Cacti are a noble plant that gives a certain beauty and good energy to our home. To those who say that cacti do not need much care, but this is not entirely true. Cacti, like any other plant, require certain conditions to grow strong and healthy.
The behavior of cacti is often related to that of humans. Since they cover their body with thorns to protect it from danger and when they feel comfortable they provide the most beautiful flower. If the cactus is dissatisfied or needs watering, it will let you know with the following signs.
1. The earth dries up
When our plant’s soil begins to dry out or become caked, our cactus is giving us an indicator that it is time to water it. The cracked earth is the result of our prickly friend having drunk all the water and needing to consume more.
Ideally, the soil should always be kept moist. This will contribute to the growth and health of our cactus. We will see him happier if he receives the necessary amount of water. You can place products or nutrients that help aerate the soil so that it stays moisturized for longer.
2. The cactus will turn yellow
Like the rest of the plants, the cactus changes color depending on how hydrated and healthy it is. Through these changes they will be sharing their emotional state with us. If the cactus is green it is because it is healthy and hydrated.
On the other hand, when the cactus begins to change its greenish tones for yellow or brown, it is because it is drying. If you notice these color changes, do not water it abundantly because it could drown. Start watering it periodically and it may regain its color.
3. Your skin wrinkles
As with colors, the texture of your skin will also tell us if you are not feeling well. The cactus’s skin should be smooth and thick but this changes when it encounters a lack of water. Cacti usually tolerate droughts but when they reach a limit point they make drastic decisions.
If you notice that your cactus’s skin is wrinkled, this is because it is drinking its reserve liquid. This liquid is stored in the fleshy body of the cactus and when they drink it they begin to dry out. This will be one of the last options you have to survive. If you start watering it over time it will return to its normal shape.
4. It will begin to reduce its size
There are different types of cacti, some are larger, some are a little smaller and some are tiny, but there is no cactus that can shrink once it has grown. If you notice that your cactus has started to lose its size, it is due to lack of water.
The best option for the cactus to regain its shape is to start watering more frequently. Likewise, you should always be careful not to waterlog the soil because this can cause the roots to rot and fungi to form. Which can kill the cactus completely.
Other tips to keep our cactus in good condition
- It is necessary that we know how to regulate its irrigation depending on the environment in which it is located. You have to take into account the climate, the type of pot and the space.
- In winter and with the cactus outdoors you should reduce watering to avoid frost.
- In winter and indoors, water it from time to time to prevent it from drying out.
- In spring or summer it is recommended to maintain a watering frequency of ten to twelve days.
- If it is in a clay pot you can space out the watering more. This is for both interior and exterior.
- To completely check the lack of water you can bury a toothpick in the ground. If it comes out somewhat wet, there is no need to water it, but if it comes out dry, it is because it needs water.
- If you notice that it is not recovering its shape with watering, you may need to transplant it very carefully to new soil.
- If you notice that the cactus has turned yellow only in the areas that are touched by sunlight, it is recommended that you move it to a shady place.
