Are you looking for a plant that is both cute and easy to take care of? Awesome, cactus would be a perfect answer! This type of plant does not require much care, making them ideal for novice gardeners and a wonderful housewarming gift. However, caring for cacti could be quite tricky if you're new to this world! But no worries everyone, we’re here to help you out! This piece includes the 5 most commonly asked questions about this adorable plant.
1. IS CACTUS A TYPE OF SUCCULENT?
This is the question that we’ve received the most! By definition, succulent plants are drought resistant plants in which the leaves, stem, or roots have become fleshy by the development of water-storing tissue. That being said, all cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti.
2. ARE THERE ANY VARIETIES OF CACTI THAT ARE EASY TO CARE FOR?
Yes there are! You can check out Christmas Cactus, Bunny Ear Cactus, Dwarf Chin Cactus, and Thimble Cactus! These are some examples of those varieties that are incredibly adaptable, relatively pest-free, and low maintenance. Cacti don’t need much attention compared to other plants and can be placed either indoors or outdoors. Just make sure that you give them enough light, do not overwater them, plant them in well-drained soil and they will thrive well!
For your convenience, you can check out our Cactus collection. This collection makes a great gift for your friend or special ones so that they can grow at home, office, or garden! Also, if you decide to grow them indoors, please take a look at our blog on “What you need to know when growing cactus indoors” for more information. You can find the link to our Cactus collection and our blog below.
3. DO WE NEED TO WATER CACTI?
We’re all well aware that cacti are known for their water-storing characteristics that allow them to survive in dry habitats. However, this doesn’t mean that they can thrive without water! In fact, watering is still an essential part of how well your cacti grow. We know that you’re afraid of overwatering your cactus but underwatering can put your plants in trouble as well! Therefore, make sure that you observe your plant to know when they need water or not and we suggest you only water when the soil is completely dry!
4. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FERTILIZE MY CACTUS?
When you buy a brand new cactus, it is okay to wait 1-2 years before fertilizing them since fertilizers are not an immediate need because your succulents can still get nutrients from the soil. However, they will definitely benefit from being fertilized. So yes, you can fertilize your cactus about once or twice a year right before their growing season.
Photo credit: Marissa&Eric
There are many succulent and cactus fertilizers available on the market so you definitely should check that out. Or you can easily make your own natural fertilizer by mixing some banana skin or peels, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells with water. For more information, you can check out our blog and video on this topic.
5. IS CACTUS EDIBLE?
You may think this is a weird question, but believe us it is a legit one. Because of the spiky look of cacti, many people think that they are not edible while in fact they are! Yes you heard us, there are many types of cacti that are not only edible, but also tasty and nutritious!
Some cactus that you can eat are Prickly pear, Barrel cactus, and Dragon fruit.
Hey but for your safety, please do your own research before eating any particular type of plant. We are not responsible for your health problems caused by eating cacti. Plus, most of our cacti available on the website are inedible. At the end of the day, do you really want to eat these cuties? For us, we don’t think we can! But it is still an interesting fact to know, isn’t it?
Disclaimer: This blog does not encourage you to eat your cactus! Most of our cacti are inedible and we are not responsible for your health problems caused by eating cacti.
SEE MORE ABOUT Q&A: SUCCULENT AND CACTUS PROPAGATION
For Types of Succulents Careguide. Read more information here.
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