How to Pot a Beach Cactus

Some cacti produce beautiful flowers.

The common beach cactus is a type of succulent plant that grows in temperate regions with minimal rainfall. The cactus stores water inside its flesh to keep from drying out. Since water is stored inside the plant, regular potting soil will not work for the cactus. The water retention of common potting soil is too high. Soil that is too moist will rot the cactus roots and cause the plant to die. Special potting is required.

Things You'll Need

• Peat moss
• Garden soil
• Builder's sand
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Select a pot with drainage holes.

2. Mix equal parts of peat moss, garden soil and sharp builder's sand, available from most hardware stores.

3. Fill the pot with the soil mixture three-quarters full. Place the cactus in the pot. Cover the roots of the plant at the same depth it was planted in the previous pot.

4. Replant the cactus when it grows within 1/4 inch of the pot. Tap the side of the pot to loosen the soil and pull the cactus out with gloved hands. Transfer to the new pot at the same depth.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension; Cacti and Succulents; Deborah L. Brown
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Cactus
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension; Care of Cactus in the Home; Dale T. Lindgren, et al.