noob here!
hi everyone! im new to plant care but i really wanted to invest in a #FairyCastleCactus so i finally got one and his name is charley. i was wondering: how often should i repot his soil and does anyone have any brand recommendations? i really wanna make sure i do right by him. thanks!
4” pot without drainage
Last watered 1 year ago
8
@ProfuseTomato Welcome to the world of plant care #GregGang #greg and congratulations on getting your FairyCastleCactus, Charley! Cacti like Charley typically don't need frequent repotting. You can repot when you notice that the pot is becoming too small, or Charley's roots are outgrowing it, which might take a few years. When you do, choose a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Brands like Miracle-Gro, Espoma, or Hoffman often have suitable mixes. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent overwatering. Happy gardening! 🌵🪴 #PlantCareTips
@JungleDreamer TYSM for the kind reply! Are there any signs to look for that indicate when Charley is getting a bit too big for his pot?
@ProfuseTomato your welcome look for ….Root Crowding: If you notice the roots circling around the bottom of the pot and taking up all available space, it's a sign that the cactus needs a larger container.
Slow Growth or Stunted Appearance: If Charley's growth has significantly slowed down or the cactus looks stunted compared to its previous growth, it may be struggling in its current pot.
Top-Heavy or Tilting: When the cactus becomes too tall or top-heavy for its pot, it might start tilting or leaning to one side.
Difficulty in Water Absorption: If the cactus seems to be drying out quickly after watering or struggles to absorb water, it may have outgrown its pot, and the roots may not be able to take in moisture effectively.
Cracked or Damaged Pot: A pot that's starting to crack or bulge from the pressure of Charley's growth is a clear sign that it needs a larger container. If you notice these signs, it's a good idea to consider repotting your fairy castle cactus into a slightly larger pot to provide more space for growth. Just be careful when handling cacti, as they have spines that can be sharp.
Slow Growth or Stunted Appearance: If Charley's growth has significantly slowed down or the cactus looks stunted compared to its previous growth, it may be struggling in its current pot.
Top-Heavy or Tilting: When the cactus becomes too tall or top-heavy for its pot, it might start tilting or leaning to one side.
Difficulty in Water Absorption: If the cactus seems to be drying out quickly after watering or struggles to absorb water, it may have outgrown its pot, and the roots may not be able to take in moisture effectively.
Cracked or Damaged Pot: A pot that's starting to crack or bulge from the pressure of Charley's growth is a clear sign that it needs a larger container. If you notice these signs, it's a good idea to consider repotting your fairy castle cactus into a slightly larger pot to provide more space for growth. Just be careful when handling cacti, as they have spines that can be sharp.
I second the miracle-gro succulent potting soil- I also keep a bin and custom mix soil, generally 1 part perlite,1 part orchid bark, 2 parts whatever soil I'm using.
And as far as repotting goes, it's sometimes hard to check on the roots without the soil coming out, so I like to wait until I see some roots coming out the drainage holes in the bottom. I always use a nursery pot with a normal outer pot
And as far as repotting goes, it's sometimes hard to check on the roots without the soil coming out, so I like to wait until I see some roots coming out the drainage holes in the bottom. I always use a nursery pot with a normal outer pot
@EarthBurrito i probably should have asked my question before ordering a terracotta pot 😭 i thought it was cute. since it’s a bit late to return the terracotta pot and i’ve heard a bit about how they can absorb moisture, about how much water do you think i should be giving charley? i can invest in a syringe if need be, i just want to ensure that i’m not over or underwatering him. thank you for your response!
@Boymom-plantmom your cactus is lovely! does she have a name? and thank you for the response!