Should I Water My Cactus When It's Blooming?

Type of Water

• Though tap water is the most common type of water used to irrigate plants, it often contains chemicals, such as chlorine and fluoride, and minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that can be detrimental to the health of your cactus. When possible, irrigate the cactus with spring, purified, filtered or rain water instead. If you must use tap water, let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow the chlorine and fluoride to dissipate.

Watering Rain Forest Cacti

• Rain forest cacti, such as the popular Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus, are moisture-loving succulents that thrive in humid conditions. These types of cacti should be irrigated frequently during their growing season. Water your rain forest cactus weekly in the spring to maintain consistently moistened soil until the plant starts to form flower buds. Then, reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry thoroughly between irrigations. According to the Colorado State University Extension, allowing the cactus to dry out a bit during its blooming phase will intensify the color of its blossoms.

Watering Arid Climate Cacti

• Arid climate cacti, such as the star, barrel and prickly pear cactus, require less frequent irrigation than their rain forest counterparts. Water arid climate cacti thoroughly every seven to 10 days during the spring and summer months; maintaining this irrigation schedule is especially important while the plant is setting its buds and blooming. Allow arid climate cacti to dry out a bit between waterings; the top 2 inches of soil should be almost completely dry before the plant receives its next irrigation.

Dangers of Overwatering

• Both rain forest and arid climate cacti require extremely well-drained soil for healthy growth. Never allow your cactus to stand in water; waterlogged soil will quickly cause the plant's roots to rot. To avoid overwatering, always check the moisture of the soil before irrigating your cactus. An easy way to do this is by inserting a pencil into the soil to a depth of approximately 2 inches and promptly removing it; if there is no soil clinging to the pencil, it's time to water.