How to take care of your cacti - Mimi Vert
How to take care of your cacti - Mimi Vert
Today, I'm offering you a little guide to pampering your cacti and succulents. These adorable little plants, with their playful shapes and prickly thorns, are perfect for bringing a touch of greenery to your home without too much hassle. But even these little wonders need a little love. Here's how to take care of them!
Light: The Sun's Rays Are Their Friends
Cacti and succulents love to bask in the sun. To keep them happy, place them near a sunny window, ideally facing south or west. If your home lacks natural light, don't panic! You can use small grow lights to help them grow.
Watering: Not Too Much, Just Right
Watering is an art. In summer, give them a drink every 2-3 weeks. In winter, they prefer to sleep dry, so watering them once a month is more than enough. Make sure the soil is completely dry before watering again. When you water, do it thoroughly until water seeps out of the small holes in the pot.
Floor: A Comfortable Bed
To keep your cacti and succulents happy, they need well-draining soil. Use a special cactus potting mix or mix 2/3 universal potting soil with 1/3 coarse sand or perlite. Most importantly, make sure your pots have holes to prevent water from stagnating and causing root rot.
Temperature: Warm, Please
Cacti and succulents love warmth. In summer, they thrive between 20 and 30°C. In winter, they tolerate lower temperatures, but avoid letting them shiver below 10°C.
Fertilization: Just a Little Helping Hand
During spring and summer, give them a little boost with a special cactus fertilizer once a month. In winter, they don't really need fertilizer, so leave them alone while they rest.
Maintenance: A Little Spa for Your Plants
Repot your plants every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and remove dead roots. The best time to do this is in spring or early summer. And don't forget to clean up any dead or damaged leaves to prevent disease.
Common Problems: Your Plants' Minor Ailments
- Overwatering : Your plants' worst enemy! If they turn yellow, soften, or rot, they've been drinking too much. Reduce watering and let the soil dry out thoroughly.
- Underwatering : Less common, but it happens. If your plants are wilting and looking dull, they're thirsty. Water a little more often.
- Parasites : Watch for small invaders like mealybugs and aphids. Use natural insecticides or insecticidal soap to repel them.
In conclusion, caring for your cacti and succulents means, above all, giving them lots of love and a little time. With light, proper watering, well-draining soil, and some regular care, your little plants will be the happiest in the world.
