How do you know your cactus needs more water? However, when there is a lack of water, you will be able to note some physical changes that are easy to see and diagnose. All features of the cactus help it to strive in the driest situations and to store water efficiently. There are special kinds of potting soil mixes available to suit the cactus varieties. You can even ask for expert advice on caring for the plant. Cactus is one of the attractive plant species. This symptom means under-watering has occurred, causing the roots to die. Meg. If you are try to grow cactus … Under-watering is usually far less harmful than overwatering. Use a stick or skewer to gently push into the potting mix, making sure you reach the bottom of the pot. If the top 2 to 4 inches of the soil feels dry, then the plant is probably thirsty. Pests are another sign of overwatering as many insects thrive in damp places. These plants can also be kept in a partially shaded area as too much heat and harsh warmth may be damaging. Their attractive sizes, shapes, flowers, and colors are appreciated by all gardeners and plant enthusiasts. How to Tell the Difference Between Over-Watering & Under-Watering a Plant By Constance Barker ... Over-watered plants have limp leaves that fall from the plant, while under-watered plants lose brittle leaves. (This post may contain affiliate links.) Cacti are low-maintenance plants but need monitoring for proper growth. If your cactus is growing in a humid environment, then make sure that the soil stays dry. Use a fast-draining cactus mix. how can i tell if my cactus is dying? The only plants that will not die from overwatering are swamp plants that grow in saturated soil, or aquatic plants that grow under water. Before choosing what you want, make sure you go through this list to ensure you make an informed decision. Before long, the plant starts to look a little unhappy and you wonder where you are going wrong. These are just the things we have had success with, your situation may be different. Too little water causes a plant to lose turgor, the rigidity in cells and tissues. The summer and spring seasons are the growing seasons for this plant and it needs a little more watering during this period. If the roots begin to rot, then they lose their ability to absorb water properly and thus leading to an insufficient supply of nutrients and water to the stem. Winter and fall time being the dormancy period for most cacti, do not need fertilizing. Unfortunately, the symptoms of overwatering in cactus are very misleading. Cacti usually have very fleshy stems that hold water for the entire plant. The basic steps to watering your cactus are: Some argue that watering your cactus from above is not the best option though it may be the easiest. * Sounds like a nice survival tip to store away, but is it really that easy? garden pots without drainage holes get watered much less regularly than my succulents growing outdoors; & rightfully so. You can still save it from dying but after some efforts. As long as you provide it with sufficient light, air, water, drainage, and nutrients, your cactus will not only survive but also thrive, Cacti are great, some are low maintenance, while others require a bit of attention. They do have certain specific water requirements, mostly during the growing season. Such a plant would not last long in an arid habitat filled with thirsty animals. You may have heard that you can get water from a cactus if you are ever lost and dehydrated in a desert. Watering your cactus just once in a week is the recommended watering routine during the growing seasons. HOW TO WATER A CACTUS. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that you can keep inside or outside of your home, a cactus is a great option. Practical Tips for watering the Cactus adequately. Another consequence that occurs in the cactus due to under watering is that it shows discoloration. Here is everything you need to know to keep your drought-tolerant plants’ thirst under control! The soil in the bottom of the pot can be layered with small pebbles that assist in flowing out to water correctly. They don’t know that watering too much is more damaging than watering too little. It will also appear under watered even when you’ve excelled in quenching it. Give it a few days to get over the shock from being moved and transplanted. This results in the stem turning squishy and watery. During their growing season, these plants like regular watering and fertilizing. You will want to give your plant a thorough watering when you notice any of these signs. Should Succulents be Watered Regularly? But before you start growing these amazing plants, you need to know the different types of cacti that exist and their unique needs, Cactus make great houseplants. 8 ways to tell when a houseplant needs water: Test the soil for dryness with your finger. There are a plethora of benefits to having a cactus at home, helping to improve both your physical and mental condition. You can also watch your plant for watering cues. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29946335/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28095842/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29691875/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30835037/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26898232/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29666973/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31177953/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16390846/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27980958/, https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Cactus-Indoors, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/watering-cactus-plants.htm, https://www.gardenhealth.com/advice/plants-flowers/how-to-care-for-cacti-and-succulents, How to Care for Sansevieria (Snake Plant)? Most cacti need water about once a week when grown indoors. You always want to ensure that the soil is dry before adding more water to the pot. The average growing season for your plant, The typical temperature, soil, and conditions they naturally grow in, The conditions you are currently growing your plant in. The roots of a cactus are sensitive and more vulnerable to damage. Very possibly. pools of water under your cactus (cacti never like this) entire plant may change color—usually they get paler. If the stick comes out dry, adding water is best. If your plant begins to look a little weak, you will want to pay attention to the season and make differences in your watering schedule accordingly. Prevent future problems by waiting to water until the soil in the cactus feels bone dry. Cactus soil should be allowed to completely dry out before it is watered again. An underwatered plant will have wrinkly, shriveled up leaves whereas an overwatered plant will have soft, mushy, almost translucent leaves. Although the cactus has its own ability to store water, it should not be under-watered. Cacti plants have very short growing seasons as compared to other plants and longer dormancy periods. In the cooler, darker winter months it’s every three-4 weeks. If you don't know the proper name, place of origin, or care instructions for your cactus, answering these questions should help you determine how often to water. When you water your plant, the cells will absorb water until every cell is fully hydrated. Light : Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun. There are some diseases that can trigger wilting, but the easiest and most likely explanation is under watering. Can Cactus Survive The Winter? Most containers will have the plant species listed somewhere on the outside. I have two small children–which on its own is a full-time job–but also have to cook, clean, run errands, and take care of the household. The plant will begin to wither when all the water is used. Although the cactus has its own ability to store water, it should not be under-watered. Usually watering the cactus should be more regular during the growing season. While its true that these plants are tough, and can usually survive under such circumstances, most certainly will not thrive. save hide report. The cactus always requires soil with a good drainage facility and does not prefer soil that holds moisture. This probably won't happen right away, and the plant might even start to look healthier at first. Symptoms of Overwatering in Cactus. Does it have leaves or … A good method to stick to for the majority of the year is to water your cactus once a week. If the soil remains soggy, do not water, and check the soil the next day. The stem can show a change in color. share. Check for dry leaves and leaf drop. garden pots without drainage holes get watered much less regularly than my succulents growing outdoors; & rightfully so. Around 6-hour exposure to sunlight is enough for a cactus. Signs of over-watered and under-watered cacti. Just like other succulents, cacti plants will do well when positioned in places with good light and not necessarily direct sunlight, Cacti plants are not only great houseplants but also thrive when grown outdoors. Before watering plants, check the soil with your fingertip. Many a time due to less moisture and insufficient watering, the cactus plant can become dry and develop calluses on the skin of the plant. The average lifespan of these plants varies greatly from one species to the other. There are some types of cacti plants that are holiday cacti or winter cacti. There isn’t a lot to do to grow and tend to a cactus plant. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If your cactus is thirsty and not well-watered, it starts to show various signs of distress. This gives the cactus plant a general unhealthy look (because it is, right?). As the cactus uses up all its water reserves stored in the stem, it starts to shrink and dry if more water is not provided. However, you need to learn more about checking the pot for dryness and how to do so. However, if water is not offered to them at regular intervals, it will cause the flesh to shrivel and pucker. This tells us that dry conditions are what they are adapted to, so it is better to err on the side of under watering succulents rather than overwatering. Your plant can come back after suffering from a long dry spell, once you water it thoroughly again. These plants are known to habituate in a desert region and grow in warm temperatures and can thrive well in drought conditions.