Watering

Common believes that cacti should be watered a thimbleful at a time results in dormant or semi-dormant state of the plant. Sometime drives to it’s grave.

Water is required during their growing period and moisture must not be ignored just because they are cacti that endures drought.

Generally, cacti should be watered more in hot seasons (5 to 7 times a month) and less in cool seasons (2 to 4 times a month). The amount of water given to cactus is much depended on weather conditions and the species. However, over watering will cause water logged if the soil is clogged and results in roots rot.

Stem spraying will supply moist air and refreshes the plant. Some people even use distilled water for spraying to avoid ugly marks on the plant’s stem. However, local tap water is consider fine for cacti.

The water must be sufficient to soak all the soil in the pot with any access be able to drain away freely. And it is a tonic for cactus to receive rain shower but not prolonged period of rain. The best time to water cacti is after sunset or early in the morning. Although it is beneficial to water the plant before dawn, cacti should not be watered when the pots are hot from standing in the sun.