- How do you water a spherical cactus correctly?
- Does the ball cactus need fertilizer?
- When do you need to repot a spherical cactus?
- What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
- How do you care for a ball cactus in winter?
The spherical cactus, also known as the mother-in-law's seat or mother-in-law's chair, is one of the most commonly grown cactus species. Care is easy, making this cactus the ideal introduction to cactus cultivation. How to properly care for a ball cactus.
The ball cactus should be repotted when the pot has become too small
How do you water a spherical cactus correctly?
In spring and summer, the spherical cactus needs regular watering. Always water when the soil surface is well dry. Be sure to avoid waterlogging.
Rainwater is best for watering. The ball cactus does not tolerate calcareous water.
Does the ball cactus need fertilizer?
You only need to fertilize a leaf cactus if it has been in the same substrate for a long time. Use a cactus fertilizer that you give once a month. With a very nutrient-rich substrate, it is even enough if you only fertilize it every two months. Do not apply fertilizer in winter.
When do you need to repot a spherical cactus?
It is time to repot when the roots have completely penetrated the substrate. Check root growth in spring. If necessary, put the spherical cactus in a larger vessel with fresh substrate. The cactus soil should not be too nutritious.
After repotting, you must not fertilize the ball cactus for several months!
Wrap the cactus in a thick terry towel so that you don't injure yourself on the very pronounced thorns. Ordinary gardening gloves will not suffice, even leather gloves will pierce the spikes.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
If the soil is waterlogged or the substrate is permanently too moist, the roots and later the cactus body will rot.
Check the ball cactus regularly for pests:
- spider mites
- mealybugs
- Mealybug
How do you care for a ball cactus in winter?
In winter, the ball cactus takes a break. It has to be kept a little cooler during this time. Winter temperatures should be between 12 and 15 degrees. It must never be cooler than 10 degrees. The location must be very bright even in winter.
During the winter, water the ball cactus very sparingly and do not fertilize it.
tips
The spherical cactus develops yellow flowers. In the first few years it does not flower. Only at the age of three does it have its first flowering period, which lasts from July to September.