How to Plant and Care for a Cactus

Whether you are planting on the ground or transplanting to a new container, follow our cactus planting guide for best results on how to plant and care for your cactus or succulent.

How do I plant my cactus on the ground?

1. Pick the perfect spot to plant   
    • Consider the plants estimated height and spread when mature.
    • Choose a location where it will receive the amount of sunlight it needs.

2. Dig a hole

    • Make the hole twice the width of the rootball and slightly deeper. 

3. Remove the rooted cactus from the container

    • Lay your cactus on its side and step or tap on the bottom of the container by grabbing it from its base, or use tongs to handle it, making sure not to damage any roots in the process. 
    • Gently slide it out of the container by grabbing it from its base, or use tongs to handle it, making sure not to damage any roots in the process. 

    4. Add gravel to the bottom of the hole

      • Add 3-4 inches of gravel to the bottom of the hole. This will help the water drain out quicker. 
    5. Place the plant in the hole
      • Fill the bottom of the hole with soil so that when you place the cactus in the hole, it sits level with the ground. 
      • Backfill around the rootball with potting soil specific for cactus and succulents. 
      • Firmly press the soil around the cactus to remove any air pockets, adding more soil as needed to level out the terrain. 
      • Make sure the cactus sits above soil level.

    How do I transplant my Cactus to a new container?

     

    1. Choose a pot
      • Select a pot slightly larger than the old container or pot and make sure it has drainage.
    2. Add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the new pot
      • This will help the soil drain better and avoid root rot. 
    3. Remove plant from current container or growing pot
      • Remove the cactus from the container by laying it on its side and gently tapping on the bottom of the container to loosen the plant. 
      • Carefully slide it out of the container grabbing it from its base, being mindful not to damage the roots in the process. 
    4. Plant cactus in new pot
      • Fill the bottom of the planter with fresh potting soil.
      • Place the cactus or succulent at the center of the planter and backfill around the sides, packing the soil down with your hands to eliminate air pockets. 
      • If you are planting a cutting, pack the soil a bit tighter to ensure it stays upright. 
      • Even out the soil on top, ensuring the cactus is at the same level as the top of the planter. 
    5. Water thoroughly but slowly
      • Water slowly to give the soil time to absorb the water. Otherwise, it may spill over the edge or drain too quickly, without nourishing the roots.
      • You know the cactus has enough water when it starts coming out of the drainage holes. 
      • Follow the watering recommendations for your specific cactus or succulent, or use a moisture meter and water when roots are dry. 

      Cactus Care 

      SUNLIGHT

      Cactus and Succulents need at least 8 hours of indirect bright light per day, and as much direct sun as possible.

      WATER

      Cacti need very little water

      • After planting or transplanting, refrain from watering for a few days to allow any damaged roots time to heal. 
      • Water only when the soil is completely dry. A moisture meter can help ensure accurate watering. 
      • Overwatering or poor drainage can damage the roots over time and cause root rot.

      Watering frequency depends on the season and outside temperature:

      • Summer: Water once every two weeks.
      • Winter: Water once every two months. 

      FERTILIZATION

      Fertilize once a month during Spring and Summer months with a Cacti & Succulent specific fertilizer, following label instructions.

      SOIL

      • Use a cactus and succulent specific soil mix, providing the ideal balance of organic and inorganic elements for the plant to thrive. 
      • When repotting, always replace the old soil with fresh potting mix.
      Alexandra Moreno

      Alexandra Moreno

      Alexandra is a landscape designer and tropical plant and palm expert. She has been designing gardens and providing plant design consulting for over a decade, and prides herself in her extensive knowledge of tropical plants. She designs from her home in tropical Colombia, where she gathers daily inspiration for her designs and articles.