How to grow cacti easily and quickly

Cactus is an ornamental plant that belongs to the family Cactaceae. Although it grows slowly, it produces beautiful flowers. Cacti do not require heavy care. They prefer sunny places and thrive in dry weather conditions. Cacti can be propagated through cuttings, offshoots, and pups. In this article, I will share tips for growing cacti, including housing, soil mixture, container selection, planting time, planting methods, and propagation techniques.

Housing Conditions for Growing Cacti

Cacti thrive in sunlight, but morning sun is preferred. Cacti grown in shade tend to become darker and fail to bloom. Overwatering should be avoided as excess water is harmful. For commercial growth, cacti are best cultivated under a glass or polythene roof. Proper air circulation is essential for flower production and healthy plant development.

Soil Mixture for Cacti

The soil mixture is crucial for growing cacti. It must be porous. A suitable soil mixture consists of:

• 1 part loamy/sandy loam soil
• 1 part decomposed cow dung
• 2 parts leaf mould
• 1 part sand
• Small quantities of broken bone meal

Do not use compost during planting; it should be applied after a gap of 15 days.

Container for Cacti

Choose an earthen or plastic pot with sufficient pore space for air and water exchange. The pot should be clean, sterilized, and dried before use. Avoid oversized pots as they may retain excess moisture, which can harm cacti.

Planting Time for Cacti

Cacti can be planted any time of the year, but the ideal planting period is March to April.

Planting Method for Cacti

1. Fill one-third of the pot with large pieces of rock or cracks for proper drainage.
2. Add the soil mixture, leaving about 2 cm at the top for easy watering.
3. Ensure the cactus cutting or plant is disease-free, nematode-free, and healthy. Treat any cut portion with sulfur dust. Use a mixture of methylated spirit (5–10%) and nicotine (2.5%) to eliminate mealybugs.
4. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone for quicker rooting before planting.
5. Avoid watering immediately after planting; wait a few days before watering.
6. Avoid direct sunlight immediately after planting. Keep the plant in a shady place for a few days.
7. Be cautious not to damage the spines during planting or repotting. Firm the soil mixture around the plant after planting.

Propagation of Cacti

Cacti can be propagated using offshoots, pads, or cuttings. For species that do not produce offshoots or pups, cutting propagation is used. Below are the propagation techniques:

Offshoot Propagation

1. Select a healthy cactus with plenty of offshoots.
2. Choose a healthy and relatively large offshoot. Wear gloves to avoid touching the spines.
3. Twist and pull the offshoot gently to separate it from the parent plant.
4. Plant the offshoot in a pot with the potting mixture, following the cactus planting method.
5. Mist the soil daily when it becomes dry. The offshoots will start developing roots in 1–2 weeks.

Pad Propagation

1. For pad-growing cacti, select a plant with multiple pads.
2. Wearing gloves, twist and pull off the pad. Alternatively, use sterilized scissors or a sharp knife to cut the pad.
3. Allow the pad to dry for 2–3 days to prevent rot.
4. Prepare a pot with the appropriate soil mixture, then plant the pad, following the planting method.
5. Keep the newly planted pad in a shady place. Mist the soil daily when it becomes dry. Pads will develop roots within 2–3 weeks.

Cutting Propagation

1. For cacti that do not produce pads or offshoots, cut a 10 cm section of the plant.
2. Allow the cut section to callous for 2–3 days to prevent rot.
3. Plant the cutting in a well-drained potting mixture, following the cactus planting method.
4. Wait 1–2 days before watering. Mist the topsoil when it becomes dry.
5. The cutting will form roots within a month.