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Step 1
Do a little research before you start laying money down for plants. There are hundreds of cacti and succulent varieties to choose from, many of them quite lovely. If you want to plant them outdoors, find out which will survive in your climate. For indoors, think about how much light you have to work with.
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Step 2
Look around local nurseries and see what's available. Demand for cacti and succulents has exploded; you might be surprised by the selection you find right down the street.
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Step 3
Buy from a dealer online. Start by buying just a few plants, to make sure the seller is reputable. Shell out the extra shipping to have the cacti come to you in a pot, and shipped via air over long distances.
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Step 1
Remove unwanted insects from your plant as soon as it arrives. Fill a bucket with enough water to go half way up the side of the pot. Set the cactus or succulent in water for a few hours and wait for the bugs to rise to the surface.
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Step 2
Give your plant indirect light for a few days. If your cactus or succulent was shipped in a box, it will need some time to adjust itself to sunlight. Start in a shaded area and gradually expose it to full light.
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Step 3
Water your cactus or succulent only when necessary. Usually, if the soil is dry an inch below the surface, it's time to water. Make sure the soil in the pot is wet through and drain well. Water more frequently when the cactus is flowering.
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Step 4
Keep your cacti and succulents in their pots for a while, even if you decide to move them outdoors. This way, you can move them inside if they don't react well to cold, or if it is too wet. If all goes well, you can always transplant them later.
