Cacti are succulent desert plants that range from small to large in size. They come in many shapes and colors, and some are even edible. Cacti thrive in dry climates and can live without too much water, making them the perfect plant for anyone who wants to garden in a hot, sunny climate. Many people believe cacti need full sun to grow well, but this is not always the case. In fact, some cactus varieties do better with partial sun or even shade. So, if you’re interested in growing cactus but aren’t sure if you have the right conditions, read on for tips on how to select the best variety for your garden.
Can cactus need direct exposure to sunlight?
The answer to this question is both yes and no,
As there are many different types of cacti that have adapted to different levels of sunlight exposure. For example, some cacti (such as the saguaro) grow in very hot, sunny climates and need full sun to thrive. Others (such as the Christmas cactus) come from more shady, forested areas and actually prefer partial sun or even shade. So, when choosing a cactus for your garden, it’s important to select a variety that will do well in the amount of sunlight you can provide.
How much sun do different types of cacti need?
As mentioned above, there is a great deal of variation in the sun needs of different types of cacti. In general, however, most cacti need at least some direct exposure to sunlight every day in order to grow well. If you live in a hot climate and can provide full sun, then choosing a cactus that prefers full sun (such as the saguaro) is a good idea. If you live in a cooler climate or only have partial sun available, then selecting a cactus that is tolerant of partial sun or shade (such as the Christmas cactus) is a better option.
In conclusion, whether or not cacti need direct exposure to sunlight depends on the type of cactus you are growing. Most cacti need at least some sun every day, but there are some varieties that can tolerate partial sun or shade. When selecting a cactus for your garden, be sure to choose a variety that will do well in the amount of sunlight you can provide.
How much sunlight is required by the cactus?
The amount of sunlight required by cactus varies depending on the type of cactus. In general, most cacti need at least some direct exposure to sunlight every day in order to grow well. If you live in a hot climate and can provide full sun, then choosing a cactus that prefers full sun (such as the saguaro) is a good idea. If you live in a cooler climate or only have partial sun available, then selecting a cactus that is tolerant of partial sun or shade (such as the Christmas cactus) is a better option. The amount of sunlight required by cactus varies depending on the type of cactus.
Cacti plants that do not receive sufficient exposure to light may also become pale or revert to their original green color. On the contrary, plants that receive adequate exposure to light demonstrate their true beauty by showcasing a wide range of vibrant colors.
Can cactus withstand too much sunlight?
The simple answer to this question is yes. Too much sunlight is what causes sunburn and sun damage in cacti plants and other succulents. The unfortunate thing is that sunburn may happen pretty quickly during a heatwave or when the temperatures soar so high. Sometimes, the process can also occur gradually.
Care guide for cactus
Move your plant to a shady place
One of the best things you can do during such a period is to prepare ahead of time. If you anticipate a heatwave in the coming days, find good shelter for your young, smaller, and fragile cacti plants.
Move them to shadier spots of your garden and if possible, take them indoors. The taller, mature, and bigger plants that are accustomed to the outdoor heat may be fine, but you should still monitor them closely.
Light, and temperature
Cacti and succulents thrive with good light sources, and it is best to place cacti and succulents in a bright place. A south-facing position will provide good sunlight. However, be careful to not put them in direct sunlight because the intense light can make the plants turn a yellow color.
During the autumn and winter months, it is best for the plants to be kept cool at night with temperatures of around 8°C to 10°C. In the spring and summer, the plants need good ventilation but will survive in high temperatures.
Compost(Check it on Amazon)
A free-draining compost, such as Westland cacti and succulent potting mix is a good compost to use as it has added girt and sand for optimum drainage. It also contains the right level of nutrients for your cacti and succulents.
Avoid repotting
This might not be the right time to repot your plants. Remember the fact that repotting even a mature and well-established cactus plant introduces a lot of stress to it. Therefore, doing it at a time when the temperatures are too high will only make things worse. Wait until the heatwave has subsided and temperatures dropped back to normal before you start to repot your plants.
Last Words
Here were given the brief guidelines about the sunlight requirement of cactus. Hope after reading this you will be able to make the happy growth of your cactus. Can You use cactus soil for other plants or not? It is also useful to use cactus soil as a growing media for other plants as well. Read another article regarding the use of cactus soil for other plants.