Cactus At Home

Cacti plants are quite popular because they are strong and easy to maintain. They are beautiful and make excellent indoor plants. From the large flowers of Orchid cactus to the hairy Old Man Cactus, these plants can transform your indoor spaces with their magnificent display. They are also undemanding and can withstand mistreatment for relatively long periods.

But how do you choose the perfect spot at home for your cactus?  Cacti plants can survive and thrive in any part of your home as long as you provide them with ideal growing conditions. Ensure you maintain the recommended temperature, humidity level, and light. You should also water your plants appropriately and occasionally feed them.

Whether you want to place them in your living room, bathroom, or bedroom, all you have to do is to do it the right way.  

In this post, we discuss everything you need to know about choosing the perfect spot in your home for your cactus and what it means to have these succulents indoors.  Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Ideal Conditions for Growing Cacti Plants Indoors

Before you even start thinking about choosing the perfect spot for your indoor cacti, you need to understand ideal growing conditions for these succulents. With the right care, these plants can survive in any part of your home. Our focus is on temperature, lighting, and humidity requirements

1. Light requirements

What comes to your mind when you think of cacti plants? You probably picture desert plants adapted to growing in arid conditions. While this illustration is somehow skewed, it represents one critical part of an ideal cacti habitat- light.

Like other succulents, cacti plants in an indoor setting will always crave the brightest spot of your house, especially during winter.  This is the primary reason why you are encouraged to position your plants near a south or east-facing window.

The same thing applies during the warmer months of the year. Ensure you choose a well-protected location where plants receive plenty of bright but indirect sunlight. Also, take time to research your specific cactus species and provide it with the ideal light. These succulents also need adequate light to bloom.

2. Temperature

Different rooms in your home have varying temperatures. For instance, your kitchen’s temperature might not be the same as the temperature in your bedroom. Therefore, you need to ensure you are providing your plant with the right temperature at all times.

The majority of cacti plants love a relatively warmer temperature to thrive. The ideal temperature for these succulents is between 65^oF and 90^oF.

During the dormant months in winter and fall, you should maintain temperatures between 45^oF and 55^oF. Consider shifting your plants from one room to another or improvise on lighting to ensure you meet the desired temperature.

Combining ideal temperatures with good airflow will help you achieve amazing results. Most cacti plants can survive in slightly hotter rooms.

3. Humidity

One of the biggest problems that gardeners encounter is maintaining ideal humidity for their indoor cacti plants. Keep in mind that if you keep your plants in a room with central heating or any other form of artificial heating, the results can be catastrophic.

The ideal relative humidity for cacti plants is usually between 40%-60%. Most homes will record this level during summer, and most plants will survive in it without issues. If a plant struggles in this humidity level, all you have to do is mist it slightly and everything will be okay.

Anything below 40% is too dry for your cactus, although some desert cacti species will still be okay. Use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity of different parts of your house before you decide where to position your plant.

Basically, the higher the temperature and the smaller the amount of vapor in the air, the lower the humidity and vice versa.   Common signs of low humidity include sections of the cactus turning yellow, and its flowers withering and dying faster.

The presence of mold on the plant’s stem and signs of stem rot are some of the common indicators of high humidity.

Choosing the Perfect Spot in Your House for Your Cactus

Now that you know what it takes to grow cacti plants indoors let us determine the characteristics of a perfect spot for your plant.

Basically, you want to position your cacti in a spacious spot with plenty of room for growth to avoid moving them around constantly. Other than being spacious, the first thing you need to ensure is that your preferred spot receives plenty of bright light.

If you have a spacious room that doesn’t receive plenty of natural light but you still want to use it, consider supplementing it with artificial lighting. Be careful when shopping for the growth lights, and avoid spot-type plant lights because they are usually too hot and could easily burn your plants.

Many gardeners prefer tube plant lights or natural light fluorescent tubes. Hang the growth lights at least six inches above the tallest plant. Use the plant lights for at least 12 hours but not more than 16 hours a day, depending on how dark the room is. 

The other thing you need to do is ensure that you maintain the ideal temperatures as mentioned above. If your preferred room is warmer than the recommended temperature, position your cacti plants near a window but ensure it is not touching the window glasses.

Let us now get into fine details and see the specific rooms where you can and cannot grow cacti plants indoors:

1. Can I grow cactus in the living room?

Yes, you can. As long as you have a spacious living room that receives plenty of natural light, feel to find a perfect spot in one of the brightest corners and position your cactus right there.

In fact, some people have taken the trend of growing cacti plants in the living to the next level and are now using these succulents to decorate their interior spaces. 

You can try grouping three or more potted cacti plants and position them in a strategic position within your living room or have one tall cactus plant in the middle of the room to catch the attention of your visitors.

However, you need to take some precautions if you have smaller kids or pets in your home because some of the cacti species that have poisonous spines can be quite dangerous.

2. Can I grow cactus in the bathroom?

Most of us think that cacti plants cannot thrive in a bathroom because the place is always moist. But that is not the case at all.  In fact, your bathroom is actually one of the best spots in your home to position these succulents because they can always draw moisture from the air when needed.

The only thing you need to pay close attention to is light. If your bathroom is facing east or south or has windows that let in plenty of sunlight, you don’t have to worry about anything. All you have to do is position your cactus on one of the south-facing or east-facing windows, and you are good to go.

In case your bathroom doesn’t receive plenty of light, consider using artificial light or go for a cactus species that does well in low light. A few cacti species enjoy low light areas as long as the humidity of the area is relatively high.

Apart from the windowsill, you can also place your cactus on the back of your toilet, on your countertop, or even on a shelf. Basically, the options are endless if you decide to go with your bathroom as the perfect spot for your cactus.

3. Can I grow cactus in the bedroom?

You may also be wondering if you can grow these beautiful plants in your bedroom. Well, the answer is yes. As long as you have enough space in your bedroom, nothing should stop you from having one or two cactus plants in the room.

If positioned in the bedroom, you need to ensure the plant (s) is close to the window to receive sufficient light. Keep in mind that it might be impossible to use growth lights in the bedroom because you will need a conducive environment while sleeping.

Therefore, your biggest consideration should be light. You will also need to keep the potting mix dry and clean and take great care because the spines pose a significant danger. If you think you can avoid touching the plant unexpectedly, that will be great. Otherwise, go for cacti species with fewer spines such as the Christmas cactus.

4. Can I grow cactus in the kitchen?

Unlike all the other rooms mentioned above, it might be relatively difficult to control your kitchen’s humidity and temperature.  Therefore, growing cacti plants in the kitchen can be a little bit tricky.

But that doesn’t mean that it is entirely impossible to have one or two cacti plants in your cooking area. As long as your kitchen is spacious and has proper airflow/ventilation, you can position a cactus plant by a windowsill or over your sink.

The succulent can add a beautiful splash of color to your kitchen with its spiny and flat stem. Just make sure you find a species that can tolerate extremely low humidity levels, and you are good to go. 

5. Can I grow cactus in the hallway?

Yes, you can grow cacti in your hallway. However, there are a few things to remember before doing this.

It is important to remember that cacti need sufficient light and airflow to thrive, so you will need to find an area of your hallway where they can access both elements.

You may also need to pay attention to the hall’s temperature since cacti plants don’t thrive in cold environments.

You can overcome this issue by providing adequate insulation or protecting them from drafts and icy winds.

If done correctly, your hallway could become a beautiful showroom for your cactus collection.

Indoor Cacti Care

Although you can keep your cacti in any room, it is also essential to remember that they need some care to thrive. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Ensure your cacti receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Water your plants when the soil is dry and avoid overwatering.
• Use a potting mix specifically designed for cacti plants.
• Feed your cactus with diluted fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season and cut back on feeding during winter.
• Look out for pests such as mealybugs, scales, and aphids. Take appropriate steps to eliminate them as soon as you notice them.

The Top 5 Best Cacti for Indoors

So, what are some of the best cacti for indoors? Here are our top five picks to get you started:

• Christmas Cactus: The Christmas cactus is an ideal choice for beginners looking for low-maintenance houseplants. It produces beautiful pink and white flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, making it a perfect companion during the holiday season.
• Hen and Chicks: This particular type of cactus is easy to care for and can thrive in indirect light from windows. It produces beautiful, bright-colored flowers during summertime.
• Bunny Ears Cactus: This cylindrical cactus has excellent drought tolerance and requires minimal maintenance. Its fuzzy leaves make it ideal for growing indoors.
• Star Cactus: This type of cactus has a unique shape and is easy to care for. It can tolerate low light levels and does not need much water, making it an ideal houseplant for busy people.
• Barrel Cactus: The barrel cactus is durable and has a beautiful shape that makes it perfect for sprucing up any room. It can withstand long periods of drought and does not need much maintenance.

Final Thoughts

We cannot deny that cacti plants boast incredible beauty and bring a fulfilling visual display to your indoor spaces, especially when they bloom. However, if you must have them indoors, you need to choose a perfect spot for them to thrive and decorate your interior spaces.

With the right conditions, these succulents can thrive in any part of your house. Therefore, choosing a perfect spot for your cacti plants shouldnt be a difficult thing to do. Just make sure the light, temperature, and humidity of your preferred spot are perfect based on the recommendations we discussed above. 

If you have been growing cacti for some time, you must have heard the warnings of how too much water can be disastrous. In fact, cacti experts say that overwatering can kill a cactus plant faster than underwatering. Now, wouldn’t it be surprising even to ask if it is possible to root a cactus in water? We shall find out in a moment.

So, Can A Christmas cactus root in water?   Yes, the jungle cactus is quite different from desert cactus since it mostly grows in tropical regions that receive plenty of rainfall.  One of the most common types of jungle cactus is the Christmas cactus. Since it is well-adapted to the tropical climate, a jungle cactus (Christmas cactus) can root in water without any problems.

In this post, we focus on the Christmas cactus and its ability to root in water. We shall also help you understand if you can grow a cactus in water. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Rooting Christmas Cactus Cuttings in Water

As mentioned earlier, a Christmas cactus is quite different from the other types of cacti. It lacks the pokey spines of typical desert cactus, and even though it is a succulent, it is mostly found in regions that experience a tropical climate. It also blooms in winter, unlike desert cacti that mostly bloom in summer. To root your Christmas cactus cuttings in water, you will need the following:

• A sharp scalpel or small kitchen knife
• Vase, small jar, or any other container that can hold water
• Small aquarium perlite or gravel
• Houseplant fertilizer

Choosing a Christmas cactus for cuttings

Before you even start thinking about the rooting process, you must ensure you have good cuttings that will root easily without problems. When it comes to this type of cactus, you must always remember one thing:

Take your cuttings from a thriving, healthy plant to increase your chances of success. Keep in mind it is almost impossible to bring something dead back to life. Therefore, put your best forward and start with healthy cuttings.

You should also make sure the plant from which you intend to take cuttings is mature enough.  Rooting cuttings taken from a relatively young plant can sometimes be difficult.

How to take cuttings from your Christmas cactus plant

Once you have identified a healthy and mature plant, you need to know how to take the cuttings correctly. To do it the right way, start by identifying a juncture on your plant where you want to take a cutting about three to four inches long. Make sure the cutting has three or four leaves or sections.

Sometimes, gently bending the juncture and twisting it a little bit is enough to snap it off from the plant. If you cannot snap it off by bending, consider using a scalpel or kitchen knife to chop it off.

If possible, take Y-shaped cuttings with a minimum of three or four leaves/segments attached.  Before you move to the next step, let your cuttings sit in a cool, dry place for at least three days. Depending on the overall conditions in your home, the cuttings could be ready to root in 48 hours or even less.

The less heat and humidity they are subjected to, the faster they will dry and callous. Avoid rooting the cuttings before they are fully dry at the cut end. A little patience goes a long way.

How to root a Christmas cactus in water

Once your cuttings have dried and calloused, it is time to move onto the next step of the process; rooting. Follow the steps outlined below to root your cuttings successfully in water.

1. Take an empty vase, jar or whatever container you have chosen to use and fill the bottom with aquarium perlite, pebbles, or stones. Make sure the stones/pebbles are about three inches deep.
2. Add water to the container until it rises above the stones. Carefully place the cut end of your Christmas cactus cutting into the water until two segments are fully submerged. Consider rooting three or four cuttings in one container.
3. Position the container in a spot that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight.  Make sure the container is also in a place you can easily monitor. Allow the container to sit in the designated spot until roots start to form.  

PS: Sometimes, it may take up to eight weeks before roots start to appear. Always keep a keen eye on the water level in the container to ensure two segments of each cutting remain underwater. Consider adding more water if need be.  The humidity in the container will help your cuttings root without rotting.

Planting Rooted Cuttings

Once the cuttings have rooted successfully, you will need to transfer them to an appropriate planting pot. Remember that the cutting will need sufficient growing space to start growing. Ensure the pot isn’t too small or too big.

Also, make sure the container is filled with three parts of coarse compost carefully blended with at least one part of perlite or small aquarium gravel. The primary purpose of the perlite or gravel is to enhance soil drainage so that your potting mix doesn’t hold water for too long.  

The potting mix should remain slightly moist for prolonged periods, and the air temperature should be no cooler than 70^oF during the day and between 60 and 65^oF overnight.

With the right growing conditions, your Christmas cactus will grow relatively fast and start to flower early.

Can You Grow a Cactus in Water?

Given that you can root a jungle cactus in water, you may be wondering if you can grow it in water as well. The truth is that you can grow a cactus hydroponically, but you will need to consider a lot of things and take the necessary precautions to succeed with this approach.

Growing a cactus in water is a little bit easier because it doesn’t require an active hydroponic system with a pump. The only thing you need to do is ensure the roots of your plant soak thoroughly in clean water with the right nutrient combination.

Growing cactus hydroponically offers a wide range of benefits over traditional soil growing.

First, it provides you with an opportunity to control nutrient and water levels more precisely, which contributes to healthy plants. Furthermore, once the hydroponic system has been set up, taking care of your cactus plant requires less effort compared to other growing methods.

Follow these steps to start growing your cacti plants hydroponically:

1. Start by rinsing the aggregate material to be used and soak it in water for a few hours.
2. Carefully place the designated mesh inner container inside the outer pot. Also, be sure to cover the entire bottom of the inner pot with at least one inch of the aggregate material.
3. Remove the cactus plant from the soil and rinse its roots thoroughly until all soil has been removed. Rinsing helps to prevent potential problems that come with soil, such as parasite and fungus growth. While rinsing, be careful not to damage them.
4. Once you have got rid of the soil, place your cactus on the top layer of the aggregate material. Carefully spread the roots evenly around the available space. Fill the inner pot with the remaining aggregate material. Do not cover up the part of your cactus with spines, but ensure you have enough material in place to keep your plant stable.
5. Mix standard A and standard B-type nutrient solutions with water to an appropriate level recommended by the manufacturer. Fill your tray/pot with enough of the nutrient and water mix to cover the roots of your plant. Watch the water level to make sure it doesn’t cover the stem of your plant to avoid stem rot issues.
6. Always remove your cactus once every two or three weeks to wash the roots and be sure to get rid of any decaying or dead roots. You should also wash the stem of your plant to remove dust. Change the nutrient solution at least once every two months.
7. Repotting is still essential even if you are growing your cactus plant hydroponically. Therefore, always consider repotting your cactus once its roots have filled the inner container. This may happen once every two or three years. There is no need to repot unless this happens.

The Bottom Line

Generally, rooting Christmas cactus cuttings in water is relatively easy. The key to success is knowing where and how to find healthy and mature cuttings and being patient with the process. Also, it takes a lot of practice to start rooting your cuttings successfully.

Fortunately, once you have mastered the art of rooting cactus cuttings, everything else falls into place pretty easily. Just keep in mind a potted cactus is an incredible gift to a friend, relative, or even a neighbor. Therefore, keep rooting the cuttings!

Disclaimer: The author is not a medical doctor or veterinarian. The information presented is purely to share our experience and for entertainment purposes. As always, check with a doctor and/or veterinarian before making any health or nutrition decisions and consult with a doctor and/or veterinarian regarding any question or problem that you have. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any activities or ideas from this site.

Cacti are generally considered hostile and unfriendly plants, which is quite understandable. Most cacti species are covered with dangerous spines and grow in hostile desert climates. But did you know that these desert plants can also be your best friend? Cacti plants produce delicious fruits that are full of healthy nutrients. The moment you get past the thorny skin of the fruit, you find a soft, fleshy, delicious, and nutritious heart. Even the pads of these plants are edible.

So, here is how to clean a cactus fruit.  The most important thing you need to do while cleaning cactus fruit is to be careful with the tiny glochids that can easily penetrate your skin. Wear rubber gloves and hold the fruit with one hand, scrub it hard with the brush to get rid of the glochids then rinse it under running water to get rid of any dirt before you peel off the skin.

In addition, You will need the right tools to get the job done. They include a scrub brush, fork, sharp knife/potato peeler, rubber gloves, and a container. That is a simple way to get the fruit ready to use in your recipes. However, there are lots of other things you need to do while cleaning and preparing your cactus fruit. We cover the detailed steps below.

The Simple and Quick Way of Preparing and Cleaning Cactus Fruits

One thing you need to keep in mind while preparing your cactus fruit is that it is covered in tiny needles referred to as glochids. These tiny spines are so thin that you may not even feel them when they penetrate your skin.

But, the problem is that they sting so hard when you touch the area of the skin where they have penetrated, and it is difficult to get them out. They are also almost invisible, so; you can unknowingly prick yourself.

However, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the delicious cactus fruit. The steps outlined below will guide you on how to clean and peel cactus fruits and how to dispose of the tiny spines properly.

1. The first thing you need to do is carefully poke your fruit with a fork to pick it up. Only prick the fruit once and leave the fork where it is. Keep in mind that every time you stick a fork in, the inner flesh gets broken, which makes it harder to peel off the skin.
2. Hold the fork and rotate the cactus fruit under running tap water for a few minutes. The force and pressure of the water knock off some glochids making your work easier.  Be sure to empty the sink of all dishes so that the tiny spines go right down the drain and not onto anything that someone may touch later on.
3. Once the running tap water has knocked off the loose spines, scrub the skin of the fruit with a nylon-bristle brush to get rid of all the remaining glochids. Make sure you do this over a container, newspaper, or trash can so that you can easily gather and properly discard the spines. Make sure you are wearing rubber gloves while completing this step.
4. Carefully hold the cactus fruit on a plate or any other container with the fork and chop off one end. Rotate the fruit, and without taking the fork out, chop off the other end as well. There is always an indentation in the bottom of the fruit, make sure you find it and cut it off as well.

Removing the skin

After cleaning the fruit and getting rid of the glochids, the next thing you need to do is peel off the skin to expose the delicious flesh.  We have to remind you that you don’t need to get out the fork even after cleaning the fruit because you still need it while peeling off the skin.

Follow these steps to peel off the skin:

1. Make a slit down on one side of the skin. Do it carefully to avoid cutting into the inner pulp of the fruit.
2. Carefully stick the kitchen knife between the skin and the inner pulp on the opposite side of the fork to separate them.
3. Continue peeling off the skin from the pulp on the first side. You will find this process to be a lot easier if the cactus fruit was fully ripe. If it was not ripe, the skin might not peel off easily, and if it was overripe, the pulp will not hold together well, making it harder to peel the skin off.
4. Carefully move the fork over to separate the skin from the inner pulp with the knife now positioned on the second side.  Carefully remove the whole piece of the inner flesh from the remaining bit of the skin with the fork. You can also do it with your fingers since the skin doesn’t have any glochids.

PS: It is good to mention that cactus fruits contain small, hard seeds that you cannot bite through, but you can swallow them if you prefer. Alternatively, chew on the fruit plus the seeds and spit the seeds out. You can also use a strainer or juicer to remove the tiny seeds from your fruit.

Are Cactus Fruits Spines Poisonous?

Spines occurring on the surface of cactus fruits are usually referred to as glochids. However, we have chosen to refer to them as cactus fruit spines to avoid confusion. 

While you may have done your best to avoid them while cleaning and preparing your fruit, one or two of them can still find their way into your skin. So, apart from the obvious fractured skin and the irritation, you may be wondering if they are poisonous.

Well, the simple answer to the question is no. However, depending on the type of cacti glochids that pierced through your skin, the effects could be far-reaching than you can imagine.

Glochids lodged into your skin can cause varying degrees of severity from minor wounds that may heal with time to opening avenues to other serious infections, especially when they are left in the skin for a long time. 

Glochids are common on the prickly pear from the Opuntia genus and occur in clusters on the surface of the fruit. Their impact is usually inverse to their size. While they may be small in size, they can cause severe irritation and extensive damage on your skin thanks to their sheer numbers and barbed shafts.

In fact, a simple mistake, such as forgetting to wear rubber gloves while handling a prickly pear, could mean hundreds of glochids getting clamped into your skin!

Dealing with Glochids: How to Pull Them Out

Most cactus fruits will have glochids on their skin. The worst thing you can experience while preparing your fruit is suffering from glochids piercing. These little spines grip onto your muscle fibers tightly, making it almost impossible to pull them out.

The irritation that accompanies the piercing is devastating.  In fact, the spines are described as “barbs” for a good reason; they are closely similar to how a barbed wire functions.

Take the following precautions when glochids get stuck into your skin:

• Never try to pull them out with your teeth: While you might succeed in getting a few of them out, they may end up in worse places such as your throat, gums, and tongue.
• Avoid scratching the areas where glochids have stuck. This might be a gut reaction, but for your safety, try to resist the temptation as much as possible. Scratching the affected areas will affect you in two ways.

First, you will drive the glochids further into the skin. Secondly, scratching can easily spread the little spines to lots of other parts, making it difficult to get rid of them.

So, how can you pull the glochids out? Follow these simple steps to get the tiny spines out of your skin:

1. Using a nylon pair of pantyhose, gently brush the glochids off. Make sure the hand you are using is clad in a strong pair of rubber or gardening gloves to avoid further trouble.
2. Apply a significant amount of rubber cement on the affected area using a piece of cotton. Allow the rubber cement some time to dry and carefully pull up its edges. The cement should peel off with some glochids. Repeat this process several times to remove as many glochids as possible.

If you cannot remove the glochids using any of these methods, be sure to book an appointment with a professional for further assistance. Keep in mind that although glochids are not poisonous, leaving them inside your skin for too long can cause a wide range of infections from other sources.

Are Glochids the Same as Spine?

From the explanation above, glochids are not the same as spines. “Spine” is a general term used to describe any sharp structure or projection extending from an object.

In contrast, glochids refer to modified small spines with a single point and backward-facing barbs (hooks). These features make it easier for them to attach to skin and clothing more firmly.

Glochids arise from the epidermis of cacti, and in many cases, they are found in clusters either on the stem or surface of a cactus fruit.

The size of glochids varies depending on the type of plant; some species can have larger ones that measure up to 3mm, while others may have even smaller ones.

The main difference between glochids and spines is that the former has a sharp point at its end, making it easier for them to get stuck to the skin.

Spines, on the other hand, are wider and less likely to cause irritation because of their blunt ends. Therefore, you should take extra precautions when handling cactus fruits with glochids.

What Are Some of the Health Benefits of Eating Cactus Fruits?

In addition to their delicious taste and texture, cactus fruits are also packed with numerous health benefits.

The content of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin) make them an excellent source of dietary nutrition.

The high antioxidant content in cactus fruits may also help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Cactus fruit may also improve insulin sensitivity, thereby helping to manage diabetes.

Moreover, these fruits have a low glycemic index which helps maintain blood sugar levels and control appetite.

This makes them an excellent snack for those trying to control their weight. The high dietary fiber content in cactus fruits also supports digestion, relieves constipation, and decreases bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Cactus fruit is also packed with electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, essential for maintaining healthy muscle and nerve function.

They contain the essential fatty acid linoleic acid, which helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Summary

While cactus fruits are sweet and nutritious, you must know how to clean them properly before eating them. A slight mistake during cleaning can be costly since it can leave you with glochids lodged in your skin.

Be sure to pin this post and share it with your friends so that they can also learn how to clean these wild fruits properly.

If you have got any questions or suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments section below. We always love hearing from cacti lovers all over the world.