THE CACTUS CARE GUIDETips So You Don’t Kill My Plants

NOTE

Dear Reader,

Thank you for accepting the task of watching my cacti and succulents. This guide was created for you to keep my plants happy and healthy while I am away. I’ve filled it with charts and writings that should help anyone understand how to take care of cacti, specifically mine. I wish you luck with this endeavour. -Miranda PS: Please don’t kill my plants!

INDEX

FELIPEPABLONEWBIEOSWALDWILBER

WATERLIGHTINGTEMPERATURE

CACTI

INFO

CACTI

FELIPEGOLDEN BARREL CACTUS

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

TEM

PERA

TURE

W

ATER

LIGH

TING

on average

45-75 F

on average

3 X / WEEK

on average

1.5 X / WEEK

BRIGHT

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90TE

MPE

RATU

RE

WAT

ERLI

GHTI

NGon average

50-75 F

on average

2.75 X / WEEK

on average

2 X / WEEK

BRIGHT

PABLO SPECIES UKNOWN

NEWBIEHAWORTHIA FASCIATA

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

TEM

PERA

TURE

W

ATER

LIGH

TING

on average

60-75 Fbut

DURING WINTER

50-55 F

on average

2.5 X / WEEK

on average

1.5 X / WEEK

FILTERED

WATER

40

50

60

70

80

90

SHADYAVOID HUMID and STUFFY locations

LIGHTING AIR

WELL-CIRCULATED

TEMPERATURE

on average

55 - 75 F

OSWALD AIR PLANT OSWALD AIR

PLANT

INFO

TEMPERATUREAn environment with the correct temperature and amount of air circulation is essential for cactus plants to survive. While cacti can survive high temperatures, they won’t thrive if left in the wrong conditions.

Temperature requirements will vary by season and cactus species. Temperature is very important in conjunction with lighting. If the temperature suddenly becomes very hot with abundant sunshine, make sure to shade the cacti.

NEWBIE

FELIPE

WILBER

PABLO

OSWALD

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

60 75

45 75

50 75

55 75

55 75

FAHRENHEIT

LIGHTINGMost cacti like bright light, but not all can tolerate intense, direct sunlight. Here are some general signs that indicate the plant is getting either too much or too little light:

TOO MUCHWhen the plant is getting too much light, it can appear “off color,” taking on a “bleached out” look, or turning yellow or even orangish.

TOO LITTLEIf the plant is receiving too little light, it might etiolate and appear to really reach for the light source. Etiolation is when a normal looking cactus begins to look like its being stretched and growing away from its main body.

BRIGHTThis means bright light or full sun with no curtains or blinds between the plant and the window. On the other side of the window, there is no tree, sign, or building to obstruct the light from the outside. In bright light, when you hold your hand a foot over a sheet of paper, you get a clear, sharp shadow.

FILTEREDThis means sunlight which is diffused by a glass curtain in the window. In filtered light, your hand makes a fuzzy, but distinguishable shadow when held a foot above a sheet of typing paper.

SHADYThis means no direct sun or other light, and your hand held a foot over a sheet of paper will produce nothing more than a blob. All plants that tolerate shade need high humidity.

PABLOFELIPE

NEWBIE

OSWALDWILBER

WATERWhile cacti can survive long periods without water, underwatering will prevent proper health and growth. Cacti thrive and develop when provided with the required amount of water.

When you actually water the cacti you be aware of the following things:

Soil must be relatively dry before watering. Take a look at the soil first or stick a finger in the soil to check. Make sure that it is almost dry, but not completely dry.

If you add water and the soil is still too damp, the roots will rot and stress the plant.

Once you’re sure that the soil is dry, slowly add water to the soil. The water needs to reach all of the roots otherwise the roots will dry up and die.

You’ve watered the cacti properly if the soil feels damps and you see that the water has drained into the run-off dish. This means that the water has reached all of the roots at the bottom.

FELI

PENE

WBI

EOS

WAL

DPA

BLO

WIL

BER