Time for Spring Cactus Care

Yes the time has come for spring cactus care for those of you that raise these thorny beasts. First its time to attack the cold hardy cacti. The weather in the Western US is getting warmer. That means your cacti should show signs of life. Prickly pear pads should have a "bud" look around the aerole as the plant comes out of hibernation. Hydration is critical, but should be done slow and consistent. Too much water and you get root rot. Too little and bye bye cactus.

Cuttings should be in a well drained soil, watered well and allowed to dry. Make sure that your cuttings and established plants get plenty of sunlight. Artificial full spectrum light in your porch light can be helpful to lower light areas to increase the "hours" of sunlight.

Warm area cacti can come out now, but be ready to move if quick cold snap comes. Most cacti can take a quick cold snap, but sensitive types like a golden barrel should not be left out for more than a few days if the temps at night get below freezing for more than a couple of nights.

Less hardy cacti should be kept indoors for a month or two until the chance of frost is minimal. As always with all types of cacti mix new soil in with the old. Cacti like low nutrient soil, but not nutrient free. Mixing in some Miracle Gro can do wonders, even some sand that has good drainage.

When May comes around it is time to let all cacti thrive indoor or out. Plants come alive and will grow. Watch to make sure barrel cacti have new "fuzz" at the crown and are not orangish or blemished to bad around the stem.

Treat your cacti well and they will flower and give you pain for many moons to come.