Growing cacti at home can be rewarding, offering both aesthetic appeal and a sense of accomplishment. Cacti have exacting requirements in terms of the compost in which they grow. It’s not too difficult with the right approach. In their natural habitat cacti thrives in soil with a high proportion of sand, ensuring excellent drainage and preventing root rot. To replicate these these conditions at home, its essential to choose a specific compost blend tailored for cacti and succulents.
When re-potting cacti and succulents choose specific compost, such as Westland Cacti & Succulent Potting Mix. This blend is formulated with added horticultural sand and grit to ensure optimal drainage. Additionally our compost contains organic matter that provides essential nutrients, supporting healthy growth and vibrant plant life. By using our compost you can create a an ideal environment for your plants to flourish.
How to water and feed a cacti
Knowing how often your plant requires water is important, as different plants require different amounts and some plants require watering more often that others. Always check the soil before watering, if the soil is completely dry your cacti can be watered. When the temperatures are warmer watering may be every fortnight. During the winter months they will require water less often.
If you are looking to encourage cacti growth, feed once a month during the growing season with Westland Cacti & Succulent Feed. Our feed will help your plants grow healthy with more disease tolerance and better flowering. Our feed is tailored to ensure plants receive the right nutrients.
How to plant a cacti
- Choose a suitable planter or pot for your cacti, it will need to be slightly larger than the current pot your plant is in and should contain drainage holes.
- Add a layer of Westland Hydroleca to the base of the pot to encourage better drainage.
- Next add a layer of Westland Cacti & Succulent Potting Mix over the hydroleca, ensuring you have left enough room for the root ball of the cacti.
- Carefully remove the cacti from its pot. Optional Tip! – If your cacti is prickly then wear thick gloves to avoid injury.
- Check the roots for damage and disease and carefully remove any signs of decay before repotting.
- Place the root ball into the planter so that the roots rest on top of the potting mix.
- The cacti should be about the same level in the compost as it was in its original pot, don’t plant any deeper or leave more exposed.
- Fill in around the sides with more compost, packing down between the pot and the root ball firmly.
- Water gently to settle the new compost, avoid overwatering.
