Cactus plants are the most beautiful and adorable plants. They are very good options if you want to add some plants to your home, office or garden. They need very little care, and yet they enhance the look of your place with their striking appearance and adaptability. That is why they are very famous among experienced and novice gardeners. These days, more and more people are turning to the internet to purchase cactus plants online. These beautiful plants are available in a wide variety of species just a click away. You can order your favourite cactus plant online.
But in order to make sure your online-purchased cactus plants flourish in their new surroundings, you must take good care of them after you receive them. We will cover all you need to know in this guide, from selecting the best cactus plants online to taking care of them after they arrive at your house. If you want to know the right steps to take care of your plant, then this blog is only for you.
Before knowing the right steps to take to purchase, let's see why you should buy cactus plants online.
Before diving deeper into the topic, it's worth understanding why so many people are opting to buy cactus plants online. Here are a few advantages:
Wider Selection: Nurseries near your house or garden centres may have only a few famous varieties of cactus plants. However, online stores or websites typically offer a broader range of cactus plants, including rare and exotic species. That is why you should go online.
Convenience at your doorstep: Shopping for cactus plants online saves you time and effort. You can purchase it while chilling on your couch. You can browse on different websites and compare prices.
Delivery Options: Many online plant retailers offer delivery services with careful packaging, ensuring your cactus plants arrive healthy and undamaged. Always check the delivery option because it is very important for your plant's health.
Product Information: When you buy cactus plants online, you get detailed instructions about the plant. Which makes it easier for beginners to understand what their plant needs to thrive.
Unpacking Your Online Cactus Plants
Once your online cactus plants arrive at your doorstep, follow these steps to plant the cactus with the best practice:
Unbox Carefully: Cactus plants online are prone to damage; they are very soft and need extra care, so handle them with care. Use gloves while opening the plant, and use a thick towel to hold the plant. it will also save your hands from the sharp spines of that cactus plant.
Check the Condition of the plant: You should inspect the condition of the delivered cactus plant. Look for any signs of damage or poor health. If there are issues, you may return it to the seller or get a replacement for it.
Let the Plant Acclimate: Your cactus has been through a stressful journey. Leave it in a shaded area in your house and let the plant recover from shipping shock. After that, plant your cactus in a new pot.
How to choose the pot and right soil for your cactus plant online.
If you want your cactus to grow healthy and flourish in your space, then it’s essential to pick the right pot and soil mix.
Pot Size and Drainage: Cactus plants need pots with good drainage because good drainage can avoid root rot in the plant. Always choose a pot which is ten to fifteen per cent bigger than the plant; it is very important for the plant's health.
Soil Type: Like the pots with good drainage, cactus plants also need soil that drains well. You can buy pre-mixed cactus soil from garden stores, or you can create your own by mixing standard potting soil with coarse sand and perlite. This helps improve drainage and mimics the plant's natural desert environment.
Watering Your Cactus Plants
One of the most common mistakes new cactus owners make is overwatering. We all know that cactus plants can tolerate high temperatures, they are native to arid environments, and they require much less water than other houseplants.
Water Sparingly: You should always water your plant when the soil is completely dry. This might mean watering every 2-4 weeks, depending on the plant's size and the environment. Do not overwater your cacti because it can cause root rot in plants.
Use the Right Method: When watering, ensure the water reaches the roots.
Adjust with the Seasons: Cactus plants need more water during the summertime, and they need less water in winter. So water your plant according to the weather.
Right Temperature and Humidity for Cactus Plants
Cactus plants are accustomed to dry, hot environments, so they thrive in warm, low-humidity settings.
- Optimal Temperature: The ideal temperature range for most cactus plants is between 18°C to 29°C. However, they can tolerate harsh cold weather as low as seven °C as long as they are not exposed to frost.
- Avoid High Humidity: Cactus plants do not like high humidity. Keep them in well-ventilated areas and avoid placing them in rooms with excessive moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Keep them in the garden or hall.
Fertilizing Your Cactus Plants
Use a cactus-specific fertilizer or a diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer, this will help the cactus to grow best to its maturity. These are typically lower in nitrogen, which can be harmful in large amounts. Fertilize your cactus plants once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
How to Deal with Pests and Diseases
Though cactus plants online are generally hardy, they can also fall victim to pests and diseases.
- Common Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be removed with the help of a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Root Rot: If your cactus turns mushy at the base, it means your plant is the victim of root rot. In that case, you may need to remove the affected area and replant the healthy portion in fresh soil.
Conclusion
Bringing these unusual and hardy plants into your house is easy and fascinating when you buy cactus plants online. Years of beauty can be yours with the right maintenance, which includes adequate sunlight, the right soil, little watering, and periodic feeding. You may buy cactus plants online with confidence and watch them flourish in your space now that you have the definitive care guide!