Need tips on Cactus care!

[hans030390]

Got a cactus from walmart. I dont know what kind it is, nor would I know any better what to do with it if I did know.

So what exactly should I do? I need to know how to keep this thing healthy...sunlight? water amount and how often? etc etc?

Pic

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: hans030390
Got a cactus from walmart. I dont know what kind it is, nor would I know any better what to do with it if I did know.

So what exactly should I do? I need to know how to keep this thing healthy...sunlight? water amount and how often? etc etc?

Pic

you got yourself an Opuntia cactus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia

 

[hans030390]

so...how do I care for it properly?

 

[halik]

well they need water every now and then...

 

[FoBoT]

but not too much water, they live in deserts

 

[FeuerFrei]

Larger pot, sunny spot, good drainage, water every ten days or less

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: hans030390
Got a cactus from walmart. I dont know what kind it is, nor would I know any better what to do with it if I did know.

So what exactly should I do? I need to know how to keep this thing healthy...sunlight? water amount and how often? etc etc?

Pic

..I planted a bunch of cactus similar to that in front of the house and it took off like crazy. Has become a defensive hedge against intruders. I call it organic barbed wire.

 

[brownzilla786]

It needs love, hug it vigorously with your head against the plant

 

[tfinch2]

Well considering we are in a drought here, and I never water and it's perfectly fine all over my backyard here it seems as if it doesn't need much care at all.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: hans030390
so...how do I care for it properly?

http://www.cactuscenter.com/cactuscare.html

Light: Bright or filtered light.

Water: (Outdoors) During warmer months, water once a week, or when soil is near drying. Some succulents may have to be watered more often. Check soil for dryness by pushing your finger or a stick into the soil. If the soil feels cool or damp, there is still moisture in the soil. During winter months, water once a week or when soil is dry.

(Indoors) Water once every 2 - 3 weeks, or when soil is dry. Plants near a sunny window might need more frequent waterings. Cacti and succulents which are grown indoors would benefit from a day outside where they can enjoy ample air circulation.

Caution: do not place indoor cacti in a hot, sunny area, as they will burn.

Keep in mind that cacti and succulents are able to withstand drought better than wet soil. Let the soil dry out between waterings, as drenching an already damp pot may result in rot.

Fertilize: Once a month with a balance cactus fertilizer (powdered form, diluted in water), or once a year with a slow-release, granular, cactus fertilizer.
Both types of fertilizer are available at our nursery.

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
Larger pot, sunny spot, good drainage, water every ten days or less

Ok, I heard once a week, but if you dont that often its ok. But how much do I water it when I do?

How big of a pot? Do I need special soil?

the crappy pot it came in says to water it when dry...I just watered it yesterday, and the soil is already pretty dry...but i know i can't water it that often.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: hans030390

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
Larger pot, sunny spot, good drainage, water every ten days or less

Ok, I heard once a week, but if you dont that often its ok. But how much do I water it when I do?

How big of a pot? Do I need special soil?

the crappy pot it came in says to water it when dry...I just watered it yesterday, and the soil is already pretty dry...but i know i can't water it that often.

Transplant it to a bigger pot with proper soil.

When in doubt, talk to a nursery.

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: hans030390

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
Larger pot, sunny spot, good drainage, water every ten days or less

Ok, I heard once a week, but if you dont that often its ok. But how much do I water it when I do?

How big of a pot? Do I need special soil?

the crappy pot it came in says to water it when dry...I just watered it yesterday, and the soil is already pretty dry...but i know i can't water it that often.

That cactus has already outgrown that pot (it's not even really a pot). You need to transplant it to a bigger pot if you haven't already.

 

[hans030390]

Alright, but when I water it, how much do I water it (not how often)

 

[FeuerFrei]

Originally posted by: hans030390

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei
Larger pot, sunny spot, good drainage, water every ten days or less

Ok, I heard once a week, but if you dont that often its ok. But how much do I water it when I do?

How big of a pot? Do I need special soil?

the crappy pot it came in says to water it when dry...I just watered it yesterday, and the soil is already pretty dry...but i know i can't water it that often.

I really don't know a whole lot about cacti but have a couple cacti in pots.

I mentioned a bigger pot because cacti have larger root systems than you might think just by looking at the plant. The current pot looks too cramped. I say give it twice the room.

As far as soil goes I usually hear sandy soil mentioned but I have a cactus growing in regular potting soil from a bag and it seems to love it.

Let the soil get good and dry before dumping more water on it.

 

[tfinch2]

Enough to get the soil decently wet. If you haven't figured it out yet, cactus don't really need a lot of water.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Originally posted by: hans030390
Alright, but when I water it, how much do I water it (not how often)

I usually just water until it starts to drip out the bottom then quit.

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: FeuerFrei

Originally posted by: hans030390
Alright, but when I water it, how much do I water it (not how often)

I usually just water until it starts to drip out the bottom then quit.

ok, thats what i've heard.

Thanks for the help!

 

[IronWing]

Nopalitos! Mmmmm. Boil in salt water then cook in green chile.