Text and photos by Laura Pigeon
If there are plants that I have killed when I started collecting indoor plants, they are cacti and succulents.
When I started getting interested in indoor plants, the first plants I acquired were succulents. I found them so cute, they looked like types of flowers. There were plenty of varieties, lots of different colors, it was super attractive! Unfortunately, I did not have the right environment for these charming little plants at all: I was living in a basement apartment. So they gently perished at my place.
Today, I still manage well with a few specimens that I have had for several years, and I share my tips for succeeding with this type of plant.
1. Have very good lighting
Let's not hide it, cacti and succulents naturally live in very sunny and dry places. They need a lot of sun! A window sill facing west, south or even east (in summer), and they will be very happy.
However, be careful: some species do not like the strong southern sun. It is therefore important to inform yourself about the variety of cactus or succulents you decide to place in full southern sun.
2. Repot in suitable soil
Succulent plants prefer a potting mix that contains sand. It is very important to repot them in a mix that is draining and will not leave the soil wet for weeks.
3. Water in good quantity, not too often
The key to watering is to water in good quantity, but not often. It is important that the soil is completely moistened during watering. But since they are plants that are used to being in a desert climate, you really need to let the soil dry well between waterings.
It is also recommended to water them by soaking, which is a technique that simply involves filling a basin with water and placing the plant in it so that it "drinks" through its drainage holes. The plant absorbs only the water it needs. Be careful not to forget it in the water basin. The ideal is to set a timer for about 20 minutes, that’s enough.
4. Watering frequency
Regarding watering frequency, it will vary from one plant to another, depending on where it is placed in your home. If it is in direct sunlight, it will need to be watered a little more often than another that is not.
As a general rule, I water my cacti and succulents about once every 2 weeks in summer, and in winter, once a month.
5. Repot once a year
To give them the best possible conditions, repotting them once a year is really ideal. This way, you can also check the condition of the roots and know if your plant is healthy or not. Terracotta pots are highly recommended for cacti and succulents as they absorb moisture and help dry out the soil better.
Although they are plants that grow very slowly, it is just as important to give them suitable fertilizer to contribute to their good development.
I hope my advice will help you better understand how to take care of these little plants. Cacti and succulents are really ideal plants when you don't want something that grows too quickly. They are a nice addition to our decor and I think they bring a very warm and exotic vibe.
Tips and advice
