How to Grow a Bridgesii Cactus

Select a planting site for a bridgesii cactus. This plant grows well as a container plant and also thrives outside in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 and up, so long as the soil does not remain wet for prolonged periods.

Keep a bridgesii cactus in a growing medium with a mineral base. An outside plant grows best in a growing medium that consists primarily of sand. A potted bridgesii cactus has a higher tolerance for compost and soil, since you can control the watering schedule for a potted plant.

Water a bridgesii cactus with 1 inch of water during the growing season when the soil is almost completely dry. Discontinue watering when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. An outside cactus should not require supplemental watering after the first growing season unless it is in an extremely arid environment.

Apply a 5-5-5 liquid fertilizer once per month during the growing season. A potted bridgesii cactus may also benefit from additional compost so long as the soil has good drainage.

Place a young bridgesii cactus in partial shade to acclimate it to the sun. A mature plant grows best in full sun.

Prune a young bridgesii for cosmetic purposes only. The cut surface will not produce new growth, although the stem will produce growth buds below the cut.