Need help with my cacti/succulents

8 years ago

I started "collecting" my cacti on my 16th birthday when i got 3 as a present. I now have 9 and I recently moved into my college apartment with them. My window is facing northwest and the soil isn't drying up like it used to at home. I used to water every week ish but now the soil doesn't seem like it needs it! They didn't get a substantial amount of sunlight at home but I fear they are getting even less now. I want them to thrive and i love having them with me so I would hate to have to send them home. Any tips or ways to know if they are getting enough sun? I really appreciate any help, Thanks!!

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Comments (5)

ewwmayo
8 years ago
You can stick them all right up against the window (if you haven't already and it's not too hot). Rotating them somewhat frequently will also help them grow straighter as well, but may not stop etoliation (stretching).

Another strategy is watering and fertilizing very little so they don't grow much. That limits etoliation to some extent, but your succulents won't be able to thrive either.

I recommend switching to a much less water-retentive mix if it's not drying out fast enough. Gritty mix (with mostly grit) or perlite+soil (with mostly perlite) would be suitable. It'll help your succulents do much better for sure!

Had the same trouble myself - I used to have a very nice clear south-facing balcony in the sky, where I could use pretty much any soil I wanted. After moving places, everything ended up inside in significantly lower light and my succulents suffered for two years.

Since then, I've learned to make a much better well-draining, well aerated soil mix. Also figured out the best spots in my place to grow plants (inside and out on the roof). Pretty much everything is doing very well now!
Jess DeRita thanked ewwmayo
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
Mayo just said it all; I would immediately switch to grittier mix to eliminate worries about them sitting in wet soil for too long.

Could you hang a light fixture above them? The window doesn't have greatest exposure and on top of it looks like it is quite recessed. Light levels are most likely too low. How wide is the window? Simple fluorescent light fixture would do, or you could use some CFL bulbs (get 23W - equivalent to 100W). Either in some hanging fixtures or even in a vanity-style strip light (I bought few for very little $$$ in reStore).

I would definitely stop fertilizing if light is just so-so. It just 'forces' plant to grow and you'll end up with skinny and week plant (I hardly ever fertilize in full sun...)
Jess DeRita thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
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1. Looks like Crassula ovata aka: Jade. I also see Senecio jacobsenii for some reason. Could you take it out of the pot and take another pic:)? 2. Mammillaria what species I gave no clue. For some reason when it comes to finding the species of a Mammillaria I have zero patience;). 3. Can't really tell. Pretty young still. Maybe a Trichocereus:). 4. Looks like Opuntia monacantha monstrose:). For all your plants it's pretty much the same. Use a gritty mix since it's so rainy where you live. I would use a mix with zero organic material. Keeping in a greenhouse would be good. Make sure there is good airflow in the greenhouse:). If you are able to keep dry I would water them once every 2 weeks. The jade looking plant maybe once a week. If any of the plants are in lots of humidity you may have to adjust. Make sure the mix is dry before you water again. Check almost all the way to the bottom of the pot. Not just the top layer. You can use a little wooden skewer. Push the skewer down to the bottom and let sit for a min. When you bring it up and the wood is damp. No need to water:). Goodluck:) Oh ya make sure the pots have drainage holes:).
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Your cactus is Mammillaria spinosissima aka Red Headed Irishman cactus:). Do the same mix as your Pilo:). The other succulent is a Faucaria tigrina. Looks fine slightly etiolated. Just acclimate to more light slowly. I would probably use the same mix as your cactus mix. I have one and he's grown so well. I barely pay attention to it. These are from South Africa so for us they're fall winter growers. I love it because in February when everything is gloom and doom these will pop out beautiful cheery yellow flowers. Here's some Info:) on these guys:). Make sure all your pot have drainage holes. Wouldn't do the double pot thing like in your above pic. Just use a saucer if putting inside:).
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Neil
8 years ago
College..what memories. The window in my dorm had a ledge leading to another dorm room and I would get visited via the window quite often. Until I got a very large golden barrel cactus and placed it there. All of sudden, no more unwanted guests!

I am not suggesting you do that, lol. But do take Mayo's and Rina's advice.
Jess DeRita
Original Author
8 years ago
Hey is there any way to fix these roots or am I just a horrible plant owner that ruined her cacti :(
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ewwmayo
8 years ago
Those roots look alright to me? I'm familiar with this species of cactus unfortunately.

They're all curling around (rootbound) so it does at least look time to repot.
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Need help with my cacti/succulents

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ewwmayo

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

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Need help with my cacti/succulents

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ewwmayo

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

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