Totem pole cacti should be watered deeply once a week in the summer months, and once every two to three weeks during winter when the plant is dormant. However, keep in mind that totem pole cactus can tolerate periods of drought and should not be over-watered as this can cause root rot and abuse of the stems, which can also lead to a bacterial or fungal growth.
To check if your plant needs water, simply insert a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle: if the soil is damp, the plant doesn’t need water yet. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water the totem pole cactus deeply but be sure to allow it to dry out completely between waterings.
Additionally, if possible, water your totem pole cactus with rainwater as it is more acidic and can benefit the cactus more than tap water.
Does a totem pole cactus have thorns?
Yes, totem pole cacti have thorns. The thorns are located along the length of the stem and may vary in size and appearance depending on the variety of cactus. They range from long and slender thorns to short and curved thorns.
Like many other cacti, totem pole cacti possess spines to protect their stems from herbivores and aid in water conservation. As with other cacti, the thorns of totem pole cacti can be painful if touched; it is best to use gardening gloves when handling them and to be extra careful when replanting.
How fast do totem pole cacti grow?
The growth rate of totem pole cacti can vary widely depending on the environment and care they receive. Generally, these cacti have a slow to moderate growth rate and need plenty of patience from the grower.
With ideal conditions and proper care, a totem pole cactus can reach full maturity within 10 years.
Totem pole cacti need plenty of sunshine, warmth and moisture to thrive. They prefer temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). They require soil that drains well and regular watering during the growing season, but also need time to rest in between with little to no water.
They can become easily over-watered, so it’s important to pay attention and adjust your watering habits accordingly.
In order to provide the best care, make sure to give your totem pole cactus plenty of nutrients. You can apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks or a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
You’ll also want to make sure to stay on top of pest control and protect your cacti from any harsh or sudden temperature changes.
If you’re willing to be patient, and you provide your totem pole cactus with the necessary care, they can fill a space with substantial foliage. With the right environment and regular nourishment, your totem pole cactus can reach heights of up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall.
Why is my totem pole cactus soft?
A totem pole cactus (Lemaireocereus marginatus) is a type of cactus that is recognizable for its tall, slim shape, with multiple “arms” similar to a totem pole. Depending on the age of the cactus, it may become soft.
This is mainly caused by the cactus absorbing too much water and not properly draining it out. When a cactus is over-watered, it can become soft and the spines can fall out. Additionally, totem pole cacti can become soft when they are not exposed to enough sunlight or aren’t in the most ideal growing conditions.
If your totem pole cactus is soft, reduce or eliminate the amount of water you give it and make sure it is receiving adequate light. Also, ensure it is planted in a well-draining pot and that the soil is not keeping the cactus too wet.
With a few adjustments, your totem pole cactus should be back to its healthy, hard texture.
How do you tell if a cactus is over or Underwatered?
Knowing when to water your cactus is important for its health. If it is overwatered, it may cause root rot, which can be a costly mistake. On the other hand, if a cactus is underwatered, it won’t be able to grow.
Fortunately, there are a few signs to tell if a cactus is over or underwatered.
Firstly, the most visible sign of underwatering is wilting leaves or shriveled stems. If the cactus looks droopy or flabby, chances are it needs to be watered. The leaves may begin to turn yellow or the skin on the cactus may become wrinkled.
You can also test the soil to see if it is dry by sticking your finger into it about an inch or two deep. If the soil is dry, you should water the cactus.
Another sign of overwatering is soft spots, yellowing, and rotting on the cactus. This can be caused by too much water collecting around the roots and preventing air from getting to them. If you notice these signs on your cactus, it could mean it has root rot and you should immediately reduce watering.
Additionally, if the cactus is sitting in water, it’s a clear sign that it is receiving too much.
Overall, you can tell if a cactus is over or underwatered by paying close attention to it. Wilting and shriveling can indicate an underwatered plant, whereas soft spots and yellowing can indicate an overwatered plant.
As long as you are watering your cactus regularly and not overdoing it, it should stay healthy and happy.
How do you know if your cactus is healthy?
If you want to know if your cactus is healthy, you should check for several signs. First, the cactus should feel firm and very slightly springy when you press on it. If it is mushy, this could indicate rot.
The cactus’ appearance should be vibrant and green; any brown or yellow spots are signs of too much or too little water. Additionally, check that the plant is not wilting or drooping. Lastly, look at the drainage holes of the pot to see if there is anything growing or sticking out, this could be a sign of pests or disease.
After you have checked the cactus for these signs, it’s important to meet its needs in regards to light, water, and soil. Cactus plants are resilient, but they can still suffer if their needs are not met.
How do you make yellow cactus green again?
If you have a yellow cactus that you want to make green again, you can try a few things. Firstly, make sure it is being exposed to enough light and is kept in a warm environment. Cacti typically need 10 – 12 hours of light every day as well as temperatures between 70 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If it is not getting enough light, try supplementing it with some additional indoor lighting like LED or fluorescent lighting. Secondly, make sure the cactus is getting enough water. Cacti should be watered regularly, but don’t overwater it.
Allow the soil to dry completely between each watering. If it’s not getting enough water, it can become stressed and this can cause yellowing. Lastly, you may want to look into fertilizers specific for cactus, as fertilizer can help promote green and healthy growth.
Following these steps should help your cactus get its green color back.
Do you water cactus from the top or bottom?
When watering a cactus, the best way to do it is from the bottom. Some cacti can be sensitive to water, so you don’t want to risk potential damage from water splashing onto their pads or spines from a direct top-down watering session.
To water from the bottom, fill up a container – such as a saucer or tray – with about an inch of water and then place your cactus pot into the container. Allow the plant to soak up the water from the bottom so that it can absorb it slowly.
This ensures that the cactus gets the moisture it needs while avoiding any potential damage.
Can you overwater a cactus?
Yes, it is possible to overwater a cactus. As with any other type of plant, cacti need water to survive, but too much water can cause a variety of issues. Cacti are drought tolerant plants, so they need much less water than other types of plants.
If a cactus is overwatered, the soil will remain too wet for too long, resulting in root rot. Root rot can cause a cactus to develop brown spots or even become mushy. Additionally, overwatering a cactus can cause infection since the wet soil may be more prone to fungal growth.
In order to avoid overwatering, it’s important to first check if the cactus needs water by poking around the soil. If it is dry, then the cactus needs to be watered. When watering, it is important to give the cactus enough, but not too much, water and then make sure the soil drains well.
What is a good cactus fertilizer?
Using a high-quality cactus-specific fertilizer is an effective way of providing the concentrated nutrient mix that cacti need for healthy growth and development. When selecting a fertilizer for cacti, look for one with a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and low amounts of iron, zinc, manganese, and other micronutrients.
The best fertilizers for cacti will also specify a lower nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, such as 3-9-9, to ensure the phosphorus is readily available for use by the cactus. When applied, cactus fertilizer should be activated by mixing it with water and administered at the base of the plant’s stem.
Apply the fertilizer at a rate of one teaspoon per one gallon of water and then water the plant as normal. A single application should be done in spring for long-term growth and in fall for short-term gain, typically with the frequency of every two to four weeks, although actual fertilizer application frequency can vary greatly depending on the type of soil, type of fertilizer, species of cactus and climate.
It is important to not over-fertilize, as it can cause root burn, shoot dieback, and leaves to yellow and drop.
Are tea bags good for succulents?
No, tea bags are not good for succulents. While the compost within the tea bag may be beneficial for succulents in the long run, the tea bag itself is made from fabrics that are not suitable for these plants.
Tea bags typically contain polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester, components which are not biodegradable, and are not meant to break down in soil. These fabrics can also hold too much water, drown the plant’s roots, and promote rot.
Furthermore, the paper used to create tea bags may contain chemicals such as chlorine bleach and dyes, and may contain the pesticides used to produce the tea. These chemicals can harm your succulents, and make them more susceptible to disease.
So, while the convenience of using a tea bag may entice you, it is much safer to use natural, untreated, and preferably biodegradable composts and soils when growing succulents.
Do cacti like tea bags?
No, cacti do not like tea bags. Cacti are succulent plants that grow naturally in the dry desert climates of the Americas. As such, they are adapted to living in warm, arid climates and do not need high levels of moisture like most plants.
Tea bags contain a large amount of moisture and would likely cause root rot in cacti as the wet soil environment would be too much for the plants to handle. Tea bags, or any other material containing a large amount of water, should be avoided when it comes to growing cacti.
For best results, cacti should be planted in sandy, well-draining soil and given plenty of direct sunlight. Water should only be added sparingly, as cacti adapted in arid climates generally do not like wet soil.
