Growing Cactus and Succulents in Containers

Growing cactus and succulents in containers can be an enjoyable hobby for any gardener. They don’t need a big backyard just seeds and dirt. Growing them this way is similar to a window box garden, but you don’t have to worry about weeds. Cactus are succulents, which are also known as “pink-flowered plants”. Succulents can grow just about anywhere, even inside the ground. However, when growing them in containers they need a different soil than what they can tolerate in the ground. Following are some useful tips for growing cactus and succulents in containers.

1. Drainage of Soil

Many people think it is okay to plant their Cactus and Succulents in pots because it’s not so much the soil that’s going to be the problem. It’s the drainage of the soil. In other words, don’t plant your cactus and succulent in full sun. While they do well in partial shade, don’t plant them in full sun either. Full sun will not only dry out your plants but it will kill your plants quickly due to the evaporation process.

2. Selecting Pot for Growing Cactus and Succulents

Also, don’t try growing your Cactus and Succulent in a pot that is too big for your plants. This will stunt the growth of your plants. You can over-pot your plants, however, if you plan to replant them at some point. If you’re not going to be replanting them soon, then over-potting is fine, but not if you want to grow your plants.

3. Amount of Water

One thing you must keep in mind about your Cactus and Succulent plants is the amount of water you give them. Every plant needs a certain amount of water for healthy growth. However, you don’t want your plants to become drown in water. Instead, use a hand-held sprinkler or a hose to water your plants properly. You can also buy sprinkler systems for the inside of your home and these are quite affordable. Just be sure to check out the sprinkler reviews for the type of sprinkler system you want.

4. Watering Technique

There are different watering techniques you can use for your Cactus and Succulent plants. One of the best watering practices for these plants is to mist them during the daytime so that they stay cool. If you have a sprinkler or an automatic irrigation system, it will take care of watering your plants automatically. Just make sure you don’t over-water them because it can be detrimental to the health of the plants.

5. Choosing Right Potting Mix

You should also choose the right potting mix when you start planting your Cactus or Succulent in pots. Cactus and Succulents don’t like full water, so the best potting mix will be a slow-release type of soil. Keep in mind that slow-release containers will take longer to mature than traditional soil-based pots. It may take several months for your plants to fully develop, so make sure you plan on spending several months caring for your plants before you bring them indoors. Your indoor garden will need a lot of sun and water for thriving.

6. Pruning

One thing to keep in mind when growing Cactus and Succulents in containers is how to properly prune your plants. If you have a short plant lifespan, then pruning should be done regularly. This means cutting off any dead branches and letting the young shoots grow into new growth. If you don’t remove dead branches regularly, the plant could become very unhealthy and prone to disease. It’s always best to prune your plants at least quarterly to make sure your indoor plants are looking their best.

7. Hanging Baskets for Cactus and Succulents

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of regularly trimming your plants, you might consider using hanging baskets instead. Hanging baskets are ideal because they let you see the development of your plants from the inside, which is important if you’re trying to grow exotic plants. Hanging baskets won’t allow you to prune or harvest your plants because they won’t grow much taller than the basket itself. Hanging baskets can be a great way to grow Cactus and Succulents in containers because they are relatively easy to care for.

8. Conclusion

These were a number of things you should know about growing Cactus and Succulents in containers. They are great plants to start growing in containers because of their ability to grow quickly and easily. But remember that you should give them lots of water and fertilizers so that they develop properly. Make sure you follow the Cactus and Succulents growing instructions provided by the grower that you get your seeds from. This will ensure that you get the best results from the plants you’ve purchased.