Cacti and Succulent Care
Soil
Any soil that drains well is fine. It can be gravely, wood chippy, or perlitey. You don’t want to be able to form a tight ball with your soil. Remember is that a richer soil may stay wet too long, especially in a large pot. We sell our “perfected” mix called succulent gold online and at retail, but you can also opt to mix your own.
Light
Most cacti and succulents like bright light, but not all can tolerate intense, direct sunlight, especially in conjunction with high temperatures. A plant that is grown in optimal light conditions will “look normal” (unstressed), and is more likely to flower than one grown in sub-optimal lighting conditions.
While optimal lighting conditions depend on species, there are some general signs that indicate your plant is getting either too much or too little light:
Too much light: When your plant is getting too much light, it can appear “off color,” taking on a “bleached out” look, or turning yellow or even orangish. Keep in mind that these signs can also indicate other stresses, such as disease or too much water, so use common sense when making your diagnosis.
If your plant is moved suddenly into very bright sunlight conditions, or if the weather suddenly turns hot with abundant sunshine, your plant can scorch. This can happen very rapidly and can scar the plant for the rest of its life, so be on alert for when such a condition might occur, and take precautions to prevent scorching.
Too little light: If your plant is receiving too little light, it might etiolate and/or appear to really reach for the light source. (Etiolation is the condition where a plant becomes “drawn,” for example, a cactus plant that is normally round begins to look as if it is being stretched out from the growing point at its center). Your plant will suffer if left in such light conditions for very long. When transitioning such a plant to stronger light, keep in mind that it will be especially prone to scorching, so make the transition slowly.
Watering and Fertilizing
Many people think that cacti and succulents require a small amount of water every once in a while. While its true that these plants are tough, and can usually survive under such circumstances, most certainly will not thrive.
During their growing season, these plants like regular watering and fertilizing. For most, the period of growth is from Spring into Fall. Many plants rest (stop putting on growth) from late Fall to early Spring, when temperatures are cool and daylight length is short, and during mid-Summer, when temperatures are at their peak.
How often to water and fertilize: While growing, cacti and succulents should be watered at least once a week. Some people water more often than this. During each watering, give the soil a good soaking, so that water runs out of the drainage holes of the pots. During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer, which has been diluted to 1/4 strength, can be added to the water for each watering. (A balanced fertilizer is one that has roughly equal proportions of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium. A 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength is ideal.)
When the weather cools and day-length shortens, plants enter a rest period. During that time, increase the interval between watering, and let the potting mixture dry out between watering. Some people say that during dormancy, cacti and succulents should be given just enough water so that they show no sign of shriveling. Use some common sense here. If your plants are kept indoors on a window sill in a heated room during the Winter, they will need more water than if they were over-wintered out-of-doors. In any case, do not fertilize your plants during dormancy.
General Rule: If you stick a finger in the soil, and feel moisture, don’t water. You want the soil to dry out between watering so that the plants roots go looking for water.
Air Plant/Tillandsia Care
Tillandsias are called ‘Air Plants’ because they are epiphytes, that is they don’t need soil to grow in. or even roots for that matter. They commonly grow on the limbs of trees where their spindly roots are used as grips/anchors, tapping nothing from their hosts.
Watering
Tillandsia enjoy a good misting twice a week or a full submersion for roughly 20-30 minutes once a week. A combination of the two methods work well, mist often, soak every now and again, vice versa. When watering be careful to not trap water in crevices (this will cause the plant to rot), turning the plant upside down and shaking it works to be certain no water has been trapped.
Fertilizing
Tillandsia are excellent nutrient seekers, in nature only gathering food from rain, dust, and even bird droppings. In the home Tillandsia responds well to fertilizer every second to third watering. Mixing fertilizer 1/2 – 1/3 strength of ratio listed on the bottle of your preferred fertilizer. If grown indoors your air plant loves bright indirect light, in the window of a south, east, or west facing window is perfect. If grown on the porch outside be sure to protect from afternoon sun and 40 below temps.
Arranging
If you’re wanting to build a terrarium we solely recommend air plants. Air Plant terrariums are easy to care for using the information above. If a completely sealed terrarium is used once a week the terrarium should be opened and let to air out. Our stock of tillandsia is ever changing and we always have air plant arrangements available for a quick gift or day picker upper.
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