CACTUS CARE

We grow cactus from seed, cuttings, offsets and reroot field collected plants. This is our opinion after 40 plus years experience of growing cactus successfully in Las Vegas.

Planting Cactus

Dig the hole slightly larger then the root mass, removing any large rocks. Check the hole for drainage. Mix 1/4 mulch by volume with soil from the hole. Using an old piece of carpet to handle your plant, plant your cactus to the original depth as seen at the base of your plant. Pack the soil tightly around the roots. PLANT DRY AND LEAVE DRY FOR TWO (2) WEEKS.. NO WATER!!! Watch your plant for stress on the SW side, if you see yellowing of the green skin cover with cheese cloth or something light weight for a couple of weeks.

Watering Cactus

After 2 weeks, you can began watering. Place 2 drippers at least 6" to 12" from the plant, one on each side. No closer... Using 2 GPH drippers and the Desert Demonstration Gardens Watering Guide water according to directions on the guide. Or you can water by hand by letting the plants dry between watering. Summer-time you should water as often as 3 times a week. As the weather gets cooler the plants need less water. So be sure to let the soil dry between waterings. Well established plants that have been in the ground over a year can be watered less frequently but will grow much slower.

Fertilizing Cactus

No fertilizer is needed for the first year. Then to promote better blooming in the spring we suggest to fertilize the 2nd. week in January and again the 1st week in February with 0-10-10 formulation. We suggest Bandini Super Bloom or Safer Bud & Bloom.

Pruning Cactus

If your padded cactus (opuntias) get too large, remove the offending pads with a long bread knife and a pair of Bar-B-Q tongs. DON'T TOUCH THE PADS! The tiny spines known as glochids will ruin a good pair of gloves.

Pests

Some of the different padded cactus (opuntias) get Cottony Cochiel Scale, which is a mealy bug enclosed in a white cottony mass. It can be hosed off with a high powered spray. But should be treated with a systemic insecticide such as Isotox or Disiston to actually kill the insects. After they are dead you will still need to hose off the plant.