Finding the perfect spot for your cacti is all about matching their soil and light to where they’d live in the wild. Since the cactus family is split into two main groups—desert cacti and forest (or leaf) cacti—they have pretty different ideas of what “home sweet home” looks like.
Here’s the lowdown on how to keep your prickly (and not-so-prickly) friends happy:
It’s All About Their Roots (Literally)
If you check out a cactus profile, you’ll see these survival experts hail from everywhere—deserts and prairies to tropical rainforests and high mountains across the Americas. Where they started out tells you exactly how much sun they need today.
Desert cacti are total sun-worshippers. Here in the States, they’ll be happiest in a south- or southwest-facing window where they can soak up those rays all day. On the flip side, leaf cacti (the ones from the rainforest) prefer partial shade. They love that soft morning or evening glow but can’t handle the harsh midday sun.
Loose & Airy: The Best Soil for Cacti
When you’re potting a cactus, you want a mix that breathes. A good DIY blend usually involves potting soil mixed with expanded clay, lava rock, or coarse sand. While cacti are tough enough to survive in most clay or humus-rich soils, they really thrive in mineral-heavy, well-draining dirt.
If you’re planting them outdoors, aim for slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You’ll also want to prep the ground well to make sure they don’t get “wet feet” during the winter. For indoor pots, your best bet is to grab a bag of specialized cactus mix from your local garden center or online—it takes the guesswork out of it!
The Balcony: A Summer Vacation Spot
Most cacti absolutely love spending their summer on a sunny balcony. That direct sunlight is often the “secret ingredient” that gets them to show off those gorgeous, vibrant blooms. Just remember: while leaf cacti enjoy the fresh breeze, they’d much rather hang out in a shady corner than bake in the sun.
Pro Tip: Your rainforest cacti (like Christmas or Thanksgiving cacti) will feel right at home if you place them under the dappled shade of a leafy tree canopy!
