While this method is not difficult, it can be time-consuming to see results. Cactus seeds could take up to a year to germinate and several years for the young cactus to begin to flower. Unless you have a heated greenhouse, it’s best to sow cactus seed in the late spring. Seed companies often offer many mixed varieties of cacti seed. Use clean sterilized shallow pots to begin your seeds. Use a mixture of potting soil and sand. Place the seeds on the soil and cover them with just enough sand to anchor them. Keep in mind that cactus seeds don’t germinate well if they have been sown too deeply. Dampen the soil enough to wet the seed. When the soil dries out completely, use a mister to keep it moist. Do not over water. Cover seeds with glass or plastic wrap and be sure to wipe away any condensation that may form. When seedlings appear, remove the cover. Carefully prick apart any seedlings that have grown together. Place the seedlings in light, but not in direct sunlight. Keep temperatures around 70 degrees F (21 degrees C).
Allow the cuttings to dry and its cut edge to heal for a couple of weeks. Place the healed cutting into a rooting medium formulated to encourage roots to grow. Make certain the cutting is right-side up. If placed upside down, it will not grow. After a week, begin to water the cutting sparingly.
Avoid plants with damaged spines or those that look bruised, spindly, or lopsided. Read the directions that come with the plant or speak to a professional about the best way to care for the type of cactus you selected to grow.
Add amendments such as time-released fertilizer and bone meal.
Remember that cacti roots must have a well-draining porous soil which can easily be re-moistened. Some commercial potting soils have been developed specifically for cacti. [1] X Expert Source Rachel GuffeyPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021.
Wide pots are preferable to tall narrow pots which can cause stress to your cactus. Wide pots allow the shallow root system to spread out naturally while deep pots do not.
Avoid pots which are too large. Large pots hold water which can lead to root rot.
Try to bury at least 3 to 4 in (7. 6 to 10. 2 cm) of the cactus plant in the soil. Then, layer plenty of gravel, sand, or rock on top to keep it from falling over. [3] X Expert Source Rachel GuffeyPlant Specialist Expert Interview. 5 August 2021.
Refrain from placing potted cactus in direct sunlight as it can become scorched and the roots will overheat. If your cactus is placed in full sun, use white or light-colored pots to help avoid overheating. Young plants will do best in partial sunlight.
Simulate natural conditions in the desert by watering well but infrequently in much the same way as that of an infrequent desert thunderstorm. Over-watering will cause your cactus to rot.
Dust the remaining parts with sulfur or a fungicide.
