Cactusway Team

Hello! As the founder of Cactusway, I'm passionate about everything cacti. Inspired by their resilience and charm, I created this platform to share my knowledge and love for these unique plants. Through Cactusway, I offer comprehensive guides, latest news, and practical tips to help you care for your own cacti and succulents. I've also curated a range of cactus-themed merchandise to infuse your daily life with a touch of desert charm. Join me in exploring the prickly yet captivating world of cacti!

How Long Can A Succulent Survive Without Water?

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Succulents are known as very beginner-friendly and low-maintenance plants to keep around. They’re a common plant in harsh environments like deserts, where they get little water, a ton of sunlight and have to withstand strong climates. Succulents are known for needing very little attention, but that doesn’t mean you should completely ignore them. 

Indoor succulents can go 3-6 weeks without water, while outdoor succulents can go even longer. The frequency of watering your succulents depends on a variety of factors like climate, soil type, and amount of sunlight. 

To help you get a better idea of just how much water a succulent needs to survive, as well as how often to water your succulent, just keep reading. 

How Much Water Does a Succulent Need?

In school, we’re often taught that all plants need water and sunlight in order to grow. And while succulents do need water, they don’t need nearly as much as many other plants. 

You can go weeks, and in some cases even months, without watering your succulent, and it will still grow. Succulents are often a type of plant that many beginner gardeners start with because they’re so resilient, and it’s tough to underwater them. 

It is hardly possible to underwater your succulents as these plants can thrive without getting too much water.

They’re also great plants to keep around for anyone that has a busy schedule and might not remember to water their plants each week. It’s really amazing how long these plants can go without any water. 

As they’re usually native to desert environments, succulents have adapted to withstand tough climates with very little water. When they do get watered, their leaves will suck up that water and hold it in order to preserve it. So it’s not so much that succulents grow without water. But really, what they’re doing is storing water for long-term use. 

How Often Should Succulents be Watered?

How frequently you water your succulents depends on a variety of factors, but the main thing you should pay attention to is what season or climate you’re in. 

During the winter months or colder seasons, you should only water your succulents every 4-6 weeks. Whereas during the summer or spring seasons, you’ll likely have to water your succulents more often, as this is when they tend to grow the most and use up their water storage quicker. During the summer, you should water your indoor succulents every 2-3 weeks. 

You should water your succulents every 4-6 weeks in winter and every 2-3 weeks in summer.

The best tip that many succulent owners say, it’s always best to slightly underwater than overwater your succulent. It’s often easier to get your succulent to thrive more after you underwater it. If you end up underwatering your succulent and it begins to dry out too much, a good few waterings should be enough to bring it back to life.  

However, if you end up overwatering your plant, you’ll notice the leaves going brown or feeling very soft and mushy. This can be harder to remedy, although not impossible. Simply let the plant dry out as best you can and cut off the dead leaves so that you give new ones the space to grow in. 

How do You Know When a Succulent Needs Water? 

The best way to tell whether your succulent plant needs water is to feel around the soil. You only want to add water when the soil is completely dry. 

Checking whether the soil has completely dried out before watering your succulent is the best way to definitively know whether you should give it more water. You can do this by placing your finger deep into the soil and feeling around for moisture. A succulent might absorb water slower or faster depending on how much sunlight it’s gotten recently. 

Every succulent is different and adapts to the environment around it. If your succulent is in a sunny window and is using up that water quickly, you’ll likely have to water it more often. But during colder months, or if the soil you use for your succulents is holding on to the water longer, then you likely won’t need to water it as much as you think. 

When you’ve tested the soil and determined your succulent needs water, you want to make sure and soak the soil thoroughly. The easiest way to do this is to use a pot that has holes in the bottom. When you’re ready to water your plant, run the water through the soil over the sink so that any remaining water drains through the bottom. 

This is the best way to ensure that your succulent soil is completely watered but that you don’t end up with an excess amount of water sitting at the bottom of the pot. When you buy your succulent at a plant store, they usually come in plain plastic containers with holes already drilled through the bottom. 

These pots that succulents already come in are not the most stylish, but they make watering your succulent properly a breeze. If you want to keep your succulent in a more fashionable pot, you can simply place the plain black container with the succulent into a cute pot of your choice and only take it out when you’re ready to water it. 

Consistent Watering is Key  

It sounds simple, but the best way to get an idea if your succulent needs water is to observe it over time and pay close attention to the feel of the soil and the look of the leaves. The soil will tell you whether it needs to be watered again, and the succulent leaves are a good indicator of whether you’ve been under watering or overwatering your plant. 

Consistently watering your succulents is key to growing healthy and gorgeous plants.

It might take a few seasons or weeks to get used to how much water your succulent needs. After a certain amount of time, you might not even need to check the soil with your finger because you’ll be on a consistent watering schedule. 

Once you’ve found the schedule that works, stick to it. If that means setting a reminder on your phone or scheduling it on your calendar, then, by all means, go for it! While missing one watering won’t be the end of your succulent, it can be the beginning of you getting off track. 

Should You Mist Your Succulent Plant?

Some plants enjoy getting misted with a spray bottle right on their leaves rather than getting their water directly from the soil. And while this may seem like a good idea for succulents because they don’t need much water, it’s actually best not to mist your succulents. 

Although some plants enjoy misting, you should avoid doing so in the case of succulents.

As stated earlier, succulents are often native to dry and arid desert environments. These environments usually have low humidity, and succulents are used to that. So if you try misting your succulents instead of watering the soil, you’ll likely end up causing the leaves to get overwatering and causing them to rot. 

Check out this article for other ways that you could potentially kill your succulent plant and how to avoid them. 

Conclusion 

The main thing to remember when caring for your succulent plant is not watering it until the soil has completely dried out. 

If you have plenty of other plants that get watered regularly, you may think it odd that your succulent needs so little water. But don’t worry. Just remember that they thrive in environments where water is a bit scarce and don’t actually like getting too much water. 

When you have a thriving succulent plant, you can propagate one of the leaves later on and start growing a completely new plant from it. 

With the tips and information in this article, your succulent plant is sure to be well taken care of. 

What Type of Cactus Do I Have? Ways to Identify Your Cactus Type

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Cactus is a unique plant alright, but then again they come in different shapes, sizes, heights, and colors. As such, it is important to differentiate the various types of cacti and what distinguishes them from one another. Cactus identification is not a hard job, if you know how to identify the different types that exist. It becomes even much easier if you get to understand what to look out for. Cacti, as a classification of succulent plants, are often found in dry and harsh environments. This is one of the most important characteristics to consider when identifying your cactus type. 

So, what are some of the ways to identify your cactus type? There are hundreds of different types of cactus out there but these common ones can be identified by their physical features, the climate they thrive in, or where you live if that’s not an option. Other noble factors you can use to identify your cacti type are the types of needles/spines, coloration, and natural habitat. Shape, color, height, flowering style and seeds also play an important role in the identification of a cactus plant type.

There is no sure way to know for certain what type of cactus you have without a visual inspection on your part. This article will be looking at the various physical factors to look out for when identifying a cactus type.

A look at the physical features

When telling apart one cactus from the other, the physical features are the best place to start. Some notable physical features you can look out for include:

-Leaves

-Color

-Shape

-Height

-Flowers

-Seeds

The Leaves

The leaves of the cactus plant are one key feature you may want to look into. Are your plants spiny or not? You can find out by looking at their leaves.  Spines on a leaf will be needle-like and sharp, while non-spiny types have soft edges. Some other helpful clues about your cacti plant would be the color and shape of its leaves.

If you are trying to identify what type of cactus you have, check if the plant has spines or smooth leaves.

The color of the leaves can be identified by looking at its photosynthetic pigments namely chlorophyll and carotenoids. Chlorophyll is responsible for absorbing light energy from the sun and storing it as chemical energy, while carotenoids are what give the plants their distinctive colors.

The shape of the leaves may also provide some clues about your cactus plant type. Plants with needle-like leaves and spines are typically more succulent, while flat leafed plants tend to be tougher in nature as they can withstand harsh environments better. For instance leaves from a saguaro cactus are flat, while the leaves of a barrel cactus grow in an upright position.

The various needle styles can also be used as an indicator of what type your cacti are, but like the shape and color this may not always give you accurate results. The more succulent and fleshy varieties will generally have needle-like spines, while the more tough and leafy varieties will generally be flat.

How high can they grow?

Height is another physical feature you might want to take into consideration when identifying your cactus type. Height and altitude can be used as a determining factor when identifying your plant type because plants that live at higher altitudes usually have longer roots than those. The tallest of all the succulents is the Saguaro Cactus, which can grow up to 50 feet tall without too much trouble. On the other hand there are small varieties like hedgehog and pereskia that will only reach a height of about six inches or so. Just a quick physical examination of your cactus’ height can help you determine what type of cactus plant it is.

Saguaro is the tallest cactus that can grow up to 50ft tall.

Shape and coloration

The shape and coloring of a cacti can also be used to identify its type, especially if there are no spines or leaves to go by. Shape usually provides some clues about the plants’ climate requirements, which in turn might provide more insight about the plant’s type.

The color of a cactus can also serve as an indicator for its identity, but there are so many types to choose from that you may not be able to make an accurate guess just by looking at it.  A white-spined barrel cactus might have a green body while another spiny species might have a green-brown body. The yellowish color of the dwarf saguaro is a lot different from the brown spines on a barbed wire cactus, and so on.

If your cactus does not have spines, observe the shape of its leaves to identify the type.

As you can see there are many physical features to look out for that might give away what type of cactus plant your plants belong to. One tip is that if you find something about a particular species odd or unique, it’s worth taking a closer look because it might be what you’ve been looking for.

How are its flowering style and pattern?

Another physical feature is the flowering style, which will determine whether it is an epiphytic or terrestrial plant. Epiphytes are plants that grow in humid climates with little contact to soil and rely on other plants for nutrients whereas terrestrials have roots and need direct access to soil.

The flowering style of your cactus also tells you more about its type.

The pattern of a cactus’ flowers can also be an indicator for its type. The barrel and saguaro have radial patterns, while the hedgehog is another example of a plant that has radial patterns but they are more elongated. A columnar species like the cardon might show off vertical stripes or zig-zags in alternating colors.

If you have a columnar cactus with vertical stripes in alternating colors then it is most likely a cardon, while if your cactus has radial patterns and spines then it’s more than likely to be either the barrel or saguaro type.

 The coloration of the flowers also provides a clue for the type of cactus your plant belongs to, but this is not always an accurate indicator. For example a hedgehog may have yellow flowers or another species with red-topped flowers might be cardon.

What about the seeds?

Different cactus types produce different seeds that are suited to their environment. The Saguaro cactus, for example, will have fleshy and smaller seed pods while the hedgehog has much larger spiny fruit. Other types like the barrel cactus will have a more oval or spherical shape, while the cardon is known to produce seeds that are round and shiny.

Different cactus types produce contrasting seeds, enabling you to identify the species.

These different types of seed pods can provide clues about what type of cactus you may have in your garden. Perhaps you’ve had your plant for some time now and it’s not flowering or producing any flowers even after a long growth period? It may help a great deal to examine its seeds even before planting as they can offer some valuable information about the plant’s type. Different cactus types produce different seed pods, so if your cactus is not flowering or producing any flowers even after a long growth period then it may be because of its type and what kind of environmental conditions that type prefers.

Climate and Natural Habitat

The climatic conditions of the region and the natural habitat play a huge role in the type of cactus you have. Specific cactus types will grown in certain locations based on their natural habitat at various altitudes.

For instance, the Saguaro cactus can be found in Arizona, California and Mexico while the cardon will mainly grow in Bolivia. The barrel cacti are native to Southern Mexico and Guatemala but there are also varieties that grow as far north as Texas or even New York.

The low-lying, more succulent species like epiphytic pereskias and hedgehogs thrive best in humid climates with high humidity or rainfall levels where they can get their water from the air (epiphyte) whereas taller varieties that grow primarily on rock surfaces find it difficult to survive in these types of climates.

When determining your cactus type based on its natural habitat, it’s important to take note of the altitude level that it grows in. For example, a cactus found at lower elevations will have spines on its fruit whereas plants with less exposure to sunlight and more moisture tend to produce flowers instead (e.g., pereskias). This should help you identify your cactus type if it falls into the columnar category.

Why Is Cactus Type Identification And Classification Important?

There are several reasons why it’s important to identify which type of cactus you have. They include the following:

– Knowing the type may help you identify its natural habitat and climate. For instance, a cactus found at lower elevations will have spines on its fruit whereas plants with less exposure to sunlight and more moisture tend to produce flowers instead (e.g., pereskias).

– Determining your plant type may help you choose the best fertilizer and watering regime. As with any plant type, cacti also require specific nutrients and there are different fertilisers that cater to their various needs (e.g., sulphate of potash for spiny plants). Fertilizer needs vary depending on the plant type and what natural habitat it prefers.

You should determine the type of your cactus to provide it with the right fertilizer and perfect amount of water.

– You may be able to grow more varieties of cacti if you know their type. It’s not easy to find a certain variety of cactus in your area, but knowing its name will help you search for other nurseries that might have them or do some international seed trading.

– Once you know your cactus type, it’s easier to identify any pests or diseases that might be the culprit of its lack of flowers and blooming as well as how best to take care of them. Notably, some cactus types are more resistant to pests compared to others and as such require less attention from pesticide.

– Knowing your cactus type will help you understand which ones are going to thrive better in certain environments, or at least be more tolerant of them. For example, a barrel cactus may not produce flowers but it is still capable of living long periods with little water as opposed to the taller varieties that grow primarily on rock surfaces. It will also make identifying other members in a group on your property much easier if they all have spines versus flowers.

– Cactus identification may also be helpful if you’re looking for information on how to care or propagate your own species. It helps you indetify the best practices to meet your cacti’s needs. This will help reduce the amount of guesswork involved in caring for your cacti.

Most Common Cacti Types and Their Characteristics

Cactus is a unique succulent that comes in a number of species and types. While some are rare, others are pretty common and can be found in most locations worldwide. Here is a list of the most common cactus types and their characteristics:

– Barrel Cacti – These low-lying, more succulent species like epiphytic pereskias thrive best in humid climates with high humidity or rainfall levels where they can get their water from the air (epiphyte) whereas taller varieties that grow primarily on rock surfaces find it difficult to survive in these types of climates.

– Ball Cacti – These are the most common cactus type found and ideal for beginners because they’re easy and less fussy than other plant varieties, but still need at least some attention or else they will wither up.

– Cereus Cacti – These cactus types are the ones that bloom and produce flowers. They require a lot of light in order to thrive so they’re popular choices for indoor growers who can give them enough sunlight, but most people find it difficult to grow these indoors because they need high levels of humidity or else their flowers will wither up.

– Pincushion Cacti – These are the most commonly grown cactus and grows quickly so it’s a good choice for beginners. They require less attention than other types, but still need at least some care or else they will wither up.

– Succulent Cactus – These are the only type that can produce flowers even without being exposed to a lot of sunlight because their leaves store water which is what helps them bloom.

-Saguaro Cactus –  These cacti types are the ones that bloom and produce flowers. They require a lot of light in order to thrive so they’re popular choices for indoor growers who can give them enough sunlight, but most people find it difficult to grow these indoors because they need high levels of humidity or else their flowers will wither up.

-Christmas Cacti –  These cacti types are the ones that bloom and produce flowers. They require a lot of light in order to thrive so they’re popular choices for indoor growers who can give them enough sunlight, but most people find it difficult to grow these indoors because they need high levels of humidity or else their flowers will wither up. A Christmas cactus gets its name from the fact that it blooms in December.

Christmas cactus requires plenty of sunlight to produce pinkish-red flowers.

How To Identify The Best Indoor Cactus Types

Cactus can be grown both in the outdoor garden and indoors. However, it can sometimes be a challenge trying to determine which type will thrive best indoors. There are many types of cacti and some don’t do well in the indoor environment while others need too much care to be considered ideal for beginners or those with a lack of time or space. To identify the best indoor cacti, consider the following factors:

– Light – The most common indoor cacti types are those that thrive in low levels of light.

– Water needs – While succulents can survive on less watering, they still require some level of care or else they will wither up and die.

– Soil type – Cactus cannot be grown with regular potting soil because it contains fertilizers, which can kill the plant. Instead, use a special cactus potting soil or mix your own with sand and gravel

– Climate – The best indoor cacti types are those that do not require humid climates to survive; these plants will wither up in such environments whereas succulents thrive there so they’re a good choice for indoor cacti types.

– Height – The taller variety of cactus tend to need more care than the shorter varieties; this is especially true if it’s being grown indoors where there are fewer natural light sources like in other climates so they won’t produce flowers or bloom without enough sunlight.

Cactus is a uniquely interesting plant that you can plant at home. However, this can only be possible if you understand the type that works best based on your environment. Your ability to tell apart from one cacti from the other will come in handy in this case. With the hundreds of species out there, it’s not always easy to identify the type that will thrive in your specific situation. Some types require more care than others and some don’t do well indoors at all. With these tips to consider before buying your cactus, it should be much easier to pick out the right one for your needs.

What Is the Difference between Cactus Soil and Succulent Soil?

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Nothing is worse than planting a cactus and realizing that the soil you are using to grow it is unsuitable. It can take years for your cactus to recover from this mistake, so understanding the difference between cactus soil and succulent soil before you buy will help avoid these mistakes.

What is the difference between cactus soil and succulent soil? Cacti plants thrive in dry environments, while other succulents require regular watering to survive. Both types of plants have different soil needs: cacti need a gritty, porous type of soil with little organic matter, while succulents need a well-draining potting mixture with plenty of organic material like peat moss or composted manure.

This blog post discusses the differences between cactus soil and succulent soil, including what they need for both nutrients and their environment. So, let us get started.

What Is Cactus Soil?

Cactus soil is a gritty, porous type of soil that has little organic matter. It should not be too wet or hold water for too long, and it should have good drainage to prevent root rot because cacti plants thrive in dry environments.

It is usually made of a huge composition of inorganic matter and a small portion of organic matter such as peat moss and composted manure.

The inorganic materials help the cactus soil retain water and nutrients, while the organic materials provide essential nutrients for the plant.

What Is Succulent Soil?

Succulent soil is a well-draining potting mixture with plenty of organic material like peat moss or composted manure. It should be able to hold moisture without being too wet or holding water for too long.

Succulent soil comprises a bigger portion of organic matter than cactus soil and a smaller inorganic composition.

The organic materials help the succulent soil retain water and nutrients, while the inorganic materials provide essential drainage to prevent root rot because succulents require regular watering to survive.

Do I Need Special Cactus Soil?

If you want your cactus to thrive and be happy, the answer is “yes.” The biggest issue with cacti plants is too much moisture.

Their roots are highly fragile and require a dry and gritty type of soil with plenty of organic material to survive. Planting cacti in poorly drained soils can lead to root rot and slow death.

Even if you water your plant lightly and less frequently, it won’t help much if the soil has poor drainage. Sometimes, even high humidity can cause problems to your plant if you are not using the right type of potting mix.

So, if you have tried cultivating cacti plants in your home garden and ran into issues you didn’t understand, try changing your potting mix and see if you will achieve better results.

Can a Cactus Survive in Regular Potting Soil?

A cactus can survive in regular potting soil but will not thrive. The plant will be under stress because the roots are not getting the right type of environment they need to grow.

The leaves of the plant may start to yellow, and the plant will become stunted. If you see these signs, it is a good indication that your plant is not happy and is not getting the right type of soil.

It is best to transplant your cactus into a pot with a well-draining cactus mix or succulent mix. This way, you can be sure that your plant will get the right type of environment it needs to thrive.

How Does Cacti Soil Differ from Succulent Soil?

So, how does cacti soil differ from succulent soil? Let us find out below:

1. Reduced Moisture Content

One of the biggest differences between cactus soil and regular succulent soil is the reduced moisture content.

Cacti thrive in dry environments because they have a low tolerance for water, and excess moisture can lead to root rot, which will kill the plant.

This means you should avoid using regular succulent soil as it has more organic material that retains a lot of water.

As cacti thrive in dry climates, their soil should be less moist than in the case of other succulents.

In fact, some regular succulent soil contains extra hydrophilic components that can hold excess water for prolonged periods making your cacti prone to stem and root rot.

This is why you should always choose soil with reduced moisture content if you plan on planting and cultivating cacti plants in your home garden.

However, planting other succulents in such soils may not be a big issue if the plant has already rooted.

Some succulents, when rooted, will get better over time, even if you use the wrong soil type. For example, many people try to grow the Aloe Vera plant in cactus soil, which does not work out well.

However, an aloe vera that is already rooted will get better with time because succulents have a long life span over other plants. The best thing is to wait and not make any changes until the plant has fully rooted.

2. Better Aeration

Cactus soil must have a lot of air pores to allow water to escape easily, which makes it easy to dry out when wet. On the other hand, succulent soils are more compact, making it difficult for some plants with shallow roots like cacti to survive.

Better aerated soil has a relatively high percentage of inorganic matter such as peat moss, sand, or perlite. These particles will provide the cacti with better airflow and allow water to drain out of its roots easily when it rains.

Aerated potting soil also allows more oxygen, which is good for plant growth. So, you should choose a potting mix with this component if you plan on planting and cultivating cacti in your home garden.

Some succulent soils have a lower percentage of inorganic matter, making it difficult for most cacti species to survive in them.

3. Better Drainage

Cactus soil has excellent drainage because the particles are spread out, making it easy for water to flow through when you irrigate. This is not as much of a concern with succulents since they do well without too much water.

However, if you choose the wrong potting mix, you may end up with a plant that is prone to rot.

The best soil for your cacti must have excellent drainage and should be made of high-quality ingredients like perlite or sand particles. This will help prevent water from pooling at your cactus’ roots which can lead to root rot.

Proper drainage is essential for cacti as the soil should never be too soggy.

One of the easiest ways to achieve better drainage is by ensuring that the planting container has plenty of drainage holes. Consider adding a layer of pearl gravel and stones at the bottom of the container to ensure the holes don’t get blocked by soil.

Additionally, plant your cactus at a higher elevation, and you might not have to water it frequently as the soil will drain better.

4. Less Organic Matter

Although cactus soil is primarily made of inorganic matter such as sand and perlite, it still contains some organic matter like peat moss to promote plant growth.

This is because these soil types are not always explicitly manufactured for cacti plants and may be used for other plant species that thrive in dry environments.

The plants use the organic matter as a source of nutrients when it is broken down by insects and bacteria. Since there is little activity going on in a potted plant, it may take some time before the materials are completely broken down.

On the other hand, some succulent soils contain a lot more organic material to provide the plant with plenty of food. Choosing such a soil type for your cactus may be catastrophic because your plant will be susceptible to root rot.

5. Fewer Nutrients

The presence of inorganic materials such as sand and perlite means that cactus soil does not contain a lot of nutrients.

In fact, the relatively small amount of organic matter in these types of soil cannot be used as the primary source of food for your cacti plants hence the need for applying fertilizer.

The soil also lacks additional soil nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus essential for plant growth.

Cacti plants are more sensitive to these nutrients and need them to thrive, grow healthy and produce flowers or fruit.

Cactus soil lacks nutrients, so you need to apply fertilizer to feed your plant.

If you want a cactus that is long-lived, blooms frequently, and produces plenty of fruits, then it’s best to establish a regular feeding schedule, especially during the flowering and fruiting season.

However, you need to be careful not to overfeed your plant because too much fertilizer can lead to unhealthy overgrowth or some other damage to the cactus plant as it struggles to use up the excess nutrients.

Instead of using an organically rich potting mix, feed your plant with occasional doses of water-soluble fertilizer.

6. Lower pH Level

Typically, cactus soil will have relatively lower pH levels when compared to succulent soil.

The ideal pH range for cactus plants is 5.5 to 7.0, while succulents prefer a slightly higher range of 6.0 to 7.5.

If the soil is too alkaline or too acidic, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other problems for the plant.

So, if you want to grow healthy cacti plants, use a potting mix with the right pH level.

Can You Make Your Own Cactus Soil?

The simple answer to this question is “yes.” While most of us would prefer getting the commercially prepared cactus soil, you can also make your own potting mix by following a simple process.

Depending on the type of cactus that you have, there are a few options for making your own soil. You can mix in sand or perlite with some peat moss to make an appropriate mixture for these types of plants.

You also need to ensure that any potting material is free from fertilizers and fungicides, so it’s safe to use.

Lastly, add drainage holes in the bottom of your potting container and choose a deep enough soil-filled garden pot or planter filled with appropriate material for cacti plants like perlite or sand.

Although you can purchase a commercially prepared soil, you can also make your own cactus soil.

You can also consider using small portions of organic ingredients such as composted manure which will provide vital nutrients for your cacti.

Just make sure that the soil you make on your own is not too compact so it can drain properly and doesn’t become waterlogged. Resist the temptation of using too many organic components, and everything will be alright.

How Regularly Should I Change My Cactus Soil?

One of the most common questions people have about cacti is how often they should change the potting mix.

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of cactus, the size of the pot, and the drainage.

If you have a small cactus in a pot with good drainage, you can wait for two or three years before changing the soil.

However, if you have a large cactus in a pot with poor drainage, you may need to change the soil yearly.

It is also a good idea to change the soil every year if you live in an area with high humidity, as this can lead to fungal problems.

When changing the potting mix, remove all the old soil from the roots and rinse them with water. This will help to get rid of any pests or diseases that may be present in the old soil.

After you have rinsed the roots, allow them to dry before replanting in a fresh cactus mix.

Bottom Line

Cactus plants are more tolerant of dry environments like deserts because they require less moisture than other plants. They also grow well in pots with a reduced moisture content which is perfect for them.

There are many differences between succulent soil and regular cactus soil that you should be aware of if you want to start growing cacti plants in your home garden successfully.

How To Make Your Cactus Grow Faster?

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Generally, cacti are known to be slow-growing, but with proper care, you could make them grow faster than they normally would.

The key to making a cactus grow fast is to give it slightly more light and water than usual. If you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse that has lots of sunlight for at least 8 hours each day, then your chances of growing a healthy and fast-growing cactus will improve tremendously. Use soft water for watering and fertilize it during the growing season. You should also allow it to go dormant during winter, allow proper air exchange, and repot your plant once in a while.

In this blog post, we shall discuss the main methods you can use to make your cactus grow faster. So, let us get started.

Why Do Cacti Plants Grow Slowly?

Before we dive deep into our discussion, it is essential to know why cactus plants generally grow slowly.

For most cacti species, growing slowly is a form of survival. Most of them are native to deserts, and in such habitats, there is not much water or food available for them.

So, to survive in the desert conditions, cacti have evolved with a method that helps them conserve water and food by growing slowly over time. This slows down their metabolism, making it difficult for animals to eat them.

They also lack true leaves and have fewer stomata, limiting their rate of sunlight and carbon dioxide absorption, making it difficult for them to manufacture a lot of food through photosynthesis.

Typically, cacti grow slowly in order to survive harsh conditions.

Typically, cacti plants prioritize survival overgrowth. So, if your cacti are growing slowly, there is nothing to worry about because you have not done anything wrong.

You just need to adapt the ways of caring for your plant to suit its needs and make it grow faster over time.

How to Make Your Cactus Grow Faster?

Now that you know why cacti grow slowly, it is crucial to know how to make yours grow faster. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Provide Enough Sunlight during the Growth Season

Cacti naturally grow in hot and dry conditions. So, if you want your cactus to grow faster, then try providing the same conditions. You can do this by keeping it outside your house.

Most desert cacti require bright sunlight to survive. And when they are grown in dimly-lit conditions, their growth becomes slow.

So, if you want your cactus to grow faster and healthier, all you need is to keep it outside for most of the day. You can either place it on a window ledge or plant it in your garden.

However, you need to keep in mind that direct sunlight can damage the stem and pads of a cactus, causing them to wither. Thus, you have to make sure that the plant does not remain in direct sunlight for more than 4 hours.

Provide your cacti with plenty of sunlight by keeping them outdoors during warmer months.

After winter, introduce them to sunlight gradually. Do not place it in direct sunlight at first; rather, keep it under the canopy of trees.

But if you do not have space outside your house or garden, you can use artificial lights to provide the necessary amount of light for your cactus plant. In fact, this is a great way to grow cacti indoors during winter.

But bear in mind that you should not use full-spectrum lights as it is the main reason why most indoor plants look pale and unhealthy.

2. Allow Proper Air Exchange

Just like humans, cacti need oxygen to survive. But unlike us, they don’t breathe through lungs but rather through pores on their stems and spines.

These succulents hate humidity and wet soil because it causes fungal infections. Hence, they prefer to grow in hot and airy conditions.

So, if you want your cactus to grow faster than usual, make sure that the place you are keeping it has proper ventilation.  You can even use a fan for proper circulation of air around the plant.

During summer, feel free to leave your cactus outside for a few hours. But make sure that you take it inside before the sun goes down because night temperatures can be extremely low.

3. Use the Right Container

When potting a cactus plant, always choose a container that is at least three inches wider than the spherical spread of the plant’s root ball.

The idea here is to provide your plant with enough room to grow. While planting a cactus, make sure that its roots are not constricted.

Also, remember to re-pot your plant once every three years. This helps in making it grow faster because it provides room for new root growth.

It is recommended to repot your cacti once every 3 years.

A clay pot or terra cotta is always the best choice for planting cacti. You can also use plastic pots or wooden containers, but make sure they have a drainage hole at the bottom for proper drainage.

4. Plant It in Well-Draining Soil

Choosing the right potting mix/planting soil is absolutely critical to the health of your cactus.

If you pick soil that holds too much moisture, then the plant will end up rotting from the roots. So, make sure that the potting mix is well-draining.

You can check this by squeezing a small portion of it in your hand. If water comes out or if it feels soggy, then you need to change it.

A well-draining soil will also make your cactus grow faster because, under moist conditions, plants tend to develop root rot and/or stem rot.

You can use a sterilized potting mix for this purpose. But if you do not have enough time, then choose a bag of potting mix that only has organic materials.

You should also avoid using soils with compost.

5. Water Appropriately

Although cacti plants don’t love a lot of water, it doesn’t mean that they don’t need any moisture at all.

In fact, you have to water your cactus plant 2-3 times a week during summer. But remember that overwatering will only harm the plant, so you should avoid it as much as possible.

Although cacti plants do not require too much watered, they still need consistent watering to grow healthy.

Under-watering will cause your plant to wither. Therefore, the trick is finding the right balance and understanding when to water your cactus.

If you are using a potting mix with fine particles and good drainage, then the soil will dry out within 5-6 days after watering it. When this happens, think of watering your plant again.

6. Fertilize Appropriately

Although cacti plants don’t require regular fertilization, they need to be fed on a few occasions. If you want your plant to grow in spring and summer, then the best time for fertilizing would be when it starts growing (spring).

If you are using a potting mix with compost or if you have been underwatering your cactus, then it would definitely benefit from fertilizing. It will help your plant develop a sturdy root system, which is the most stable part of the plant.

Once in three years, you can use slow-release fertilizer to make your cactus grow faster and stronger. You can apply this once at the time of repotting because it lasts for an extended period.

Also, keep in mind that fertilizing a cactus plant before the beginning of fall is essential to ensure proper root growth.

7. Maintain Optimal Temperature

Cacti like moderate temperatures, so you need to keep them as close to the optimal temperature range as possible.

If the room is colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius), then you can put it by a sunny window during summer or keep it indoors under artificial lighting.

Keep in mind that cacti cannot tolerate freezing temperature, so if it is too extreme outside, move your cactus inside.

Also, if the room is hotter than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius), you need to keep it in a cooler area or provide artificial cooling means by putting it under a fan.

8. Use Soft Water to Water Your Cactus

Always water your cactus using soft water because it has a lower content of minerals that cacti plants are sensitive to.

If you constantly use hard water, the minerals accumulate in the soil, reaching sensitive levels that can cause root rot.

To avoid this, simply use soft water to water your cactus or change the soil every year if you use regular potting soil.

If your tap water is hard, you can use a regular filter to soften it before watering.

If you don’t have a filter, leave the water outside in an open container for at least two hours before watering. Also, you will need to repot your plant quite often if you use hard water to irrigate it.

9. Re-pot Once in a While

Repotting your plant once in a while is essential because it keeps your plant alive and promotes good health.

Consider repotting your cacti every three years. However, if you constantly use tap water for watering, you consider repotting every 12-18 months.

Once you re-pot, your plants will get new soil that helps their roots develop and grow healthy. They will also receive the fertilizer plus the necessary amount of water.

10. Allow Proper Air Exchange

Cacti need lots of air exchange to stay healthy and happy. Avoid high humidity, stagnant air, and sudden temperature fluctuations near radiators or air conditioners.

Instead, put them in bright locations where they can receive plenty of light from the sun, such as a balcony, windowsill, or even outside if it’s warm enough. Don’t trap cacti in a terrarium – they can’t survive the high humidity.

Move your cacti outdoors during summer if possible – the fresh air will help them grow! However, be aware of low nighttime temperatures; anything lower than 55°F could damage your plant.

Also, keep an eye on large temperature swings during the day – misting with hot water or watering early in the morning replicates morning dew and helps keep them comfortable. The optimum daytime temperature is between 80-86°F.

If you want to use cacti in a terrarium, make sure it’s only temporary – cacti struggle to absorb water through glass containers when there are no drainage holes or other materials like soil, rocks, or charcoal blocking their access to moisture.

11. Allow Your Cacti to Go Dormant During Winter

Cacti plants in their natural habitat usually become dormant during the summer months when water is lacking. During this time, they stop growing and focus on dealing with the extremely high temperatures and transpiration.

It’s crucial not to force your cactus to grow year-round to achieve fast growth. In fact, not allowing your cactus to go dormant during winter can lead to thinning and elongated growth.

If you are keeping a cactus at home and experience cold winters, it is essential to allow them to go through the winter dormancy period uninterrupted. This will help them avoid uneven growth and rapid depletion of essential nutrients.

Winter dormancy also helps promote flowering or budding of flowers if your cactus has started blooming.

To help your cacti experience a natural dormancy period, reduce the amount of sunlight they’re exposed to. As temperatures outside start dropping, gradually decrease how much water you give them.

However, do not stop watering your cacti completely. Doing so will result in them losing their roots and drying out, leading to stunted growth. Instead, lightly water your plants once every month or every six weeks – just check the soil before doing so.

During November all the way up until early March, make sure your cacti are kept in cool areas with temperatures ranging from 47-54 Degrees Fahrenheit.

The lower temperature range is critical since it helps prevent excessive water evaporation while promoting healthy, continued growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cactus plants are not as difficult to grow as they seem. They just need a little care and love. With a bit of effort and the right information, you can grow them yourself without any problems. 

 Ensure you provide your plant with enough sunlight, allow proper air exchange, and plant it in well-draining soil with the right container.

Consider watering it appropriately during the growing season and maintain optimal temperature for better results.

You can also fertilize once in a while but use soft water to avoid problems. With the right care, your cactus will grow to its full potential in no time.

This Is How Often You Need To Water Succulents

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You saw an attractive succulent plant at the plant store and decided to purchase it. So, it is now in your home, and you are probably wondering how often you need to water it.

Don’t worry because you are not alone. Most succulent beginners are never sure of how often to water their plants.

The most important thing you need to realize about succulents is that they have unique water requirements compared to other indoor or outdoor plants.

While other plants require daily watering, succulents can go for relatively long periods without watering. Since they are adapted to growing in dry areas, these plants have thickened and fleshy leaves or stems that retain water for a long time.

As such, most of them don’t require frequent watering. However, there are also a few misconceptions about how often to water succulents that you need to be aware of to avoid problems.

In this post, we discuss everything you need to know about watering succulents.  Read on to learn how to keep your succulents healthy.

Do Succulents Need Water to Survive?

Just like any other plant, succulents need water to survive. But the big question is; how much water do they require?

Many gardeners have the misconception that succulents require only a small amount of water once in a while to survive. While it is true that some succulents are tough and can survive with a minimal amount of water, most of them won’t thrive in drought-like conditions.

Although succulents do not require too much water, most of them cannot survive in drought-like conditions.

During the growing phase, succulents usually require plenty of water. It means that regular watering is essential during this phase. 

Some succulents are summer growers, while others are winter growers. The summer growers are active during summer and dormant during winter, while winter growers become active during winter and slide into dormancy during summer.

To understand the ideal watering schedule for your succulents, you should first identify whether they are summer growers or winter growers. Some of the common summer growing succulents include:

  • Adenia.
  • Cissus.
  • Plumeria.
  • Titanopsis.
  • Dorstenia.
  • Sinningia.
  • Xerosicyos.
  • Euphorbia.
  • Agave
  • Echeveria.
  • Synadenium.

Some of the common winter growing succulents include:

  • Aloe.
  • Kalanchoe.
  • Avonia.
  • Bulbine.
  • Cetraria.
  • Othonna.
  • Senecio.
  • Cotyledon.
  • Sansevieria.
  • Sedum.
  • Bulbine.

If you don’t see your succulent among those mentioned above,  conduct a quick online search of its name, and within no time, you will know whether it is a summer or winter grower.

How Often Should You Water Succulents?

Generally, you need to water your succulents at least once a week during the growing phase. Some gardeners prefer watering more than this, but that will depend on a wide range of factors that we shall discuss in a moment.

When watering your succulents, ensure you thoroughly soak the plant until water starts to run out of the container’s drainage holes.

However, before you water your plants, you need to ensure that the soil is completely dry. You can confirm whether the soil is completely dry by sticking a stick into the soil. Wait for a few minutes before you pull it out.

If the stick is damp with soil particles stuck on it, the soil is not completely dry.  But if it comes out quite easily and is dry, then the potting mix is completely dry, and you can proceed to water your succulent.

You should only water your succulents when the soil is completely dry.

When your succulents enter the dormancy phase, you need to increase the interval between watering. During this time, be sure to provide your plants with enough water so that there are no signs of wilting.

This is a critical time you need to apply common sense and do what you believe is right for your succulents.

For instance, if you have summer growing succulents and keep them indoors on a window sill in a heated room during winter, you may be forced to water it slightly more than when you’d have left it outside.

Critical Factors That Affect How Often You Need to Water Succulents

Other than the general rule of thumb mentioned above, some factors determine how often you should water succulents. They include:

1. Season

As mentioned above, some succulents grow during summer while others grow during winter.

Typically, you will need to water your plants more during the active growing season since they absorb water from the soil at a relatively higher rate to make new leaves, stems, roots, and blooms.

During this time, consider watering them up to three times a week depending on conditions such as temperature and light. But you must always ensure that the soil is completely dry before watering.

During the dormant season, the growth stops, and you only need to water them once or twice for the entire season. When in dormancy, the plants rarely absorb water from the soil because almost nothing is happening.

Keep in mind that one of the easiest ways to kill your succulent is by overwatering it during the dormant season. This is the time to let your plant rest easy and sleep.

2. Amount of light

Succulents that get at least ten hours of full sunlight require more watering than those that get less light. Generally, outdoor succulents need more water than indoor succulents because they are exposed to more sunlight and tougher conditions.

Succulents that get 10+ hours of sunlight require to be watered more often than those that receive less light.

3. Humidity

Another factor that determines how often to water succulents is the amount of humidity. 

Succulents grown in high humidity and relatively cooler temperatures require less frequent watering than succulents grown in hot and dry climates because they retain moisture for more extended periods.

So, if you live in a relatively hotter region and you have to position your succulent pots on your patio in full sun, then you may be forced to water them frequently.

However, if you live in a relatively cooler region and your plants are indoors, you only need to water them once every two weeks.

4. Container size

The size of your container will also determine how often you should water your plants.

Typically, succulents grown in large containers require less frequent watering because the containers hold moisture for a long time.

Plants grown in small and shallow containers require frequent watering because the soil tends to dry out faster.

5. Size of your succulent

The size of your succulent also affects the watering frequency.

While larger succulents require less watering, smaller succulents should be watered more often.

Succulents with relatively thick leaves, stems, and bigger in size store more water than those with thinner leaves, stems, and smaller in size.

Therefore, the bigger succulents can sustain longer periods between watering sessions than smaller size succulents.

6. Soil Type

Your succulent watering routine should be determined by the soil type you use since the time it takes to dry out depends on its density.

The denser the soil, the slower it drains after watering, which can keep the roots moist for longer periods. To prevent root rot, you should reduce the frequency of watering.

In simple terms, soil density is determined by a mix of two main ingredients: organic and inorganic compounds.

If your soil has a higher proportion of organic compounds, it will be denser, and consequently, it will retain more water. Hence, you should water it less compared to well-drained soil.

7. Dormancy Time

Every succulent experiences a dormant phase annually. Understanding when your succulent will enter this dormant period is crucial because it will affect your watering routine.

Typically, watering should be reduced during dormancy to avoid overwatering, which can lead to irreversible damage.

It’s important to note that not all succulents enter dormancy at the same time. So, take time to find out when your succulent will likely go through this phase.

What Is the Right Way to Water Succulents?

Now that you know how often to water your succulents and the critical factors that affect the watering frequency, it is time to understand how to water them right.

Yes, there is a right and wrong way to water succulents. So, don’t be surprised.

Most succulents are desert natives, and there is one thing that makes them unique plants.  While most of us know that deserts don’t receive a lot of rainfall, we don’t know that when it rains, it pours.

Desert rainstorms are monsoons that allow plenty of water to come out of the skies when it is time. You need to try and replicate the same scenario when watering your plants.

When watering your succulents, be sure to drench them. Pour water on them slowly, and don’t stop until you have plenty of it running out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.

Succulents usually require periodic but long and deep drinks that soak the soil to the bottom. So, when it is time to water your succulents, make sure you drench them.

Let the soil dry out completely and drench again and repeat the cycle. Follow this pattern, and you will have happy and healthy plants.

What Is the Best Type of Water for Succulents?

Besides the watering frequency, you also need to be careful with the type of water you use on your succulent plants. Rainwater is always the best choice, but it may not always be available.

If your tap water is so hard or highly alkaline, you need to find an alternative. Hard/alkaline water introduces a lot of minerals to your potting mix.

With time, the minerals build up, causing harm to your succulents in the long run. However, repotting annually with all fresh potting mix can help prevent a dangerous buildup of the unwanted minerals hence saving your plants.

You may also want to water your succulents with filtered, bottled water to avoid mineral buildup.

If it snows where you live, melt some snow during the winter months and store the water for use during the summer months.

Avoid Overwatering

Overwatering is the #1 killer of most succulents. Not in the sense that they get too much water, but instead, they get watered before the soil dries out completely.

When you don’t allow enough time between watering sessions, the potting mix is constantly damp, which can cause a lot of problems.

The most common issue related to overwatering is root rot and stem rot.

If you start to notice rotting stems on your succulents, it is most likely that you have been overwatering them, and the roots have already rotted as well.  Overwatering can also cause leaf cracks in succulents.

Underwatering Is Equally Bad

While overwatering is more dangerous than underwatering, you should also avoid underwatering your succulents.

Your succulents may dry out and wilt if you fail to water them for too long. The leaves become more transparent and start turning brown or yellowish.

Stems can also pucker when the plant is severely dehydrated. This can be fixed with one or two proper watering sessions.

Once you water your plant and the soil becomes saturated, it will revive and become healthy again within a few days.

However, if you wait too long to water, the plant may not recover. Therefore, keep an eye on your succulents and give them enough water when necessary.

Summary

Overall, succulents must be watered correctly and at the right frequency to stay healthy and thrive.

The amount of water needed by each succulent depends on the size of its container, climate conditions, light exposure, type of soil used, and other factors mentioned above.

Consider these factors before deciding how often to water your succulents. As long as you keep an eye on your succulents and only water them when necessary, you will have happy and healthy plants in your home.

7 Health Benefits Of Having Succulents At Home

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Plants have long been known to provide health benefits when placed in homes. They bring a bit of nature inside and improve your quality of life in many ways. But there is one type of plant that rises above all the rest when it comes to keeping you healthy and happy – the succulent.

Succulents have a unique ability that sets them apart from other houseplants and allows them to bring numerous physical, emotional, and mental health benefits when placed in your home. (And it’s not just your Grandma’s aloe plants, either!) Read on to learn why you should spruce up your space – and your health – with succulents.

The Air You Breathe is Cleaner

It is no secret that polluted air is all around. However, unclean air is not only found in big cities with tons of traffic and factories. It is also found in a place you would least suspect – your home. You may already be aware that plants can help to remove pollution from the air in your home, but did you know that succulents are the best choice for purifying the air in your space?

Unlike other plants that only photosynthesize during the daytime, succulents (and cacti) continue the process of photosynthesis overnight – releasing oxygen into your home 24/7. Because they are constantly taking in carbon dioxide and converting it to oxygen, they are continuously removing toxins from the air around you, leaving you with fresh, purified air.

As succulents photosynthesize during the daytime and overnight, they produce oxygen 24/7.

Two of the best air-purifying succulents that you can add to your home are:

  • Aloe plants
  • Snake plants

The constant flow of new oxygen into your space introduces a myriad of benefits, including easier breathing and more restful sleep.

Humidity is No Longer an Issue

Most people don’t consider the humidity levels in a room where they are watching television or playing a video game. For many people, humidity is an outdoor consideration more than an indoor one. But there is actually a need for adequate humidity in a home to ensure good health for all inside.

When the humidity is too high in your home, the following can happen:

  • Your body can struggle to regulate its temperature.
  • The extra moisture can cause fungus, mold, and mildew to grow.
  • The wood and furniture in your home can swell or rot.

Meanwhile, if the humidity level in your home is too low, you may experience the following:

  • Your skin may begin to dry out, causing dry lips and itching skin.
  • Respiratory issues, like wheezing and breathing problems, may arise.
  • You may begin to experience fatigue.
Along with letting you decorate your indoor space, succulents control the humidity in your home.

According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, it is recommended that your home’s humidity level be between 30% and 50%. While you can use devices like humidifiers to control the humidity in your home, a much more aesthetically pleasing option is to set out a few succulents and let them work their magic!

One succulent that you can use to increase the humidity levels in your home is the jade plant. If you are looking to decrease your home’s humidity, you can try succulents from the Euphorbia family, like the dragon bone cactus.

You Enjoy Enhanced Focus and Productivity

Today, it’s almost a given that your life is busy and in a constant state of movement. With so many daily distractions, it’s difficult to maintain focus throughout the day. Guess what? Succulents have the amazing ability to help improve your focus and increase your productivity. But how?

You already know that succulents photosynthesize during the day and the night, resulting in a steady flow of clean oxygen in whatever space they are placed in. This process increases the amount of oxygen in your home and allows you to breathe in more oxygen during your day. 

More oxygen in your lungs means more oxygen goes to your brain. 

A well-oxygenated brain is a more energized brain that results in:

  • better concentration
  • heightened focus
  • more productivity
  • improved memory

You can place an agave or elephant bush in your home office to ensure that your brain stays healthy and your days stay productive.

You Can Manage Stress Better

One of the most frequently suggested ways to de-stress is to go outside and get some fresh air. However, it’s not always possible to step outside and enjoy the air because of obligations like work and the unpredictability of weather. But succulents allow you to bring that “fresh air” inside your home, where you can enjoy it whenever you’d like.

Often, indoor air is considered “clean.” Unfortunately, most air inside a home has a “suboptimal balance of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, especially in enclosed rooms with poor ventilation.” If you suffer from stress or anxiety, this “suboptimal” air in your home is not helping you. 

Having succulents at home means that you will no longer have to worry about being stressed or anxious.

Placing succulents around your home introduces more clean oxygen into your body; that increase in oxygen helps you maintain a more peaceful emotional state, therefore lessening your stress levels. In fact, veterans that have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been “treated” with oxygen-rich air to help them manage their disorder.

Giving yourself cleaner air to breathe also increases the serotonin levels in your body, which balances your mood and increases your happiness. You can treat your brain and your body with this Haworthia succulent.

Succulents Even Fight Sickness

Another incredible benefit of succulents is that they help prevent sickness. It may seem odd to think that a plant can keep you feeling well, but the idea is not that far-fetched. When you take into account a succulent’s ability to increase oxygen levels and manage humidity levels in a home, it’s rather easy to see how these miracle plants can aid in your physical well-being.

When you are living in a home that is full of polluted air or experiencing humidity issues, you can quickly succumb to many ailments, such as:

  • Dry, itchy skin and lips
  • Coughing and wheezing
  • Asthma flare-ups 
  • Colds and allergies
  • Sore throats

Additionally, the lack of fresh air contributes to higher stress levels in your body, leaving you even more susceptible to illness. (Wouldn’t it be easier to invest in this adorable succulent garden to better both your health and your mood?)

In the 1990s, the Agricultural University of Norway conducted a controlled study on the link between sickness in workers and the presence (or lack thereof) of plants in their office area. They recorded a 25% decrease in illnesses reported by workers who added plants to their work area. The study also reported that the workers with plants in their area experienced less fatigue and better concentration than those without plants in their area.

You Recover from Illness and Injury Quickly 

Not only can succulents decrease your chances of getting sick, but they can also help you recover from illnesses and injuries more quickly. And it all goes back to the extra oxygen that these plants release into your home.

Just like a well-oxygenated brain will result in better focus, well-oxygenated cells will result in faster healing – so much so that oxygen therapy is often used to help athletes recover from their injuries. 

  • When your body is healing from an injury, damaged cells must be replaced with new ones.
  • Likewise, when your body is healing from an illness, healthy cells in your body must fight to deplete the sickly ones. 

The oxygen you breathe goes straight into your bloodstream, feeding these new and healthy cells. The more fresh oxygen you breathe, the faster (and better) your cells can heal you. You can purchase this Donkey Tail succulent to start benefiting from extra oxygen today.

Succulents Have Many Medicinal Uses

You’re probably wondering how there could be more health benefits that succulents can bring into your home, but there are. Succulents passively give you all the benefits listed above, but there are more advantages of having succulents in your house, too. Many succulents themselves have medicinal properties (like the famous aloe plant)!

Aloe vera is one of the most popular succulents that is commonly used for its medical benefits.

Here are some succulents and their medicinal properties and uses:

SucculentMedicinal Properties/Uses
AloeIs commonly used to treat sunburnsCan be used as a laxativeCan be used to treat symptoms of eczema, bruises, and burnsCan be used to treat symptoms of sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis
Sour FigHas astringent properties that allow it to be used to treat infections in the mouth and throatCan be used to treat fungal infectionsCan be used to ease the pain of earaches and toothachesCan be used to soothe digestive issues
Elephant’s FootCan be used to treat sores and cutsCan be used to treat scabiesUsed by some cultures to make cortisone
BoababCan be used to treat feverCan be used to treat diarrheaCan be used to treat urinary disordersCan be used as an astringentHas anti-inflammatory properties
Pig’s EarCan be used to remove warts and cornsCan be used to ease the pain of earaches and toothachesCan be used to treat boils on the skinHas anti-inflammatory properties

Medical Disclaimer: Please do not use this information to treat any illness or injury before consulting a doctor. 

In Conclusion

One thing is clear – succulents are the best houseplants for your overall health and well-being. From purifying the air that you breathe to soothing a wretched sunburn, these beautiful and beneficial plants are a wonderful addition to any house.

10 Low Care Plants For The Perfect Indoor Cactus Garden

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An indoor cactus garden can be one of the best aspects to improve your indoor decor but this can only be possible if you have the right plants. If you are looking for some plants to include in your indoor cactus garden then this blog post is perfect for you. Let’s go through the ten best succulents that can be included in an indoor cactus garden.

Ideal plants for an indoor cactus garden should be low maintenance and easy to take care of. They should also be easy to maintain indoors in terms of watering. Some notable indoor plants for your indoor garden include alove vera, Jade plant, Bromeliads, Agave, Orchid and a majority of cactus species like moon cactus, old lady cactus and Bishop’s cap.

This article will be looking at the most ideal plants you can include in your indoor cactus garden. It will look at their characteristic and care practices and how best to blend with other plants.

1. Bromeliads

Bromeliads make ideal indoor plants because they are simple to maintain and can thrive in a variety of conditions. They grow well indoors when you provide them with indirect light, making it an easy addition for the garden as they will not need much care.

Bromeliads are ideal houseplants since they low-maintenance and can grow perfectly healthy in a variety of climates.

Bromeliads come in many forms which includes some being tall while others may be compact or cascading (Dudleya). They thrive best with moist soil and can be trimmed to fit the space you have available. Bromeliads can make good companions for cactus because they also like the same conditions.

Bromeliads are simple to maintain and thrive in a variety of conditions. When watering, just make sure to allow the soil surface to dry before adding more water.

2. Old Lady Cactus

The Old lady cactus is a unique plant that can be great for the flower garden and is often called “old woman” cactus. The name comes from its distinctive look, resembling an elderly woman with a shawl on her arm. The Old Lady cactus is also stingless and can be planted in the ground or in containers that are well drained. This also make it safe to plant in pots with children and pets.

The Old Lady Cactus is especially beautiful when it features gorgeous flowers.

One of the major benefits is that it looks great when in bloom. The flowers are a bright, vibrant orange color. This plant also makes an excellent choice for those looking to add some greenery to their indoors. Its growth pattern is relatively slow, making it an excellent candidate for those looking to add a green touch to their indoors without worrying about rapid growth.

When grown with other indoor plants, the old lady cactus also makes a great companion. The colors will look amazing when in bloom with other plants that have similar bright and vibrant petals.

The Old Lady cactus prefers soil that is well drained and a warm to hot temperature range. It also prefers direct sunlight for the best blooms.

The Old Lady cactus has been known by many names throughout history, including: lace plant or bird nest plants. This name came from its intricate but delicate growth pattern that resembles an old lady’s dress with her skirt.

3. Agave 

Agave is a drought resistant plant that has a tall, thick and woody stalks. It provides additional height to any design as well as stunning leaf cluster at the top. Agave is one of the most popular additions to a cactus garden due to its high tolerance for hot temperatures and arid environment.

Some other notable features of the Agave include the unique, fleshy leaves that have a blade-like shape and are capable of reaching up to 12 feet in height.

The Agave is not only known for its beautiful leaf clusters but also its hardiness. It can be grown outside as well because it doesn’t require too much water or fertilizer which makes them perfect for people who don’t have enough time or patience to care for their plants.

When grown indoors Agave can have the same height and width but it doesn’t have quite as many leaves.

The Agave is also known to be a great candidate for people who are looking to remove thorns from their cactus garden because not only do they not inflict pain when touched, they also don’t possess any spines at all!

4. Aloe Vera 

The Aloe Vera is a succulent that is known for its medicinal benefits.The Aloe Vera has long and slender leaves, each with a point at the end- making them perfect for poking into open wounds or skin abrasions to soothe pain and promote healing. The plant also contains two clear gel like substances called aloins which can be extracted from cuts.

Aloe vera works best when grown indoors because they require less sun than other succulents. They are excellent for those who need to take a break from watering. Apart from this, they help improve skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema. This means you will not need to go far when trying to find a plant that can help with your skin condition!

Aloe vera is a spineless succulent appreciated for its exceptional beauty and medical benefits.

Unlike other succulents, they do not have harmful spines and can be placed in areas where you have children or pets who might not always behave.

When planted with other indoor plants, the Aloe Vera will ensure the plants get enough sunlight, while they in turn will help with Aloe Vera’s water needs.

The best type of soil for Aloe vera is a light and porous mix that allows plenty of air circulation to prevent rot from setting in. You can also choose to put your plant on top of rocks or stones to replicate the conditions in the desert.

5. Orchid 

Orchid is a perfect indoor plant for those people who have a hard time remembering to water their plants.

They are native to places where rain is scarce or completely absent, so they can go without being watered for weeks at a time!  

The plant also has an interesting history as it was once used in China and Japan by royalty which meant that all orchids were reserved for the most royal in society.

If you often forget to water your plants, Orchids are ideal options for you as they can withstand dry climates.

Orchids prefer to grow in bright light, but an east window is fine too if the other conditions aren’t met.   The orchid also likes to have some potting material below it’s roots and should only need watering every three weeks.

When grown in an indoor garden, orchids are usually placed in pots or containers so they can be brought outside during the summer months.

The plant should also have a cool basement, garage, and/or attic to spend time over winter if you live somewhere that frost is possible year round.  

Orchids prefer temperatures from 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit (with 50 being best). When watering, ensure that the water is not too cold or hot.

The best windows for your house are those that have a lot of sunlight coming in through them, but only if you can control the temperature as well.

If this isn’t possible, then keep the plant near an east window with plenty of indirect natural light to supplement it’s needs.  

6. Ficus tree

Ficus tree is a large tree that is typically grown as an indoor plant.

Ficus tree, like most plants in this list, needs at least six hours of sun a day and just a little water from time to time. When grown in an indoor garden, this plant can survive in temperatures of up to 80 degrees.

For indoor planting, a good rule of thumb is to use soil that has been sterilized with boiling water or bleach (a teaspoon per gallon) and mix it 50/50 with sterile potting compost before using.    Do not forget the humidity tray!

Ficus tree prefers to be watered regularly with a watering can, as it does not like to have wet feet. The tree also does well in the presence of other plants from this list! It complements other house plants like Mrs. McGregor’s cactus and the living room palm tree, as well as other flowering plants like Begonia or any kind of Poinsettia plant.

While in the indoor garden, position the Ficus tree in a sunny area to enjoy its green leaves and the airy look of its branches.

7. Blue Columnar Cactus

The Blue Columnar is a type of cactus that starts to grow its stem directly from the ground, forming a narrow, round-edged column. It is usually found in shades of blue and green with some red on it.

The Blue Columnar Cacti are very easy plants to maintain indoors because they do not need too much water or light. These conditions will work best especially when planted in a pot with sand.

As it is also easily recognized by its round and cylindrical shape, the Blue Columnar cactus can easily turn your indoors into a modern and contemporary space. However, ensure that you give this plant enough light and water when in its initial growth stages.

The Blue Columnar Cactus will grow in pots, hanging baskets or as a free-standing succulent. The cacti have few spines to protect them from predators because they are not juicy like other types of plants so do not worry about your pets eating them.

8. Moon Cactus

The moon cactus is a unique looking succulent with its distinctive shape and moon-like colors. Moon cacti are not only attractive, but they are also low maintenance as well. This plant is a perfect addition to your indoor garden because of the vibrant yellows and oranges that it displays in sunlight.

Moon cacti come in a variety of vibrant colors and do not require much care.

The moon cactus prefers dry soil that can be watered every two or three weeks. The moon cactus stands out with its unique look and is a great addition to your indoor cactus garden.

When potting the moon cactus, make sure to provide a well-draining potting mix and avoid using soil that is too wet. For better results, use a succulent potting mix.

The moon cactus will do best when grown in bright, indirect light and needs to be watered sparingly throughout the year. The moon cactus is an easy addition to your indoor garden because they are low-maintenance plants that can withstand temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit without any harm coming their way.

9. Burro’s Tail

The Burro’s Tail is an indoor plant that is perfect for those with a brown thumb. The Burro’s Tail requires little water and can be placed in any room of the house, including bedrooms

The Burro’s tail prefers bright, indirect light which will help it grow to its full potential. Although this plant does need some sun exposure, too much sunlight may cause leaf scorch or kill the plant altogether.

When grown in an indoor garden, it blends with most plants especially those in hanging baskets. The Burro’s tail is perfect for beginners because it is hard to kill. Only make sure that you keep it away from drafts and cold air vents.

When potting the Burro’s tail, consider its growth pattern because it grows in a hanging pattern. If you are planting the Burro’s tail by the verandah or balcony, place it in a sheltered location with partial sun exposure.

10. Bishop’s Cap

Bishop’s cap cactus is a single-stemmed succulent that grows in a symmetrical triangular shape. This plant is ideal for gardens or pots because it doesn’t grow very tall and can be placed anywhere without taking up too much space

The Bishop’s cap cactus prefers to live in dry soil so never let the potting mix get soggy. It also thrives on sunlight but make sure not to get the plant too hot.

Bishop’s cap cactus can grow to a height of about 12 inches and can be planted in a pot or garden zone. When grown with other indoor plants, ensure you have enough space for this succulent to thrive.

Considering its small size, Bishop’s cap will fully blend in with your other plants and won’t overwhelm the arrangement.

The Bishop’s cap cactus is a great addition to any indoor garden or potted plant because it can grow in different shapes, sizes, colors and even in partial sun exposure. It only takes about three years for this succulent to fully mature which makes these ideal for beginners who are just starting their indoor gardening.

If grown indoors, this type of cactus only needs watering once every few weeks because it can store water for up to six months.

Considerations when creating an indoor cactus garden

1. Positioning

Choose a sunny spot for your cactus garden. This ensures that you will keep the plants healthy and happy.

Always choose a sunny spot when growing succulents indoors.

Outdoor gardens can get lots of sun exposure, but indoor cactus gardens need to be placed in a place that gets direct sunlight for six hours or more each day.

In order to make sure your succulents are getting enough light they should not have any obstructions on their leaves either.

2. Soil Moisture

Make sure the soil is well-drained and has good drainage. Indoor plants can be forgotten easily when it comes to watering and so you may need to create a watering schedule. However, avoid excessive water, as this can rot the roots.

Some succulents like to be watered once a week or more often than others. The rule of thumb is that if your soil feels dry then it needs water. 

Some plants need a little protection for their root system. For example, aloe vera needs to be planted in pots that have holes on the sides so it can get the water and nutrients it needs without being squeezed close against other objects.

3. Ideal Potting Mix

Use potting mix that provides adequate moisture and nutrients to the plants. This will keep them go for longer without watering.

Using a proper potting mix is key to growing healthy and gorgeous succulents at home.

Use potting mix that contains loam, sand and peat moss or compost mixed in equal amounts to create a light mixture for your succulents.

Since they are so small the pots do not have to be too big either! You can use something like an egg carton with its divots around each hole. 

4. Mulching

Contrary to popular belief, indoor plants can grow weeds. Add mulch or pebbles around the base of the plants to keep weeds away from them.

5. Constant Attention

Keep an eye on your plants and make any necessary adjustments as needed. This may be in terms of access to sunlight or simply redesigning your indoor garden.

Indoor plants are also susceptible to disturbance by children and pets, so you may need to keep moving your plants to a new location in case you feel the current location is not idea.

Managing an indoor garden can be a hassle but it can be worth it in the long run. You can grow succulents indoors without too much difficulty and you don’t have to be an expert gardener in order to take care of them properly!

There are many different types of succulents that allow for a variety of arrangements and can make your garden pop. Just make sure, you have the right combinations to ensure your indoor garden no only pops out but also remains intact much longer. The rule of thumb for an indoor cactus garden is that you should include at least one plant from each of the following groups: Small cactus, Aloe and flowering plants.

Can Cactus Be Kept In The Bathroom?

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It’s true most cacti live in the driest places and can withstand the intense sun. Despite this, there are those cacti that still need some moisture, especially in the driest months of the year. Such cacti can do well in the bathroom, where there’s plenty of moisture in the air.

But can cacti really thrive in the bathroom? Well, the answer to this depends on the species. Some species can thrive well in low and humid conditions, while others require drier climates. The ones that survive well in the bathroom absorb the excess moisture in the air and use them for their growth. Cacti plants such as snake plants, orchids, jade plants, mistletoe, and zebra plants can do well in the bathroom.

It’s not only the plants that will benefit from the moisture in the bathroom. A touch of greenery from precious cacti can also give a rather dull bathroom some life. Cactuses give your bathroom the beauty it deserves at a cheaper cost with less maintenance. They also purify the air and ensure you get a good supply of oxygen in the bathroom.

If you want to know how cacti survive in the bathroom and which types do well in such conditions, you’re in the right place. Read this article to the end to learn about that.

Can Cactus Do Well in the Bathroom?

Before you introduce your precious cactus in the bathroom, you need to know if they can survive there. Fast forward, everyone understands that cacti need lots of sunlight, and even those who prefer shade still need a few hours of sunlight. So, what happens to your precious cactus kept away in the confines of the bathroom that sometimes don’t even have a window?

Well, cacti are not the same, and not all of them need direct sunlight. There’s no denying that those cacti that can survive in the bathroom still need some light, and you need to find them an artificial light that you can’t get directly from the sun.

If you have decided to grow cacti in your bathroom, make sure you give the plants enough sunlight or artificial light.

Some cacti species can survive well in a humid environment because they can absorb excess water from the air. They absorb the water in the air and keep them for future use. These cacti can thrive well in the humid environment hence ideal for giving your bathroom some beautiful greenery. 

The cacti have different adaptation techniques that enable them to cope with low light conditions. But if your bathroom doesn’t get enough light, you can use artificial lighting to provide grow light to your bathroom cacti.

But even in humid conditions, don’t forget that these cacti still need moisture, and you should never forget to water them. Ensure you water your bathroom cacti from time to time whenever you feel that the soil is dry. If your bathroom has a window, this will be the ideal place to keep them.

Benefits of Keeping Cactus in the Bathroom

If you keep your cactus in the bathroom, it’s not only the plant that will benefit, but you’ll also share the benefits. Here are some of the advantages you get from growing your cactus in the bathroom.

Get a Touch of Greenery

The bathroom is a dull place but also deserves some makeover with a touch of nature. The striking appearance of your cactus plant is enough to give your bathroom the appeal that everyone will notice. If you get the perfect cacti for your bathroom, you’ll get decorative plants with colorful pots. To maintain their striking appearance, make sure they grow in ideal conditions by ensuring your pots get perfect drainage holes at the bottom.

Air Purification and Oxygen

The bathroom area is usually small and enclosed. This is likely to make them get damp and smelly. Having some plants there purifies the air, and there’s no better plant to do this than cacti. While purifying the air, your cacti will also provide the bathroom area with fresh oxygen that everyone needs while having a relaxing bath.

To ensure you receive enough oxygen, cacti use the carbon dioxide in the air for photosynthesis and give out fresh oxygen. So, if you’re craving for some fresh air supply in that small room, it will be a good idea to get some cacti in there.

You’ll Feel More Relaxed

After a long day of work or having some outdoor fun, you’ll feel so exhausted and drenched in sweat. The bathroom becomes the ultimate place to refresh. If your bathroom has some plants, you’ll feel much calmer and relaxed taking a refreshing bath. So, if you’re always looking forward to some refreshing moments in your bathroom, add some touch-ups to it by growing cacti in there.

Gorgeous cactus plants will make it much easier for you to refresh, relax, and feel happier while taking a shower or bath.

Drawbacks of Growing Cacti in the Bathroom

While cacti do great in the bathroom, growing them there also comes with some drawbacks. Here are some cons of growing cacti in the bathroom you should watch out for before you proceed.

The Cactus Can Grow to Big

Imagine taking a shower, but the plants you have in the bathroom keep scratching your back? Some cacti can grow so big that the small space in your bathroom might not accommodate them anymore. The feeling of the plants touching you can be unsettling. Unless you have enough space, some cacti plants might not be ideal for the bathroom, even if they can still thrive there.

As some cacti grow pretty big, not every cactus plant is suitable for small bathrooms.

You Might Forget to Water Them

Just because your plants are in the bathroom with plenty of moisture doesn’t mean you should neglect their need for some water. Many people make the mistake of thinking their plants get enough water from the atmosphere; hence, they don’t need watering. The plants require less frequent watering, but this doesn’t mean they can do without watering completely.

The Possibility of the Cactus Dying

Remember, your bathroom environment is not the natural habitat of your cacti, and the possibility of them dying there is high. Apart from high humidity, the bathroom is also exposed to various chemicals from your shower gels that might not be favorable to them. If you leave the bathroom window open, some may not like the drought.

How to Keep Your Plants in the Bathroom

If you’re going to put some plants in the bathroom, you’ll need to enjoy their beauty. This will depend on how you keep them in the bathroom in the first place. There are several ways to display your plants in your bathroom and enjoy the breathtaking view of nature.

The best and most common way of all of them is the use of hanging baskets placed near the bathroom window. Make sure it doesn’t get splashed with water. Another option is the bathtub tray to give the space a classy look. If your bathroom receives very low light, the window sill can be an excellent location for your cactus.

Cactus Plants That Grow in the Bathroom

There are plenty of cactus plants that can grow well in the bathroom as long as they get the care they need. Here are a few of those species to look for.

Snake Plant

Snake plant is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue. This plant is nearly impossible to kill, and you can find different varieties in almost all growing conditions. The plant can tolerate both low light and bright light conditions. The bathroom is another place you can put snake plants, and it thrives perfectly, as long as you get the correct species.

Orchid Cacti

This is another great plant that grows perfectly in humid conditions and will appreciate that environment in your bathroom. You’ll appreciate having an orchid in your bathroom as it keeps the place bright with its gorgeous flowers for several months. The plant grows in bark instead of soil and prefers damp growth material but not wet. Get different orchids to your bathroom, and make sure you introduce them to the bright, filtered light in your bathroom window.

Mistletoe

This is an epiphytic cacti species that comes with beautiful white and yellow flowers. This plant is used to getting minimal and indirect sunlight thanks to its natural habitats of the South America region. The plant can do pretty well in areas with high humidity; hence perfect for the bathroom. You can put it in hanging pots in the bathroom to display its beauty.

Jade Plant

Jade plant is another great plant that you can introduce to your bathroom, thanks to its long life. The plant is super easy to care for. Jade plants will prefer warm, dry conditions but can still thrive in the moist conditions of the bathroom. Remember to keep the soil around the jade plant moist.

Jade Plant is a long-lasting and low-maintenance cactus that can grow perfectly healthy in a bathroom.

Zebra Plant

This is another plant that prefers bright indirect sunlight and will not mind growing in the bathroom. Make sure you water it often if you want it to grow well. If treated well, the zebra plant will reward you with its beautifully striped foliage and breathtaking golden flowers. You can use it in the bathroom or just indoors generally.

Summary

Now you have your answer. If you love cacti and are wondering whether you can also treat your bathroom to some greenery, then the answer is yes. There are plenty of cacti that can thrive under the humid conditions of the bathroom. However, you have to be careful with the types you introduce because not all cacti appreciate such environments. Also, don’t forget to take care of your cacti, such as watering and giving them the needed sunlight to thrive.

This is How To Save A Rotting Succulent

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Succulents are among the most popular house plants. They’re easy to grow and care for and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They add interest and beauty both inside and outside your home. All that, but your Aloe Vera and Cactus plants are rotting – why?

There are measures you can take to save a rotting succulent and to prevent your succulent from rotting in the first place. With proper care, succulents can live a long and happy life. But once rot begins, you need to act fast to save them. 

Read on to learn what causes succulents to rot, how to save them once rot begins, and how to keep your succulents from rotting in the first place.

What Causes Succulents to Rot?

Succulents are made for arid regions with little rain and loosely compacted soil. To get through dry seasons, succulents store water in their leaves and stems. Given they are used to dry periods and soil that drains, two of the main reasons for succulent rot is too much water and poor drainage. 

Taking a closer look at reasons why succulents can rot can help in understanding how to save them. 

Too Much Water

Succulents will continue to try and store water in their leaves and stems, even if it’s not necessary. So, when you overwater them, their tissues will swell, become mushy, and finally burst from trying to hold all of the excess water. 

Overwatered succulents will have leaves and stems that become soft, turn dark, begin to droop, and then drop off. (If you were under-watering, the leaves would be brown and shriveled.) Watch for coloration changes as well— over-watering causes the leaves to yellow and become translucent.

Overwatering is one of the main reasons why succulents develop root rot.

Why does too much water cause these issues, particularly root rot? Like all plants, succulent roots pull both water and oxygen from in-between soil particles. When overwatered, air pockets in the soil are displaced. Then the roots become oxygen deprived. This in combination with too much water, leads to the collapse of root and plant structure, hence root rot.

Poor Drainage

Succulents are not used to sitting in water. If you’ve used regular potting soil, or the soil is too compacted, what might be good for another type of plant, can lead to rot in a succulent. Use a potting mix specifically designed for succulents (more on this shortly.)

Regular potting soil does not offer enough drainage for succulents to get rid of excess water.

Fungal or Bacterial Infections

Although rare in succulents, it’s possible that the soil, pot, or tools used to plant the succulent were contaminated with some sort of pathogen or fungus. And, back to water for a moment, both pathogens and fungi thrive on excessive moisture or dampness. 

Your best bet for this cause of root rot is to give your succulent a new home (pot) with succulent potting mix, sunshine, and water after two weeks.

Cold Weather

Not all succulents can tolerate the cold winter weather, especially if there are extremes in temperature. Large, outside succulents like certain types of cacti are cold-resistant, given they’re often found naturally in high-altitude deserts. For smaller varieties, bring them inside and use a grow light if more direct light and warmth is needed.

Typically, smaller cactus varieties cannot tolerate extremely cold temperatures.

How to Save a Rotting Succulent

The sooner you diagnose root rot, the better the chance of saving your succulent. In other words, there’s first aid and then there’s the 911 level of intervention. 

First Aid for a Rotting Succulent

The best early intervention is to stop watering your succulent for at least a week. Placing it in sunlight will help the soil dry out even more. If the top of the soil is completely dry after a week, then you can consider watering the succulent again.

If the main stem of the plant is still strong and the leaves appear only slightly damaged, you may be able to save the entire plant. 

To do this, remove any rotted leaves and let the roots dry completely before you repot the succulent. Then, sterilize the pot and prepare it with fresh, succulent-specific, soil mix. You’ll also want to wipe or dunk the roots with an anti-fungal solution before repotting as well.

Emergency Care for a Rotting Succulent

You still have options, even if the rotting has progressed beyond the first aid stage. Fortunately, succulents do propagate easily.

If there’s rot in the stem, but there are some viable leaves still on the plant, then you can take cuttings from the leaves and stems, let them dry, and then repot. It’s possible the planted cuttings will eventually root and a new plant will develop.

Many succulents produce “offsets,” or little succulents that sprout up around the base of an existing plant. If so, you can divide these little plants away from the parent. Next, allow the ends of these to “callus,” or harden a bit. As the callus forms, some of the succulent cells may form roots capable of regenerating the plant, so once planted, your succulent will have a fresh start.

The resource tessgarden.com gives step-by-step descriptions for dealing with succulent root rot— from initial diagnosis to specifics around transplanting.

How to Prevent Your Succulent From Rotting

There are three keys to preventing root rot in your succulent— whether you keep them inside, outside, or both. These keys are proper watering, the right kind of pot, and the correct soil mix.

Water Every Two Weeks

Water your succulents only when the soil has completely dried out. A reasonable watering schedule is once every two weeks. In the winter, outside succulents (and some inside ones) go dormant. So, you can cut your watering back significantly— perhaps even to once a month or less.

By the way, if you’re in the habit of misting your plants after watering them – skip misting the succulents. They don’t like it and misting can encourage rot. (The only time to mist is if you’re propagating new little succulent plants from calluses or cuttings.)

Use a Clay Pot

The best pot for succulents is a clay pot. The composition of clay means more air can get to the succulent – as opposed to plastic or similar which has no possibility of aeration. Most clay pots even come with a hole in the bottom for drainage, but double-check just to be sure.

Clay pots with drainage holes in the bottom are ideal containers for succulents.

Succulent Specific Potting Mix

Your best bet for soil is to buy a pre-mix specific to succulents. There are several good kinds of succulent potting mixes— including familiar names like Miracle-Gro and Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil

Outside Succulents

A note on outside succulents like Agave or Cactus plants; These do best in areas where the rainfall is less than 25 inches a year. And like their inside succulent friends, they don’t like soggy soil. With outside succulents, you can cover all three keys to a healthy plant by remembering they do best in arid regions and when planted in coarse soil that drains well.

Resources for Saving Your Succulent

There are several great resources online to help you keep your succulent plants happy and healthy. In addition to online, there are also several books on how to care for and revive succulents who are under the weather. (Check out “Succulent Container Gardens” by Debra Lee Baldwin and “Essential Succulents: The Beginner’s Guide” by Ken Shelf.)

You Can Save Rotting Succulents

There’s hope! You can do it— succulents are hardy plants. If you follow the guidance and suggestions in this article, you can prevent root rot and enjoy your succulents for many years to come.

Here Is How Animals Can Eat And Survive From Desert Plants

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Animals can survive in the desert, but it is an extremely tough place to live. They have to be able to find water and food without much effort, or else they will die of dehydration and starvation. An animal’s ability to survive in the desert is mainly determined by how well it can find food and water. The plants around them are their main source of both, but these plants are scarce due to the lack of rain and water.

So how can animals eat and survive from desert plants? Desert animals are adapted to eat and survive on the water and nutrients in plants. Plants store a lot of moisture, so animals are able to get their needed hydration from them. Desert bushes usually offer berries that provide an animal with enough nutrition for its next hunt for food or drinkable water source.

This article will discuss some tips on how animals can eat from desert plants, as well as keep up with their need for water. It also explains that most plants are able to provide reliable sources of sustenance as well as hydration for animals living there.

Herbivores that Survive in the Desert

The tips below will discuss some ways that an herbivore in a desert would survive:

The first rule for animals living in the desert is finding food and water. An animal’s ability to survive in the desert is mainly determined by how well it can find food and water. The desert plants around them are their main source of both, but these plants are scarce due to the lack of rain and water.

As desert plants store plenty of water, herbivores use them as water and nutrient sources.

Desert animals are adapted to eat and survive on the water and nutrients in plants. Plants store a lot of moisture, so herbivores have enough hydration from them. Desert bushes usually offer berries that provide an animal with enough nutrition for its next hunt for food or drinkable water source.

Some common desert plants that can be eaten by animals

Acacia trees

 Acacias have been known to survive in some of the harshest climates, and they provide a food source for many desert dwellers as well. The acacia’s thorny branches prevent water loss from its leaves, which means it might not need much rain at all!

Cacti

A Cactus is a great food source for animals, and they usually have lots of water in them too! Many cacti contain up to 95% liquid, so an animal can get hydrated by drinking from the plant’s stem or eating its fruit. What’s more, the cacti’s needles are small enough to be eaten by small animals like birds!

Since cacti consist of around 95% water, they are excellent food sources for desert animals.

Mesquite trees

Mesquites have lots of seeds, which serve as a great food source for many desert dwellers and plants that grow around them. An animal will usually get all the water it needs from mesquite seed pods, and it can also eat the pods!

Desert Bushes

Desert bushes offer berries that provide desert dwellers with enough nutrition for their next hunt for food or drinkable water source. These bushes are usually found in oases, and can provide an animal with more than enough sustenance for their needs. Common desert species that form bushes are:

  • Blackbrush: Blackbrush bushes grow in the hotter, drier parts of deserts and are usually found on hillsides or slopes with a lot of shade to keep them cool. These plants have thorns that can be used by animals for protection from predators, as well as having fruit that is edible to many species!
  • Climbing buckwheat: This desert plant grows in lots of different types of climates and is a favorite food among some animals because it provides them with enough nutrients for their wellbeing!
  • Coyote bush: The coyote bush has fruit that can be eaten by many species, as well as having flowers which provide nectar to smaller animals. The coyote bush also provides animals with a safe place to hide from predators.

A desert’s topsoil is usually dry because it does not get much rain. However, there are some plants that grow to be tall (usually taller than a human) where the soil stays moist thanks to its deep root system and long, narrow leaves which prevent the water from evaporating.

Plant roots can go deep into the soil to find any available moisture, but it’s important that an animal still drink from the surface when it can to prevent dehydration.

Survival tips for desert animals using plants

-Some animals try to find shade during midday hours by digging holes under bushes or trees for protection against the sun.

-A desert animal can survive by eating the leaves of plants or drinking from a plant’s stem. They usually have to work hard and find water, but they are able to do this because their bodies are adapted for it!

Even if animals eat other desert animals, they still need to consume lots of plants to maintain water content and survive.

-There is also some debate about whether herbivores should eat other animals in addition to plants. Regardless, desert animals need to eat lots of green materials that have high moisture content in order to survive.

-Animals that live in the desert have adapted their bodies for hunting at night when it’s cooler, drinking from plants during daytime hours since they can’t rely on a rainstorm or oasis and finding food sources like cactus fruit (which is full of water).

Examples of desert animals that survive by eating desert plants

Ants, gophers and squirrels

Ants, gophers and squirrels who can eat roots from bushes or trees they’ve dug up to find water in them. They have mastered the art of burrowing. Insects survive by eating plants because they don’t need much food or water to live, so it’s easy for them to adapt. They can also find water by sucking out the moisture from leaves.

Cows

Cows depend on plants for their calories and nutrients, but they also need to drink about 40 gallons of water per day! So cacti are a great food source because they usually have lots of liquid in them too.

Sheep and deer

Animals like sheep and deer use their tongue to sweep sand off plants. This  reveals some moisture that might have accumulated in the dirt from a past rain shower or dew drop.

Birds

Birds like the kiwi, which can eat and drink from fruit that falls to the ground. Kiwis have no feathers on their legs or feet, so they’re able to walk around without sinking into the sand. Other common desert birds that survive are the sandgrouse, which lives in Africa and Asia.

Camels

Camels have adapted to living in dry conditions because they’re able to store water from plants inside their bodies when there’s not much outside of it. Camels can also drink up to 20 gallons of water at one time! Some common plants that camels eat in the desert are thorns, which they chew on to get the water out. They have a thick tongue to prevent the effects of pricks and thorns.

Camels can store water inside there bodies, making it much easier for them to survive in dry climates.

Goats

Some desert animals like goats are able to eat plants by ripping them off with their teeth and swallowing leaves in one gulp, which helps reduce the amount of moisture lost while eating! Desert goats can stand on their hind legs to reach higher green leaves in the dryer bushes.

Lemurs

Lemurs are only active during nighttime hours because there’s not enough sunlight for them in their native habitat. Lemurs usually eat leaves from trees and bushes, but can also drink up to twice per day since they’re able to find more sources of liquid than some other animals.

Bees

Bees survive by drinking nectar from flowering desert plants and using it for their energy instead of sunlight. They also collect pollen that has moisture in it which is great for desert animals who want something green like ants.

Scorpions

Scorpions are able to survive by eating dead animals and plants that other animals leave behind. They’re also active during nighttime hours when there’s not as much competition for food sources.

Desert slugs

Desert slugs eat the mucus from cacti, which helps them get moisture without actually taking any liquid in. There is speculation that some animals might not be able to survive in the desert because they can’t get a lot of moisture without going into water sources, which is dangerous for them.

Prairie dogs

Prairie dogs are great at finding food and survival by eating plants like grasses and leaves from bushes or trees. They have something called cecum, which has a lot of bacteria that helps break down plant material.

Rodents

Rodents like mice are able to survive by eating seeds and nuts, which has a high moisture content in them. They also have the ability to store fat so they don’t need as much water or food when living in dry conditions.

There are many more desert animals than just these listed above, but they all share a few common characteristics including: being able to live in hot, dry environments and hunting at night when the air is cooler.

Animals can survive in the desert by adapting to their surroundings and finding ways to find food, water and a way of existing from the plants that grow there. Most plants in the desert provide dependable sources of food and water for animals because they have adapted and found ways to survive in those conditions.