The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Cactus Care
A simple, clear, beginner-friendly guide to growing healthy cacti.
Most cacti thrive in bright, indirect light or morning sunlight. South- or east-facing windows are ideal for indoor collectors.
Signs your cactus needs more light:
Leaning toward the window
Pale, stretched growth (etiolation)
Slower growth than normal
If your home doesn’t get strong light, a grow light can help keep your plants compact and healthy.
See Our Full Light Requirements Guide Here
Personal Story Here
Watering Basics
Cacti don’t like soggy roots. As a beginner rule:
Water only when the soil is completely dry.
During active growing seasons (spring and summer), that might be:
Every 7–14 days indoors
Every 5–10 days outdoors, depending on heat
During fall and winter:
Water once every 3–6 weeks
Some species almost stop drinking entirely
Best Soil For Cacti
Cacti need a fast-draining soil mix. Avoid regular potting soil — it holds too much moisture.
A good cactus mix includes:
Cactus/succulent soil
Pumice, perlite, or coarse sand
Optional: small bark or lava rock
Your soil should feel gritty, airy, and able to dry quickly between waterings.
Choosing the Right Pot
Cacti need a fast-draining soil mix. Best pot types:
Terracotta (top choice for beginners)
Unglazed clay
Plastic pots with many drainage holes
Make sure every pot has:
A drainage hole
Enough room around the roots (but not too much)
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overwatering
The #1 cause of cactus problems.
❌ Using the wrong soil
Heavy, compact soil causes rot.
❌ Too little light
This leads to stretched, weak growth.
❌ Potting in oversized containers
This keeps soil wet too long.
Typically, we believe that our cacti will not grow larger if the pot is not large to give the roots room to expand. The reason this is wrong when it comes to cacti is because the larger the pot, the more soil is in the pot, the more soil, the more water is retained for longer periods, this can cause root rot.
BONUS TIP: Try to limit your pot size to 1 - 2 inches outside of the base of the plant and deep enough that the roots are not crammed.
Your Simple Care Routine
Check soil moisture weekly
Rotate plants every 2–3 weeks for even growth
Increase light slowly
Reduce watering in winter
Repot when roots fill the pot
Remember the pleasure in process not the result
Learn More About Cacti
View Our Cacti Education Hub If You Are Looking For:
Ready to Keep Growing?
Receive more beginner-friendly guides, tips, and inspiration for your cactus collection right to your email every week
