How do you care for cacti and succulents according to their type?

The Four Basic Rules

1. Provide plenty of light, gradually: Most cacti and succulents love a very bright spot. Transition a plant coming from a nursery, packaging, or a shaded corner to direct sun gradually to minimize sunburn.
2. Check the soil and growth stage: Do not water on a fixed day. For most types, wait for appropriate drying, water thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage hole, and empty any excess. Lithops have a unique seasonal cycle detailed below.
3. Use a drainage hole and appropriate soil: Water standing around the roots is dangerous. An open hole and fast-draining mix are more important than a layer of stones at the bottom.
4. Do not jump to a giant pot: A large volume of soil remains damp for too long. Replant only when necessary and choose a pot slightly larger than the root ball.

Care by type found in store

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How to decide if it's time to water?

1. Identify the type. Lithops do not receive the same care as Aloe vera or a grafted cactus.
2. Insert a finger or wooden skewer deep into the soil, rather than just checking the top layer.
3. If the soil is still damp — wait. If it is dry and the plant is in a growth stage — water thoroughly.
4. Let all excess drain out and empty the saucer or decorative pot.
5. Next time, check again; do not copy the number of days from the previous watering.

Terracotta for cacti and succulents: What can actually be determined?

Unglazed terracotta is porous, so the soil may dry out faster than in plastic. This can help in managing moisture, but terracotta alone does not prevent problems: you still need a drainage hole, appropriate soil, and watering based on the plant's condition.

The classic Deco Garden terracotta pot is sold in sizes 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 23 cm. Each number is a nominal external measurement. Internal diameter, base diameter, and internal depth have not yet been measured in the warehouse, so there is no guarantee of fitting a nursery pot based on the number alone.

Calculation table for direct planting only

The ranges are calculated according to the rule of moving to a pot about 2.5–5 cm wider than the root ball. This is a starting point for purchase — before planting, also measure the root depth and the inside of the pot.

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There is a gap in selection: For a root ball with a diameter larger than 14.5 cm and smaller than 18 cm, there is currently no size that meets this calculation range. Do not automatically jump to 23 cm; check the roots and look for a suitable intermediate pot.

For decorative covering: This table does not apply. You must measure the top diameter, bottom diameter, and height of the nursery pot and compare them to the internal diameter and depth of the terracotta pot.

To the full guide on choosing terracotta

Repotting without the hassle

1. Repot only when there is a reason: crowded roots, decomposed soil, or a pot that doesn't drain.
2. Measure the root ball and do not rely only on the number on the nursery pot.
3. Choose a pot with a drainage hole and appropriate depth. For Lithops and species with deep roots, depth is critical.
4. Use succulent and cactus mix and do not pack it in forcefully.
5. Continue to water according to the state of the soil and plant; a new pot changes the rate of dehydration.

Common signs and what to check

• Long and pale growth: Usually check for lack of light first and gradually move closer to a brighter spot.
• Soft or transparent tissue: Check for wet soil, drainage, and roots. Stop adding water before understanding the cause.
• Light or brown spot after moving to a window: Possible damage from sharp sun exposure. Improve light gradually.
• Lithops shriveling during leaf exchange: Check if a new pair is appearing. If so, the old pair should transfer its moisture and dry out.
• White layer on terracotta: Usually mineral salts from irrigation water or fertilizer. Clean gently when the pot is empty and ensure you are not fertilizing more than the label states.

Short and precise shopping list

• Succulent and cactus mix — 1 liter for small repotting or 10 liters for several pots, depending on actual volume.
• Terracotta clay pot — Choose according to the root ball and depth, not just the size name.
• Cactus and succulent fertilizer — Use during the growth period and only according to label instructions. Lithops require very little fertilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a cactus in a dark room?

Not recommended. Most cacti need strong light. If there is no suitable window, you need appropriate grow lighting, not just regular room lighting.

Do I need to put stones at the bottom of the pot?

No. A layer of stones does not replace a drainage hole and can raise the wet zone inside the soil. An open hole and appropriate mixture are better.

Does terracotta solve overwatering?

No. It can speed up drying, but a pot that is too large, heavy soil, or standing water can still harm the roots.

When to fertilize?

Only when the plant is growing and depending on the type. Dilute and use according to the product label; do not add fertilizer to a weak plant to "fix" overwatering or lack of light.

Professional Sources

• University of Minnesota Extension — Cacti and Succulents
• Royal Horticultural Society — Growing Cacti and Succulents at Home
• University of Wisconsin Extension — Lithops and Watering Cycle
• NC State Extension — Opuntia microdasys
• NC State Extension — Astrophytum
• NC State Extension — Common Grafted Cactus
• Royal Horticultural Society — Aloe vera
• University of Illinois Extension — Choosing a Pot and Repotting
• University of Illinois Extension — Drainage in Containers