It’s best to water the mini plants thoroughly all at once. In their natural habitat, they often get drenched during heavy downpours. Afterward, make sure no water remains in the pot, as this is bad for the roots. Then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. This is about once a month during the summer and once every two months during the winter. Just like with all other plants, rainwater is recommended over tap water for cacti and succulents. Tap water contains too much lime, which is not good for the plant’s health. Also, always make sure the water is at room temperature. During the summer months, the plant requires more water than during its winter dormancy. Keep in mind that if the plant is near a heater, it can dry out more quickly.

Although these plants aren’t particularly demanding when it comes to their location, they thrive best in a bright spot, such as a windowsill. Their natural habitat also typically receives many hours of sunlight each day. If the plants are kept in a spot that’s too dark, you’ll notice it because their growth will become distorted. A cactus will then lose its nice round shape and become thin, elongated, or pointed. The plant is then seeking light. During the summer months, be careful that the cactus doesn’t get sunburned. On a windowsill behind a window, it can get so hot in bright sunlight that it becomes too much even for small cacti. In that case, temporarily move them to a different (but still bright) spot.

Cacti also benefit from a little extra fertilizer every now and then. Special fertilizers have been developed specifically for cacti and succulents. Adding a capful of fertilizer to the water every so often works wonders for these plants!

Cacti aren’t exactly fast growers, but fresh potting mix does these plants a world of good. A cactus only needs to be repotted once every four years. Be sure to always use potting mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents, and choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one.

Repotting a cactus can be a tricky task because of the spines on the plant. Always protect your hands by wearing gloves, or by lifting the cactus out of the pot using a dish towel. Fill the new pot with cactus soil and carefully place the cactus back in using the dish towel. Right after repotting, the plant doesn’t need any extra fertilizer. For the first few weeks, it will get what it needs from the new soil.

It’s possible that, despite all the care tips, the plant isn’t doing very well. In that case, it’s a good idea to check a few things or try a different approach. If parts of the plant look limp or wilted, or if the plant seems to be shrinking, it may be that it hasn’t been watered enough or that it’s in a spot that’s too dark. Water the plant or move it to a different location.

A cactus may also have been overwatered, which can lead to mold and rot. In that case, it’s best to carefully remove the plant from the soil and repot it in new soil specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. It’s important to ensure that excess water can always drain out of the pot by placing the plant in a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. If you put the plant in a pot without drainage holes, the excess water can’t escape, making root rot inevitable. If your cactus already has rot, you can save it by taking cuttings from the healthy part. To learn how to do this, read tip number 10: How do you take cuttings from a cactus?

Flowering cacti, such as the Lidcactus, require slightly different care. The flowers of a flowering cactus appear after a period of dormancy. During this period (winter), the plant does not need water. Place the plant in a cool spot (around 12 degrees) and leave it undisturbed. In the spring, move the plant to a warm and sunny location and water it. During the flowering period, the plant needs to be watered regularly.