Direct sunlight is suitable for the location of most cacti. In an apartment, south-facing window sills are ideal. If you can, it is a good idea to summer cacti, that is, to place them outside in direct sunlight. The plants should also be protected from the first strong spring sun to avoid burning. In winter they can be in a light or dark place.
Cacti prefer warmth. Room temperature is ideal for their growth. In summer, cacti stagnate (they stop growing) at high temperatures. In winter lower temperatures, e.g. between 10 and 15 °C, are good.
Water adequately once a week during the growing season, preferably in the evening. Cacti prefer a single larger watering than frequent and smaller waterings. In winter watering should be significantly reduced and even interrupted.
The substrate should contain mineral grit, sand, gravel or cinder. The ideal ratio is 1:1 (mineral grit: soil). A well permeable substrate is a must. In a poorly permeable substrate, which retains moisture for a long time, there is a risk of root rot.
Cacti take up nutrients from the substrate. If cacti are repotted, fertilisation is undesirable. If we choose to fertilise, we use a fertiliser specifically designed for cacti or succulents.
They suffer most often from woolly moths, silkworms or rootworms. Slugs (snails and slugs) are also a common problem, as they are able to bite the plants unsightly. If insects are present, use appropriate insecticides. We recommend Mospilan, which can be found in any garden shop.
It is advisable to repot plants in early spring. Remove the cactus from the pot, remove the old substrate, allow the roots to dry and use a new substrate (see text above for substrate composition).
There are two ways to propagate the cactus. Vegetatively and generatively, e.g. by cutting and sowing.
