Do you want to know how long does it take for a cactus to grow? You are in the right place, we will tell you what you can do, keep reading.
There is a great variety of shapes and textures of cactus that make them attractive.
You can buy cactus from nurseries, but you can also grow them from seed.
Knowing how long it takes to grow will help you get to know your plant better and in turn will help you have a healthier cactus that is ready to thrive.
Most cactus species grow slowly after an initial growth spurt, usually growing between 1/3 of an inch to an inch per year.
Growing your cactus
- If you are growing your cactus from seed, you should start with a potting soil that is suitable for cacti
- The fundamental requirement is drainage, for this you can mix the soil with some sand
- Waterlogging a cactus can be very detrimental to its growth, so choose a pot with good drainage
- Spread the cactus seeds over the top of the potting soil, use the seeds sparsely and leave adequate space between them
- On top of the seeds, add a thin layer of vermiculite to cover the surface
- Spray the mixture with water until it is moist
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag and leave it in a warm area such as a windowsill or especially sunny greenhouses
- Over the next few weeks you will start to see the seedlings
- When you see them, remove the plastic bag and spray the pots with water
- You should keep your seedlings moist, but not too soggy
- Over the next few months, the seedlings should resemble baby cacti
- At that time, they will be ready for transplanting into individual pots.
Care of a cactus
To care for the growth of your cactus, you must be sure that the individual pots have the same drainage mix that you used to start the seeds.
It is also very necessary that they receive plenty of sunlight for them to grow, for this reason we recommend choosing a south or west facing windowsill.
Temperature
You should also control the temperature of your cactus.
You should keep your cactus warm, between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, and slightly cooler (between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months).
Your cactus will benefit from some time outdoors during the summer, but make sure they are not exposed to too much direct sunlight.
Cactus do not need much watering, especially during the winter months.
You should allow the potting soil to dry out between watering, and you can also use low fertilizer and nitrogen once a month during the growing season (between March and September).
Outdoor cultivation
- You can transplant your cactus outdoors to create a decorative element in your garden by preparing the planting area
- Mix equal parts of an ideal potting mix for cacti with the native soil and make a deep hole 1.5 times wider than the root ball of the cactus
- Plant it with the north side of the plant facing north
- Now backfill around the base with potting soil to stabilize the plant and water a little
- If you want your cactus to live outdoors year-round, you must be sure that the species you transplant is hardy in your climate zone.
How long does it take to grow a cactus?
In one year, your cactus can be the size of a large marble.
In its first two years, the cactus grows very quickly, reaching 12 cm in height.
After that initial period, most cactus species grow between 2.5 and 3 centimeters per year.
Some cactus species grow much faster, such as the spherocactus species.
These species grow from 3/4 inch to 11/2 inches per year.
The saguaro cactus is much more impressive, it can grow up to 12 inches a year in the right conditions, sometimes reaching heights of over 75 feet.
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