- South-facing window sill is ideal - location tips
- How to properly water and fertilize cacti on the windowsill
- Healthy hibernation thanks to change of location
Cacti usually celebrate their premiere as indoor plants on the windowsill. Since this habitat differs significantly from the natural habitats of desert plants, proper care is important. Important aspects such as location, watering, fertilizing and overwintering are examined in more detail here.
South windows like cacti best
South-facing window sill is ideal - location tips
The most beautiful species of cacti are avid sunbathers. Therefore, choose a window sill with a southwest, southeast or west orientation as the location. The pure south-facing window should have a shade, since blazing sunlight is unfavorable in summer. A temperature level between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius is desirable.
How to properly water and fertilize cacti on the windowsill
In order to properly water succulent cacti on the windowsill during the growth and flowering period, there is a regular alternation between dryness and penetrating moisture in the substrate. The size of the plant largely determines the watering intervals. That is how it goes:
- Water small cacti every 5 to 8 days from March to late August/early September
- Water large cactus species every 3 to 4 weeks
- Allow the substrate to almost dry out in order to water it thoroughly without causing waterlogging
- Add a liquid cactus fertilizer to the water every other watering
Please only use lime-free, room-warm water, such as collected rainwater or stagnant tap water.
Healthy hibernation thanks to change of location
If your cacti continue to linger on the windowsill in the cosy, warm, well-heated living room in winter, you will wait in vain for a flowering period next year. So that the succulents create new buds, they move to a bright location with temperatures between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius. The unheated bedroom is perfect for this purpose.
Modified maintenance is associated with the change of location. This includes gradually stopping the water supply from September and no longer fertilizing. From November to February, overwintering cacti only get a sip of water every now and then to keep the root ball from drying out.
tips
In contrast to thorny desert cacti, cacti without spines like to stay in a partially shaded window seat. Leaf cacti also love high humidity. Therefore, the exotic plants are spoiled every 1 to 2 days with a gentle spray of lime-free water.