How to Grow Desert Cactus

Wrap the cactus in several layers of newspaper and wear leather gloves when planting in a pot. Mix equal parts of peat moss, potting soil and sand. Pack this quick-draining soil around the roots when planting in a container. Commercial cactus potting soil is commonly used when planting desert cactus.

Place the cactus in a window facing the south or west with direct sun exposure. Desert cacti require six to eight hours of bright light each day. If natural bright light does not occur in the room, hang lights above the cactus to supplement the light.

Keep the temperature in the room in the range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer while the cactus is actively growing. Place the cactus in a sunny, cool room with temperatures between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. Cooling the cactus in the winter encourages it to flower when exposed to warmer temperatures again.

Pour water in the top of the plant pot until it drains out the bottom whenever the top 2 inches of soil is dry between March and September. During the winter, give the cactus 1 cup of water every two weeks to keep it from shriveling.

Feed the cactus once a month with half-strength 5-10-5 water-soluble fertilizer. Only fertilize the desert cactus from June until September. Do not feed the cactus during the cooler fall and winter months.