect from frost and sudden temperature drops.

💦 Low humidity is best—avoid misting, as excess moisture can cause rot.

Soil & Potting

A well-draining, gritty mix is essential:

Cactus & succulent potting mix OR
50% potting soil + 40% sand + 10% perlite

📌 Use terracotta or unglazed pots with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Fertilization

🌱 Light feeders! Use a diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer (1-2-2 or 2-7-7) once a month during spring and summer.

🍂 No fertilizer needed in fall and winter when plants enter dormancy.

Growth & Maintenance

Rotate your plants occasionally for even sun exposure.
Remove dried or wrinkled leaves to keep them tidy.
For tall or trailing succulents, provide support or trim as needed.
Repot every 2-3 years or when roots outgrow the pot.

Propagation

Cacti and succulents are super easy to propagate! Try these methods:

Offsets (pups): Separate small offshoots and replant.
Leaf propagation: Allow fallen succulent leaves to dry before placing on soil.
Stem cuttings: Let cut ends callous for a few days before planting.

💡 For rare cacti, grafting can be used to encourage growth.

Common Problems & Solutions

Issue	Cause	Solution
Mushy, black roots	Overwatering	Let soil dry out completely; repot if severe
Wrinkled, shriveled leaves	Underwatering	Water deeply and wait for plumpness to return
Stretching (etiolation)	Not enough light	Move to a sunnier spot or use a grow light
Brown sunburn spots	Too much direct sun suddenly	Acclimate slowly to intense light
Pests (mealybugs, spider mites)	Poor airflow, overwatering	Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap