Last Updated on January 4, 2023 by Urska
It is true that the cactus plant can withstand drought conditions. Cactus plants can store water inside their various cells such as the root and stem of their plants against dry conditions. This allows them to have access to moisture during extremely dry environments.
However, you need to know the right way and correct amount of water to supply your cactus plant. Therefore, this will bring us to the question: How often should you water a cactus?
Know-How Often You Should Water a Cactus
Just because a cactus plant is known to be drought-resistant does not mean you should ignore watering them at the appropriate time. Cactus will surely survive weeks of no watering. However, it will not thrive or flourish like it’s meant to when there is no water for a long period.
But first, you need to be aware of some signs to know if your cactus is not flourishing due to lack of moisture and act accordingly.
Signs to Look Out for When Cactus Lacks Water
There are some signs you should look out for to determine if your cactus isn’t flourishing.
When your cactus plant does not thrive due to the absence of water, here are some of the signs you will notice:
- Stem: you begin to notice the stem looking wrinkled, feeling soft, pale, or skinny.
- Leaves: the modified spine’s leaves will begin to look dry and sometimes drop off.
When you notice these signs, it means your cactus is stressed out due to water insufficiency.
Wonder Soil- Premium Cactus Soil & Succulent Soil Mix
Read more about The Best Fertilizer for Cactus and Succulents
Watering Your Cactus Plant
Here are some tips on watering your cactus plant:
- Water your cactus frequently during the growing seasons (spring and summer). Watering should be at least once a week during the hot season and water more if you notice the topsoil is very dry.
- During late fall and winter, cactus are in their dormant state. They don’t need too much water. Only water them occasionally or when you notice the soil is completely dry.
- Water the younger plants more than the older plants. This is because the growth rate of the younger plants is higher, therefore moisture will be needed for them to flourish and grow well.
- If you are growing your cactus on the ground, try dipping a stick into the soil and see if the level of watering is completely saturated. If you are growing in a container or pot, check below the pot, and if you notice water dripping from the drainage pot that shows your cactus is completely watered.
- The type of potting soil mix will determine how much you should water your cactus. Choose a good potting soil mix that is capable of draining even if there is excess water when your cactus has absorbed enough water.
- You should also be careful about over-watering. Over-watering leads to the rotting of the root.
How Frequently Should You Water a Cactus Plant
The growing season of the cactus plant is during the warm seasons. As such, they will need to be watered frequently during the hot season so the cactus can flourish and boost their growth rate.
Note: there are different varieties of cactus. Some are grown in the desert arid region, while some varieties can be found in the tropical rain-forest. The amount of watering will vary for different varieties and their various locations. Therefore, be aware of the type of cactus you have.
FAQs
How do you know when a cactus needs water?
Cacti are usually considered to be a desert plant. However, they are able to survive in a variety of habitats. They can also grow even in dry and arid places, as long as they have enough water at the roots.
When your cactus starts showing signs of wilting, it might need water the next time you see it. Here is how you can identify when your cactus needs water:
-The leaves will start curling up.
-The stems may droop and turn brown towards the base.
-The spines on your cactus may be turning brown and drying out as well.
-If a lot of its leaves have fallen off, your cactus is probably not getting enough moisture at its roots which is why it is wilting.
How do you take care of indoor cactus?
Cactus are succulents that grow in the soil and need a lot of water to survive. They thrive on heat and light. If you want to take care of your cactus, use these tips from David Gledhill from green-thumb.com
1) Only give them what they need: Don't over-water or over-light your indoor cactus because this can cause root rot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
2) Provide a saucer or dish under the plant: The plant needs to have a saucer or dish that is filled with water to allow excess moisture to escape, so it doesn't pool around its base and cause root rot.
3) Make sure the plant has good drainage: Use pebbles or perlite to help.
How often should I water a small cactus?
When it comes to small cacti, it is important to know how often you should water them. If they are not watered enough, they lose the ability to get adequate water and can die.
Cacti are often seen as a house plant, but they’re actually a succulent that requires careful care and maintenance. Some general guidelines on how often you should water your small cactus are:
- For the first week, it is best to provide about an inch of water every five to six days
- After the first week, it is best to provide about an inch of water every day or two
- After the second month, it is best to provide about an inch of water every three days
.
How long can cacti go without water?
Cacti are able to go without water for a long time, some almost for two years, because they have very little moisture in their leaves and stems. Therefore, they are able to extract the moisture that they need from the soil and air around them.
What kills a cactus?
Cacti have a reputation for being difficult to kill, but there are many ways to kill them.
The main cause of death is usually due to human activity. A cactus dies from being knocked over by someone or from another type of human activity such as road salt or pesticides.
Cacti die because of the following:
- Overwatering;
- Fertilizer;
- Insects;
- The sun;
- Disease. Fungal diseases can cause your cactus to die or rot away.
Eunice is a gardener who loves to play in the dirt. She starts her day early in the morning, watering her plants and tending to her garden. She loves the smell of freshly cut grass and the feeling of sunshine on her back as she works. She‘s a master at creating beautiful flower arrangements and can often be found humming a tune as she tends to her plants. When she‘s not gardening, she loves to read books about nature and share her knowledge with others. Eunice loves gardening so much that she‘s even been known to talk to her plants!
