How to Water a Baby Cactus
Cacti grow from cuttings or offsets. The cuttings come from single cactus leaves or stem sections, while offsets are small cacti that grow around the main plant. Like cuttings, the offsets are separated from the main plant and set into their own pot where they form roots and continue to grow on their own. These baby cacti require careful care during the first few months after planting. Over-watering during this time leads to root rot and death, but under-watering can stress the plant since its roots are still establishing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant baby cacti in a cactus soil mix in a pot with one or more bottom drainage holes. Alternatively, mix your own soil by combining one part sand with one part potting soil. The sand ensures the mix drains well and doesn't become soggy.
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Water the newly planted cactus so the soil mix feels barely moist. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
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Increase watering for tropical holiday cacti once the plants have formed roots. Allow the soil to dry almost completely then water until the soil is evenly moist throughout.
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Irrigate rooted desert cacti when the soil mix dries out completely. Provide enough water to moisten the soil but not enough to make it overly damp or soggy.
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Tips & Warnings
Both baby and mature cacti tolerate too-dry soil better than overly wet soil.
Baby cacti are more prone to sun scorching, so set the plants where they receive bright but indirect light. The lower light during this rooting phase causes the soil to dry more slowly.
Never leave water in the drip tray under the pot after watering. Standing water can cause the cactus to rot.
References
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