With their spiky, often surreal-looking shapes, cacti have a reputation of being prickly and hard to care for – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only are cacti, with their unique beauty and low maintenance needs, great for outdoor gardens, but they are also perfect for adding a touch of the southwestern desert to any indoor space. Read on to learn more about cacti – and how to bring them into your home.
1. Benefits of Growing Cacti Indoors
Growing cacti indoors doesn’t just add a splash of color to interior design. There are many benefits to cultivating cacti and other succulents in your own home! Here’s a list of why you should consider cacti in your indoor garden:
- Low-Maintenance: Cacti are great for those with busy schedules who don’t always have time for gardening. These hardy plants need very little maintenance or water to survive.
- Air Purification: Cacti are natural air filters and help cleanse the air in your home. This can help increase air quality and even lead to better sleep.
- Renewal : If you’re looking for a plant that will live long, cacti fit the bill! Many varieties can live up to 100 years.
- Indoor Greenery: If you’re looking to add a bit of greenery to your indoor space, cacti can make a great accessory.
- Stress Relief: Studies have proven the effect plants can have on stress levels. Cacti can be a great addition to reduce your stress.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term green accent or just starting to explore the indoor garden trend, cacti could be the perfect addition to your home. Thinking of giving cacti a try? Read on for a brief overview of basic care instructions and tips on choosing the perfect species for your home!
2. Design Considerations for Indoor Cacti Gardens
When it comes to growing cacti indoors, careful design considerations are key to creating a flourishing garden. Here are some of the essential elements you should keep in mind:
- Light: Cacti need a lot of light, so place your garden in the sunniest spot in your house or add grow lights.
- Temperature: Cacti thrive in warm temperatures, so maintain a temperature between 65-80 ◦F (18.3-26.7 ◦C).
- Drainage: A fun indoor garden requires a proper drainage system. Use gravel or stones at the base of the pot to help keep the excess water from causing root rot.
When it comes to soil, indoor cactus gardens require a nutrient-rich mixture. While these plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer, it is important to add some if you want to encourage flowering or growth. A good cactus mix contains light organic soil, vermiculite and sand.
Whether your cactus garden serves as a decoration in a sunroom or serves as the centerpiece of your living room, careful design considerations make all the difference in creating an indoor garden that will thrive.
3. Selecting the Right Species for Indoor Growing
Cacti are an amazing option for indoor plant enthusiasts looking for low-maintenance but eye-catching flora. Arid-loving, carefree, and fascinating shapes and sizes, cacti have many advantages for bringing life and unique beauty to any home.
If you’re thinking of starting an indoor cacti garden, consider the following factors in your selection to ensure successful and lasting growth:
- Size: Select a size that will comfortably fit in the space you are allocating. Plant size is indicated on the label when purchasing. Most popular varieties attain heights of a few inches up to 2-3 feet.
- Light: Most cacti will need plenty of natural light. Place them near south-facing windows with direct sunlight and no other obstacles or reflections blocking the rays.
- Watering: When beginning to water, it’s best to follow a less-frequent-more-water rule, meaning fewer waterings but allowing for some significant drainage. Water every 7-14 days and reduce frequency if you are not sure about the species’ needs.
- Soil: A cactus-specific mix, such as King’s Succulent & Cactus Mix, will provide the best combination of soil drainage and aeration.
Choosing the right cactus species to create an indoor garden is just the first step to successfully growing them in the home. Following these guidelines and making sure you have the right conditions and environment for the cactus will help your cacti thrive and provide many years of pleasure.
4. Tips for Proper Care and Maintenance of Indoor Cacti
1. Choose the right container: When planting an indoor cactus, it’s important to pick the right pot. Select a container that is large enough to fit the type of cactus you purchased and one that has drainage holes.
2. Get adequate sunlight: Make sure that the cactus has plenty of access to bright, indirect light. Place it near a south-facing window to help it get the light it needs to survive and thrive.
3. Water the cactus properly: Cacti need very little water to survive and should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the pot to drain before adding any extra water.
4. Check for pests: Indoor cacti are prone to pests such as mealybugs or aphids. Check the plant regularly for signs of pests and treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
5. Feed the cactus: Cacti require very little fertilizer, but a balanced fertilizer can help it grow. Use a liquid fertilizer and dilute it with water according to the directions on the package.
6. Repot as needed: A cactus will outgrow its pot and may need to be repotted. When repotting, use a fresh potting mix and repot in the same size pot, as the cactus prefers tight quarters.
5. Maximizing Growth Potential of Indoor Cacti
1. Efficient Light Supply: When growing cacti indoors, providing efficient and adequate light is of the utmost importance. Ensure your windows are facing south as much as possible, that the cacti are in direct sunlight and/or supplemented with artificial light. This will help the cacti thrive and maximize growth potential.
2. Keep Control of Temperature: Cacti grow best in temperatures between 18°C to 22°C, though some species may do better at slightly lower or higher temperatures. Heating or cooling systems can help maintain the optimal temperatures for cacti growth, while you could also customize the environment according to the temperature that benefits the specific cacti type.
3. Feed Your Cacti Wisely: Like all plants, cacti need the right nutrients to flourish. Choose a fertilizer specifically made for cacti that contains a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Applying the fertilizer every two weeks while the cacti are actively growing can ensure optimal growth.
4. Keep Cacti Potted in the Right Soil: Choice of soil is also essential when growing cacti indoors. A well-draining, coarse cactus or succulent soil mix should provide your cacti with whatever drainage it needs, along with nutrients that promote growth. This will help create the ideal environment for your cacti to thrive in.
5. Avoid Overwatering: Pay close attention to the water needs of your cacti to make sure that they’re not overwatered. In the winter months, the water needs of cacti will be severely reduced. Generally let the surface of the soil dry completely before you water the cactus and you may need to adjust during periods of hot weather.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re a longtime cactus aficionado or have just embarked on a cacti-filled journey, we hope that this article has given you useful insight into the joys of growing these unique creatures indoors. With easy care requirements and a remarkable look, cacti can be great housemates to plants and people alike. Give a cactus a home, and it can give you a beautiful living space—packed with style and a prickly charm.