How Often Do You Need to Water a Baby Cactus?

New Seedlings

• Water newly germinated cacti with a spray bottle or bottom water pan. Keep the soil moist during the germination period and during the first few weeks of growth. Cactus plants are susceptible to root rot when the soil is too damp. The soil mixture should feel like a damp sponge and have no areas of standing water. The baby cactus can remain in the same growing tray until a healthy root system develops.

Transplants

• The baby cactus should be transplanted into its own growing pot as soon as the seedling leaves are enveloped by the new growth. After transplanting the baby cactus, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Do not allow the potting mixture to completely dry out as this damages the new root system and subsequently the baby cactus. A good way to keep moisture in the soil is using a potting mixture with perlite in the mix.

Winter Watering Schedule

• Some cactus plants, such as the Christmas cactus, bloom during the time when other cacti are dormant. Depending upon the baby cactus species, the watering schedule changes during the winter months. If your cactus grows outdoors in pots, only water when the top 3 inches of soil are dry. For cacti grown indoors, check the soil every few days for moisture. The dry heat inside a home during the winter quickly evaporates the water in the planting mix. Water when the soil in the pot is dry. Do not feed the baby cactus during the dormant period.

Avoid Fungal Rot

• Any new plant is susceptible to root rot or other bacterial rot and pests. Limit exposure to bacteria by keeping the top of the soil clear from debris and dead plant material. Allow the water to run through the planter when watering. This flushes harmful salts and bacteria from the soil. Once the planter drains, empty the drip tray to avoid bacterial build up in the standing water.