Cacti and succulents are the perfect choice for house plants. Typical hot, dry indoor conditions can be hard on other plants, but provide and ideal climate for many succulent plants. In addition, these remarkable plants are very tolerant of neglect, requiring little water or other care throughout most of the year.

The term succulent refers to a large group of plants, including cacti, which have developed thick fleshy leaves or stems. These serve as water storage organs to insure survival under dry conditions. Succulents include many familiar plants: the jade plant, the snake plant, the agave and aloes as well as cacti.

Most cacti and succulents require bright sunlight to grow well. South facing windows will provide the best light while east and west facing windows offer sun for part of the day. Artificial lights may be used to supplement natural light. Lack of light will result in weak growth.

In nature, most cacti succulents are found growing in open, well drained soil. These conditions should be duplicated indoors. A mix of one part potting soil and one part course sand is usually porous enough. Cacti do not grow well in sand. Ideally, cacti and succulents should be grown in pots with good drainage. They are very susceptible to rot and decay caused by excessive water.

Proper watering is the most important factor in cacti and succulent culture. When these plants are actively growing, they absorb moisture rapidly and should not be allowed to completely dry out. Drench the soil thoroughly when watering and allow it to become dry for several days before watering again. When plants are dormant or growth has slowed, apply just enough water to dampen the roots and prevent the plant from shriveling.

Cacti and succulents tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 45-55 degrees F. during dormancy and 65-85 degrees F. when actively growing. The cool temperatures during dormancy are necessary to form flower buds for the following season. If you don't have a place to keep these plants cool, placing them in a window sill may be helpful. Be careful, however, of shutting drapes over the plants at night. The cold air can become trapped and freeze the plants. Growing at normal home temperatures during the winter period will by no means kill your plants. Many will thrive for years without a cool period. Cacti and succulents have a lower nutrient requirement than other plants. Flowering houseplants or African Violet food should be used when feeding your plants. Cacti need plant food only once or twice a year during the late spring or summer. Other succulents may be fed three or four times a year during the brighter months.

Repotting should be done as needed rather than on a schedule. Plants which become top heavy and easily tip over as well as plants which have overgrown their pots should be repotted. When repotting, use a container just slightly larger than the previous one. Set the plant in its new container at the same level as it was grown and fill around it with damp soil. Don't water immediately; wait several days to allow any damaged roots to heal.

This page was last updated April 2003

Back to Information Page

Back to Horticulture Page