Dirt Talk

How Do I Water My Freakin' Cactus?!

Cactus and succulents are an essential part of desert landscapes yet their care and water remains somewhat of a mystery to many desert gardeners.

I hope the following guidelines impart some wisdom:

Indoor Container Plants

Water indoor container plants once every two weeks during the warm season. November through March, a light watering once a month will suffice. Fertilize in spring and early summer with a high-phosphate/low-nitrogen
fertilizer at half-strength.

Outdoor Container Plants

Water once a week April through October. If regular monsoon rains occur in the summer, do not water until Fall when the rains have stopped. Water less as the weather cools. For example, you should water twice a month in the autumn and once a month in the winter. Fertilize your cactus with a high-phosphate/low-nitrogen fertilizer at half stregth once a month March through August. Do not fertilize after August.

In-Ground Cactus

The larger the plant the less supplemental watering will be necessary. From April through October, one gallon plants will do well with deep watering twice a month, assuming that the soil drains well. No watering is recommended during the summer monsoon rainy season. During the cool winter months no supplemental watering is needed. Fertilizing with a high-phosphate, low-nitrogen fertilizer once in spring and once in early summer will help keep your cactus growing at their full potential.

  
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