Care for a Flowering Succulent Cactus

Cacti belong to the succulent family of plants. They store moisture in their fleshy leaves, making them tolerant of dry soil and desert conditions. Flowering cacti, especially those grown as houseplants, have segmented leaves with spines along the edges. They produce colorful flowers in a variety of colors. Flowering cacti include the Christmas cactus and Easter cactus, among others. Flowering cacti typically are grown as indoor plants, as they can't tolerate winter cold or the high levels of moisture in most garden beds.

Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any decorative wrapping from the pot. Set the pot on top a drip tray if one didn't come with the pot.
- 2
  Place the cactus near a window where the plant receives direct sun all day. Light from a south-facing window usually provides ample sun.
- 3
  Water the cactus when the soil dries out but before its leaflets begin to wither. Provide water until it runs from the bottom of the pot, and empty the drip tray after each watering.
- 4
  Fertilize the cactus twice yearly in early spring and late summer. Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer at the rate recommended on the label for the plant's pot size.
- 5
  Induce flowering in holiday flowering cacti by providing the plant with complete darkness for 12 hours a day in late fall or early winter. This practice is known as short-day treatment. The cactus sets flower buds after six weeks of short-day treatment.

Useful Facts on Cactuses

What to Know When Planting a Cactus in Your Front Yard

Growing Cactus