Cactus

Great cacti for indoors

The cactus is an old friend among the houseplants and all the way back! With its robust look, prickly charm and minimal care requirements, it is back in fashion. The striking spines and often imposing shape, give the cactus a unique character that immediately attracts attention. Be careful when unpacking: those spines are so sharp for a reason!

Did you know that there are hundreds of varieties of cacti? From large eye-catchers to cute minis. Some well-known varieties are the Euphorbia (desert cactus), the graceful Rhipsalis and the great Opuntia.

What all cacti have in common? They are perfect for people who have little time or green fingers. This plant requires almost no attention and effortlessly survives a forgotten watering. Ideal for those who are often away from home or just love convenience and style at home.

Origin of the cactus

You probably know that cacti often grow in deserts, but did you know that by no means all of them come from dry sandy plains? Cacti are native to Africa, Central and South America. They grow in the most diverse places: from tropical islands and mountain areas to sweltering deserts. In short: cacti are true survivors and adapt effortlessly to different environments. You can therefore encounter them in surprisingly many places!

Is a cactus poisonous?

Certain cacti are poisonous. Especially when damage occurs to the plant and white sap comes out of the stem, be careful. For example, this white sap on the Euphorbia is known as spurge and is toxic to humans. If you get this sap on your skin, in your eye or in your mouth, contact a doctor immediately.

In addition, the sharp spines of cacti are not only painful, but can also cause wounds or irritations. So don't get too close, and certainly not on a cactus! If spines get into furniture or carpet, remove them as soon as possible to avoid nasty surprises. Prefer a plant that is 100% safe for households with pets or small children? Then take a look at our animal-friendly houseplants.

Can a cactus bloom?

A cactus may seem like a somewhat boring plant at first glance, but appearances can be deceiving. In winter, the cactus is in a kind of hibernation, but in spring a cactus can start to bloom, provided it gets enough sunlight! Several species of cacti have very beautiful flowers. So that makes your cactus a flowering houseplant in spring!

How do you care for a cactus?

Good news: the cactus is one of the easiest houseplants to take care of! Perfect for those who don't want to deal with a plant every week. Still, there are a few points of interest. The biggest danger to your cactus? Too much water! Cacti actually like dry periods, so make sure you don't water too often. Learn carefully when and how much water you give so your plant stays healthy.

Because of its easy care, the cactus is ideal for students, for example, or anyone with a busy life who still wants a green touch in their home.

Watering a cactus

The main reason cacti don't survive is too much water. We have some handy tips so that you give your cactus just enough water. Not too little, but especially not too much.

A cactus hardly evaporates any water because it has few stomata. Moreover, the stem of the cactus stores water, allowing it to go months without water. This makes it strong, but also sensitive to excess water.

Keeping the soil dry in low temperatures is recommended. The cactus can survive well in the winter months on 1 watering every 3 months. If the cactus is in a warm living room, watering once a month is enough to keep it happy! In summer, the cactus needs a little more, but for now, be careful not to water too much.

The ideal habitat for cacti

Cacti are generally not demanding when it comes to their location. They do well in both light and shaded areas. A popular species like the Euphorbia is incredibly flexible and can be placed almost anywhere. Whether you put it in full sun, partial shade or even in a slightly darker spot, the Euphorbia will stand up effortlessly. Normal daylight is usually enough.

Repotting a cactus

Want to put your cactus in a bigger pot? Then read these tips carefully first, so you don't get pricked by the spines! Repotting a cactus can be tricky; the sharp spines make it easy to injure yourself. When repotting, always choose a decorative pot which is about 20% larger than the current grow pot. This way you give the cactus enough room to take root and continue growing. Although cacti grow slowly and usually do not grow very large, some extra space in the pot is important for healthy development.

To protect yourself while repotting, it is strongly recommended that you wear sturdy gloves. Some cacti have such hard and sharp spines that they effortlessly pierce through a towel or even thick gloves. In that case, it is best to wrap a cardboard box or a piece of rolled-up newspaper around the cactus for extra protection. That way you can safely handle the plant without hurting yourself.

Pruning cacti

Pruning a cactus is not an easy job! When your cactus gets too big, you may need to shorten it slightly. Just keep in mind that you will again have to deal with the infamous, sharp spines. So always wear sturdy gloves, even when pruning. Does your cactus have many branches? Then you can carefully cut away some of these side branches. Just make sure not to cut into the main stem, as this can damage the plant and make recovery difficult.

Pay special attention if you have a Euphorbia pruning. This plant contains a white, milky sap that is released as soon as you cut into it. This is called spurge. Spurge is toxic and can cause skin irritation on contact, so be careful and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Fortunately, the leaking stops on its own and the sap dries up over time.

Nutrition for your cactus

Wondering what your cactus eats? The cactus is a houseplant that grows relatively slowly. Therefore, it needs very little nutrition. It is an easy houseplant that you need to do almost nothing to! In the fall, the cactus needs no nutrition at all. In the summer months you could possibly give special cactus food to the plant. This is not a necessity, the cactus will also do fine with normal universal power supply.

Buying a cactus at Green Bubble

Buying a cactus is quick and easy at Green Bubble! When you buy a plant, of course you want it to be healthy, strong and of top quality. That's why we at Green Bubble make sure that only the best cacti, fresh from the grower, are delivered to your home every day.

We won't be happy until you are too. Don't feel like lugging a plant from the garden center? No problem! In our webshop you can easily order your favorite cactus online, without any hassle. So you never have to drag heavy plants around again, but you will receive your new green friend home quickly and safely.

At Green Bubble, convenience, quality and satisfaction are paramount. Want a strong, easy to care for cactus in your home? Order it today and experience it for yourself. Join the Green Bubble!