How Often Should You Water a Cactus? (Beginner’s Guide)🌵
Watering is the trickiest part of cactus care — and the #1 place beginners make mistakes. The good news? Once you understand how cacti drink, watering becomes simple and predictable.
Basic Rule: Only Water When the Soil Is Completely Dry
Cacti store water in their stems, so they don’t need frequent watering. Letting the soil dry out between waterings prevents rot.
General Watering Schedule
Spring & Summer (Growing Season)
Indoors: every 7–14 days
Outdoors: every 5–10 days depending on heat
Fall & Winter (Dormant Season)
Every 3–6 weeks
Some species barely need water at all
How to Check if Your Cactus Needs Water
Use the “3-point dryness check”:
Stick your finger 2–3 inches into soil
Lift the pot — is it light?
Look for slight rib flex or skin wrinkles
If dry on all counts → water.
How Much Water Should You Use?
Water deeply until:
The soil is fully soaked
Water drains through the bottom
Then let the plant dry completely before watering again.
Avoid tiny “sips” — they cause weak, shallow roots.
Signs of Underwatering
Wrinkling
Shriveling
Lighter color
Slow growth during summer
Signs of Overwatering
Mushy or soft base
Black or brown spots
Sour smell
Soil stays wet too long
If this happens, stop watering and improve airflow immediately.
Seasonal Adjustments
Hot weather: needs more frequent watering
Cold weather: cut watering way back
Low light: water less
Grow lights: mimic warm-season schedules
Conclusion
Learning your cactus’s watering rhythm is key to keeping it healthy. Once you get familiar with how long your soil takes to dry, watering becomes easy and intuitive.
