Cacti (Cactaceae) are a group of succulent plants adapted to arid environments, notable for their ability to store water in their stems and reduce leaf area to spines to minimize water loss. Most cactus species have spherical or columnar stems, grow slowly, but have a long lifespan.
Flowering cacti (Cactus species)
Flowering Classification Cactus (Flowering cacti) such as Echinocereus reichenbachii, Gymnocalycium bruchii, Echinopsis 'Rose Quartz'‘
1. Echinocereus reichenbachii
2. Gymnocalycium bruchii
3. Echinopsis 'Rose Quartz'
4. Copiapoa tenuissima
5. Echinopsis subdenutata 'dominoes'
6. Gymnocalycium anisitsii
7. Mammillaria backebergiana
8. Parodia magnifica
9. Echinocereus triglochidiatus
10. Mammillaria bocosana
11. Carnegiea gigantea
12. Rebutia 'sunrise'
13. Parodia werneri
14. Opuntia humifusa
15. Mammillaria gracilis
Common characteristics of flowering cacti
What makes cacti so popular is that their flowers often bloom brilliantly in striking colors like red, yellow, pink, orange, or white. Flowers usually appear when the plant is mature and receives the right amount of light and nutrients.
Suitable growing medium for cacti
Cacti don't like soil that retains water for long periods. The ideal growing medium needs to be... Fast drainage and good ventilation..
Common recipe:
- 40% soil or rice husk ash
- 30% coarse sand / perlite / pumice
- 20% coal slag or small stones
- 10% decomposed organic fertilizer
It is important that water drains quickly after watering to prevent root rot.
Light for cacti
Most cacti need plenty of light to grow well and bloom.
Recommendation:
- At least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Ideal location: balcony, sunny window, rooftop terrace
- If growing indoors, place the plant near a window or use grow lights.
Lack of light causes plants to:
- Soft, long, and out of shape.
- Light color
- Few or no flowers
Water properly
The most common mistake when growing cacti is overwatering.
Principle:
- Only water when the soil is completely dry.
- During the dry season: water every 5–7 days.
- Rainy or cold season: once every 10–14 days
- Do not let water stand in the basin.
It's best to water thoroughly once and then let the water dry completely before watering again.
Fertilizer for cacti
Cacti don't need a lot of fertilizer, but proper fertilization helps them grow healthier and flower more easily.
Suggest:
- Apply organic microbial fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer every 2–3 months.
- Fertilizer can be used. NPK Dilute the soil to encourage flowering during the growing season.
- Do not fertilize when the plant is dormant or in cold weather.
Over-fertilizing can easily make plants soft, causing them to grow quickly but weakly.
When do cacti bloom?
Cacti usually flower when:
- The tree is mature enough.
- Received sufficient light
- There is a dry period during the cool season.
- Avoid frequent repotting or changes in environment.
Some species can bloom multiple times a year if conditions are favorable.
Common mistakes when caring for cacti
Common problems encountered by new players:
- Watering too frequently
- Use soil to retain water for a long time.
- Plant in a place with insufficient sunlight.
- Over-fertilizing
- Leaving the tree exposed to rain for many days.
Simply fixing these problems will ensure the plant is healthy and flowers regularly.
