Cacti usually celebrate their debut as houseplants 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.
How do you properly care for cacti on the windowsill?
Cacti on the windowsill need a sunny location, regular watering with lime-free water, occasional fertilization and a cool winter period. Alternate dryness and moisture without causing waterlogging and adapt care to the respective cactus type.
Window sill facing south is ideal – tips on the location
The most beautiful cactus species are enthusiastic sun worshipers. Therefore, choose a window sill with a southwest, southeast or west orientation. The purely south-facing window should have shading, as direct 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 change between dryness and penetrating moisture in the substrate. The size of the plant largely determines the watering intervals. This is how it works:
- Water small cacti every 5 to 8 days from March to the end of August/beginning of September
- Water large cactus species every 3 to 4 weeks
- Let the substrate almost dry out in order to water it thoroughly without causing waterlogging
- Add a liquid cactus fertilizer (€7.00 on Amazon) to the water every second watering session
Please only use lime-free, room temperature water, such as collected rainwater or stale tap water.
He althy wintering thanks to a change of location
If your cacti continue to linger on the windowsill in the cozy, well-heated living room in winter, you will wait in vain for them to bloom next year. In order for the succulents to produce 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 care 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 receive a little water now and then so that the root ball does not dry out.
Tip
In contrast to thorny desert cacti, cacti without thorns want to linger in a partially shaded window seat. Leaf cacti also love high humidity. Therefore, the exotic plants are pampered with a gentle spray of lime-free water every 1 to 2 days.
