I will try to dispel some stereotypes about cacti:
Myth 1. Cacti should be watered once a month.
Not a bit. Of course, cacti are drought resistant, but you don't need to mock them like that! During the growing season, cacti must be watered in the same way as other houseplants, only making sure that the water does not stagnate in the pallet. Also, cacti during extreme heat (more than 35 degrees) may have a second period of rest. At this time, it is better to limit watering, making do with morning spraying from a fine spray bottle. Well, in winter, of course, you do not need to water if the cacti are in the cold.
Myth 2. Cacti love heat.
Also incorrect. Yes, many cacti (mammilaria, prickly pears, generally most North American species) love direct sun. But South American cacti - gymnocalicium, notocactus, for example, do not like the midday sun, they will be better than the east or west window. Ideal for cacti is the southeast or southwest window. In addition, heat above 35 C causes stagnation in cacti - growth arrest.
Myth 3. Cacti must be kept warm, you cannot take them outside.
And also wrong! Cacti, like you and I, temper. Outdoors, especially in conditions of fresh air and good lighting, cacti feel great. In addition, temperature differences are even necessary for some high-altitude cacti for normal growth and flowering (lobivia, for example). In addition, hardened cacti are less susceptible to disease and pest attacks. And the cacti need ultraviolet rays.
Of course, if your balcony overlooks a gassed avenue, then, alas, this advice is not for you...
Cacti are carried out into the street from the time they begin to plant seedlings. It is better to do this in cloudy weather so that cacti get used to lighting on the street. There is no need to pick up in the rain - cacti can be placed on the balcony so that too many drops do not fall on them, and those that do do not do bad - on the contrary, they will stimulate growth. Cacti are very fond of thunderstorms, this stimulates them - in their homeland, thunderstorms precede flowering .
But you should pick them up only when the temperature drops below 8-10 degrees at night - at the beginning of October about.
Myth 4. Cacti are powered by energy from a monitor.
I don't know what miracle it made up, but it's a lie. Of course, if your monitor is in a sunny place, the cactus will grow, but not from the monitor. Magnetic radiation from the monitor affects plants well, but neither cacti nor other plants live off this energy. And moreover, they do not take the radiation on themselves - lovers of healthy work, this is for you! How many times have I seen such "lovers" of frozen cacti proudly standing at the monitors! It is much more effective to put a protective screen, and not kill the plant .
Myth 5. Cacti are unpretentious.
Not true! If you think that unpretentiousness lies in drought resistance, then you are mistaken, and how. In order for the cactus to be beautiful, healthy and delight you with flowering, you need to observe a bunch of conditions. Think 50 times before you buy a cactus. Can you provide dry cold wintering, enough light, proper care: If not, forget about cacti or learn.
Author of the article Colleague