What is the best way to feed a small indoor cactus?
Question:On the cactus feed the package specifies to use 1/2 a TBS and mix with a gallon of water. Wouldn't that be overkill for a house plant.
Answers:
Use that gallon in one to two years, not, one day!
hmm...maybe your cactus wants a nice vegetable platter. : )
i have a cactus in my room and i just water it when i think of it (about once a month) and it does fine. i think maybe this winter i might spike its water with a little plant food but not enough to shock it.
A gallon should last you a long time on your cactus.
Some info about your indoor cactus. But, go to the website listed below. Good stuff there.
WATERING A CACTUS
Is there a special way to water a cactus?
Cacti, agaves, aloes, sedums and other succulents have special abilities when it comes to storing and utilizing water. To one degree or another, they all have thick, fleshy, water-storing leaves and, or stems. They also have exceptional methods to limit their water consumption. Surfaces exposed to the drying effects of sun and wind are small in proportion to their total mass. This is especially evident in plants like saguaro and barrel cacti. Thick waxy cuticle layers on outer surfaces help seal in moisture. And a smaller than normal number of pore openings in leaves and stems further restrict moisture loss.
IMPORTANT (FOR INDOOR CACTI): First of all, you need to make sure the cactus's pot has some holes on the bottom (to prevent over-watering).
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVER-WATER. No matter whether your cactus is inside or outside do not over-water it! Watch for such signs of over-watering as swelling and cracking of the outer surface (saguaros), yellowing and rotting (other cacti). If this occurs, immediately discontinue watering or find the indirect source of water and eliminate it.
When in doubt about watering, be conservative. More errors are made on the side of over-watering than under-watering. Remember that injury from lack of water develops gradually, and is easy to correct. On the other hand, damage from over watering occurs rapidly and is usually irreversible.
IMPORTANT: When cactus are not getting enough water, their outer skin begins to wrinkle. This is caused by the shrinkage of water-storing tissues in the plant. In the case of segmented cacti, like prickly pear and cholla, the outer pads or segments may also begin falling off. Lack of sufficient moisture in leafy succulents will result in wilting. As water levels in plants such as agave and aloe drop, so does the internal water pressure holding the leaves straight. As a result, leaves begin to bend downward.
Cacti and succulents showing signs of moisture stress can be revived by providing them with a good soaking of water. Keep in mind that the roots of these plants are shallow and widespread, extending out a distance several times their height. Therefore, watering a large area out from the plant, but only a foot or so deep is best. A soaker hose works well for this purpose.
WATERING FREQUENCY: As a general rule, established native cacti and other succulents will benefit from twice-monthly waterings when temperatures are consistently above 90 degrees. May and June are the months when such waterings are most critical.
Newly planted native species will establish quicker when watered on a weekly basis during hot weather. Non-native types of cacti and other succulents, even those well established, will perform better when provided water on a weekly basis. Watering is also a way to promote more rapid growth. Keep in mind that sandy, well-drained soils can tolerate more frequent irrigation than heavy, poorly drained soils. When monsoon rains arrive in July, reduce or discontinue irrigation until the end of the monsoon season in September.
Cacti and other succulents grown in pots are more likely to need regular irrigation than those planted in the ground. During hot, dry weather watering will be needed on a weekly or twice-weekly basis. The soil should be allowed to dry between waterings, even in well drained soil mixes.
WATERING METHOD: Put the pot in a bucket of water and the cactus will extract needed amount of water through the holes. This way reduces the risk of over watering and helps to prevent rotting and soil leaking out. This also helps if the cactus is infested with bugs. Once in a while spray the cactus to clean it.
a little water every 3 months,add fresh soil once a year
Cactus does well in the house if you have it in a window facing south. A small pinch is Miracle grow in a glass if water ONCE a week will bring amazing results.
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