How often you should water a cactus depends on the species, age of the plant, climate, amount of sunlight, pot size and type, and soil composition
. During the spring and summer, you may need to water your cactus every 10 to 14 days
. In the fall and winter, you may only need to water it every 4 to 6 weeks
. To determine whether your cactus needs water:
- Check the soil: Before watering, make sure the soil is completely dry by sticking your finger an inch deep into the soil
. If it's dry, it's time to water
- Use a moisture meter: Use a soil moisture meter to ensure the soil is around 15% moisture
When you water your cactus, fully soak the soil until water drains from the pot's drainage hole
. The amount of water needed depends on the season. In the spring and summer, a cactus may need a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water every week or two . During the winter, smaller cacti can go weeks without watering, and larger cacti can survive the entire season without water
. It is best to water cacti in the morning so the soil can dry during the day, which can prevent bacteria from forming
. Using rainwater or distilled water is ideal
