The Ultimate Guide to Growing Cacti Indoors
Desert simplicity underpins the aesthetic of our Back to Nature Collection, so when it comes to selecting plants that complement it, you can’t go past cacti. Not only do cacti bring the desert landscape into your home, but lo-fi care requirements helps to keep things simple.
To successfully grow cacti indoors, the most important thing to note is the type of cactus you have. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the tag that comes with the plant when you buy it. It should tell you the species and the specific care instructions for it.
Generally speaking, most desert cacti have similar basic needs.
Plant Colour and Light
A good rule of thumb is the lighter coloured the cactus, the more direct sunlight it needs. Take time to note which areas of your home see at least a couple of hours of full sun, especially in winter.
You’ll also want to turn your cactus 90 degrees every few months to encourage even growth as the plant will lean towards the light.
Planter and Drainage
Like desert sand, the soil and pot for your cacti should drain well. The pot should have drainage holes and a tray to catch excess water. A base layer of perlite under cactus specific soil will also increase drainage and aeration. Cacti can go months without water, but rotting roots is an instant killer.
Plants with tight root systems are able to grow taller, so choose a snug pot. If you need to re-pot, only go an inch or two bigger to keep it from toppling.
When to Water Cacti
Like minimalist design, when it comes to watering cacti, less is more. Overwatering is the easiest way to kill your plant so keep it to once-a-month or when the soil is completely dry.
Keep your cacti strong by using a cactus specific fertiliser in spring and summer. Limit watering to borderline neglect in winter as frozen water stores could kill your plant.
Browse our planters, all of which have drainage and look stunning with cacti.
