"I really love plants, but I'd like to get a pet. I'm considering getting a cat-cus!"

Cactus and Succulents are a group of plants that are very very easy to grow, plus they come in a wide variety of shapes, color and form. Requiring little care and they love the sun all of which makes them great plants to grow indoor and/or outdoor. 

They can be grown in any sunny, well-drained area. They require little maintenance. They make excellent houseplants and many hardy varieties may be grown outside. 

Location:  Most cacti and succulents love light. either natural or artificial light will work.  Cactus thrives with different intensities of light which are full sun, filtered light and shade.   Be sure to locate the cactus in its preferred lighting.  Since most plants sits in the same spot every day causing some sides from getting even light.  Therefore where ever possible rotating your prickly pals will ensure even growth and prevent them from leaning towards the light. 

Soil:  Generally, most cactus and succulents prefer cactus soil while most house plants prefer potting soil.  The difference is in how quickly they drain.  Potting soils tend to retain water better while cactus mixes are much more porous so they don't retain as much water.  Don't use garden!  It is way to heavy for most cactus and will drown their roots.

In Containers:  Cactus need good drainage.  Always make sure whatever pot you use has excellent drainage as this helps to prevent over watering and allows the cacti to dry out between watering.  Be sure to pick the right size pit for your plant.  If a pot is too big for your plant, it can create a space for holding too much water which can lead to root rot.  If it's too small then the plant will need to to be repotted too quickly.  

Grooming:  Cactus are not easy to get clean especially when dust gets between the spines, as you cant just easily brush or wipe the leave off dust and grime like you can with soft leaved plants.  First thing to do is look around the plant for died or dried leaves and pull them off.  (Long tweezers can help)  Secondly take and an old toothbrush and gently brush the dust or use a hose or pump spray that shoots enough pressure and remove the dust an dirt.  Note:  Use a mild soapy water to clean your cactus and leafy plants or a good natural horticultural soap. 

Feeding:  Cactus grown in pots require a good fertilizer since the potting soil nutrients get used up and leech out over time.   These plants are hungry in Spring, Summer and early Fall when they are actively growing.  A good 15-15-30 cactus fertilizer is best.   Follow the manufactures recommendations on the package.  You can also use a low nitrogen fertilizer or a slow acting organic fertilizer like fish emulsion.

Watering:  The most common killer of cacti and succulents (true for most plants)is over-watering, A moisture meter is the best way to gauge how dry or wet the soil is. If in doubt, don’t water!   During peak growing season in spring and summer succulents need more water. Water every 1-2 weeks, depending on how hot it is. In summer, when the temperatures are over 90 degrees, reduce watering to every two weeks. Plants go dormant when the temperature is too high and can survive on the water they have stored.