There’s nothing quite like a cactus to add some instant character to your windowsill. They’re the ultimate low-maintenance roommates, and as long as you’ve got a sunny spot, they’re usually happy to move right in. However, since a cozy apartment is a far cry from a scorching desert, these prickly friends do need a little specialized care to really thrive.
I’ve put together the essentials to help you keep your windowsill cactus looking its best.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Is Your Windowsill Sunny Enough?
Most members of the cactus family are total sun worshippers. If you have a window facing southeast, southwest, or west, your cactus will feel right at home. If you’re working with a direct south-facing window, just be a little careful—while they love light, the intense midday sun in the peak of summer can actually cause sunburn. A light blind or a bit of shade during those scorching hours can make a big difference.
Pro tip: These succulents are happiest when temperatures stay between 70°F and 95°F (20°–35°C).
Watering and Feeding: Getting the Rhythm Right
During the growing and blooming seasons, watering your cactus correctly is the secret to a healthy plant. The goal is to mimic nature by letting the soil cycle between being thoroughly soaked and completely dry. Your watering schedule will depend mostly on the size of your plant:
- Large cacti: Give them a good soak every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Small cacti: These need a drink more often—about every 5 to 8 days from March through early September.
- Feeding: Every second time you water, mix in some liquid cactus fertilizer to give them a nutrient boost.
One quick warning: Cacti can be sensitive to minerals in tap water. It’s best to use lukewarm rainwater or filtered water that has sat out for a bit to let the lime settle.
The Winter Shuffle: Why Your Cactus Needs a Break
Did your cactus fail to bloom this spring? The culprit might be your heater! If a cactus stays in a warm, toasty living room all winter, it won’t realize it’s time to rest. To grow those beautiful buds, succulents need a “winter dormancy” period in a bright spot that stays cool—ideally no warmer than 55°F (12°C).
Extra tip: An unheated guest room or a cool bedroom is usually the perfect winter getaway for your prickly pals.
While they’re “hibernating,” you’ll need to adjust your care routine: start scaling back on water in September and stop fertilizing entirely until mid-February. During the coldest months, just a tiny sip of water every now and then is plenty to keep the root ball from drying out completely.
