The windows in my house aren’t great for direct light. The room where this plant is I have sliders that get direct light, but because I have a dog and a toddler, I can’t keep it on the floor in the direct sun. I’m looking at getting one of these. Has anyone tried it?
[window garden ledge suction ] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076H5K4ZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T05DTSEJR4AFSQSBE5K8)
If you have a drill, you can buy a diamond drill bit and drill holes in the bottom of your pot pretty easily. I just ordered these on Amazon and got them yesterday:
FireKingdom 5pcs 12mm 1/2" Inch Diamond Drill Bit Hole Saw for Tile Glass Marble Granite Fiberglass Ceramic Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O1SAY58
I cut holes in 5 or 6 pots last night and it worked great. And now I can go to thrift stores and find cute containers to use :)
Unless you live somewhere inland like Livermore, then you definitely don't need to worry about frost. Even there it is relatively safe.
This website is a good reference; the blue areas of the second graph may harm less hardy things.
We should be getting a lot of rain this winter, so you may want to protect some things from rain. Tolerance to being wet varies greatly by species and how well-draining the medium they are planted in is.
Hey I'm in Austin too. Austin is not 7b, it's 8b. If you want to germinate seeds then you need to do it indoors, preferably with one of those heated seed-starting things. I think I actually have one lying around somewhere. It's on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-CK64050-Germination-Station-Heat/dp/B000HHO1RO/ref=sr_1_5?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1476325508&sr=1-5&keywords=seed+starter
If you don't have one that's fine, you can use some seed starting mix and a plastic bag or something to keep the moisture in. Germinating cacti seeds is kind of a bitch so I don't do it. There are online guides.
Scales are a type of pest. Measly bugs are also a type of scale. Here is a picture of scales
> I would wait until the soil was dry, though.
Maybe it took too long to dry out for their roots to handle.
> What type of soil would you suggest?
You can buy pre-mixed cacti/succulent potting soils at stores. You can also make your own. A major difference between regular potting soil and cacti potting soil is sand or some other inorganic component. There are various "recipes" online. Generally, the mixtures will roughly be half granular stuff (sand/perlite/pumice/etc) and half organics (compost/peat/potting soil/etc). You could probably use your current potting soil if you transplant the other cacti and mix in the proper ratio of sand/perlite to make it work for cacti.
> I feel like an idiot.
No worries. Just learn from the mistakes and have fun!
NP! A lot of artists will take custom requests.
Oh, and I just remembered... I've seen some silicone tentacle finger puppet things. That might be another option. https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Finger-Tentacle-Octopus-Puppets/dp/B00KB3MR70/
I'm glad these worked for you but they look ridiculous lmao.
Been using these for years and they work really well, I can pick up any cactus with them except opuntia:
https://www.amazon.com/HexArmor-ThornArmor-Landscaping-Puncture-Protection/dp/B01CJP4KLS
To be clear, I could pick up opuntia with it and not get pricked but the glochids stay in the gloves so I'd be stabbing the next cactus I grab with them so I just don't use the gloves in that scenario.
Growth Technology Ltd MDCAF2 Cactus Focus Repotting Mix 2 Litre https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007797622/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_6HjXCbC81N6HV and then for coconut coir, perlite and worm castings just check on amazon or your local garden centres. May find it for cheaper!
Maybe amazon? They have just about everything
Edit: i found Arcadia PSW TA25TC Bulb Pan, 10 by 3.5-Inch, Terra Cotta https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AIHNZWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zQOaDbS42348T And Flower Pot Terracotta Planters - Indoor Outdoor Garden Plant Container 12” Pack 2 with Drain Holes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071V7W61G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1QOaDbQ14RRF0 I think they look kinda cool, not sure if it fits ur style though
Oh just some holders I bought on Amazon, I had crocheted holders that looked like pineapples but the leaves were breaking off when it was time to pull them out and soak them. These are much easier getting in and out of.
This is the second flower I’ve seen it bloom. The first one had already sprouted so it was obviously already doing well. Besides that’s I have have my whole collection under grow lights from amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QFPBQDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_c5GpFbH60FAQA), water them once a month or when the the dirt is super dry, and dry them outside or with a fan after they have been watered.
I have been wanting a totem pole cactus for a while but couldn’t bring myself to spend 50-70$ for one at my local nursery. So i took a chance and Ordered this bad boy off amazon for $39. He is big and healthy can’t wait to pot him up.
There are a few books I know of, but unfortunately they're out of print and run anywhere from $150-$400.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Cactus-Family-Edward-Anderson/dp/0881924989
http://www.amazon.com/The-Cactus-Lexicon-Complete-Volume/dp/0953813444
I bought some fairly cheap grow lights on Amazon and then helped me with my etoliation problem! Just gotta keep them close enough to the plant. Good luck! https://www.amazon.com/DICCEAO-Starting-Spectrum-Dimmable-Suitable/dp/B09P31FYGS/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=2E9XYCU5LV2VP&keywords=grow+lights&qid=1670811201&sprefix=grow+lights%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-8
by something cheaper I mean a product like this
​
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VD1884R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yL2AFb1E7R0E4?th=1
​
just not sure if it'd work as well
I use this...Grow More 3130 Cactus Juice... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZOICVA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I don't know if it's the best or anything but it seems to work and it's not crazy expensive. Be sure to read the directions and dilute properly.
Cut off the stretched pads, there is no fixing them once etiolated. Youll need a grow light if you dont have access to more natural sunlight.
That soil is also too organic. Look into something with more perlite/gravel so it doesnt retain moisture like your typical potting soil would.
Good luck
https://www.amazon.com/Lights-Spectrum-Indoor-5-Level-Dimmable/dp/B085CDPSMR
I bought some plastic pot inserts from Amazon. They’re definitely hostile but they get the job done.
Cat Scat Spike Strips (24Pack) -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YTPB7H2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Best thing you can do for long term protection is build a mini ecosystem with companion plants that will attract spider mite predators and/or deter spider mites.
In the meantime, you can neem oil your plants. I have noticed some of my succulents + cacti seem to dislike neem oil, it affects their flesh and can make it dimple a little or lose some colour but they do come back just fine. I keep neem oil in one of these and spray infected plants every day, fully cover them in a "bukkake like" (for lack of a better term) coat, and it clears up quickly enough.
At times of infections I've had 50+ plants, so I've wanted to be efficient and neem oil always gets the job done. Can't stop fresh spider mites blowing in on the wind though </3
Easiest is buy this kit: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00ICTNLGG/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_VEMBHY3ZMSVNC8EXB7E9_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Follow the recipe and instructions in the kit. You'll need to get bottles, corks, and a cork press seperate assuming you want to bottle it separately.
But other than honey, water, and any other flavors you want to add, that kit had everything you need to make the actual mead.
Thanks so much for the advice!
https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Adjustable-Growing-Dimmable-Brightness/dp/B09CTH5ZW9/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=143J5LC6BK0N6&keywords=grow%2Blight&qid=1660455237&sprefix=grow%2Blight%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1 I found this on Amazon and it seems perfect for what I need. What do you think?
The soil was wet when I bought it so I'm assuming the shop watered it recently, so hopefully I don't need to worry about watering for a while. I really appreciate all the help!
Thank you; this is helpful. I'll rely on the moisture in the soil rather than what the cactus looks like.
BTW, this is the potting mix I used.
Hey, just to follow up, you think something like this is good for half of the mix? Best price and reviews I could find
https://www.amazon.com/Quarts-xGarden-Horticultural-Premium-Perlite/dp/B01LZDOLRI
Hey, just to follow up, you think something like this is good for half of the mix? Best price and reviews I could find
https://www.amazon.com/Quarts-xGarden-Horticultural-Premium-Perlite/dp/B01LZDOLRI
Literally just arrived today and haven’t played with it much but so far it seems to be suuuper easy to use and pretty damn accurate (I got this one: Light Meter Digital Illuminance... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DC6X25?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
I bought This on Amazon awhile back on sale and was very impressed on the quality and light output. Its also nice that it is dimmable. Wished I would have bought a couple more when it was $59.
I'm very new to all of this, but I also put it in my app and it says the same based on the pictures you've shared. I purchased this mineral oil insecticide from amazon as a precautionary type thing. It has scale listed. I think there are more organic options but I don't know how well they work. I hope this helps a bit! Best of luck!
I've been using this on my Christmas cacti and Aloe Vera plants with great results. It's organic as well. I actually feed it to some other houseplants too:
The one I bought came with like a lil duster that blew out the powder. I just coated all the leaves with it, they looked like powder donuts for a while lol. But never saw the lil bastards again so 😌 This is the one I got.
At first it was the side facing the sun and yeah it‘s weird that it‘s soft like it needs water. But the roots seem fine? Also I‘m using this fertilizer.
I saw your landlord won’t allow a bolt, and your clever kitties open doors. What about a temporary lock device? They don’t cause damage to the house. Perhaps that one room can become a plant safe haven? 😉
there's a bunch of options similar to this and in this price range, if that works. These lights are still nowhere near as bright as the actual sun, even when you place them just a few inches away from the plant, but you should see much better growth with one.
https://www.amazon.com/Mosthink-Spectrum-Dimmable-Hydroponics-Succulent/dp/B082PJJC8S/
I use cheap takeout containers to sow the seeds in. I drill holes in the bottom, put seed starter mix in about 1-2 inches deep and level it. Make sure the mix is saturated but not sopping wet. Sprinkle seeds on top and spray it down with diluted kelp fertilizer, put the lid on. After 2-3 months I crack the lid open and start to acclimate them to lower humidity. After a few weeks of this I remove the lid. Water when the soil starts looking dry. When they grow to the size of a pencil eraser I repot them in propagation trays like those in the pictures.
I’ve had the original bunny ear cactus for 9 months, and it started next to the window. It’s been sick for the past 5 months. 5 months ago it started turning white when it started getting really cold at night. That month, I cut off the sick parts and repotted them in individual pots. I also moved them inside and started using a plant light. The original cactus is in its original soil mix while the other repotted cacti are in Black Gold Natural & Organic Succulent & Cactus Potting Mix. I water the all the cacti with distilled water and I used MiracleGro Succulent Plant food for the first time last month. Cacti get watered every 2.5-3 weeks, depending on how droopy the big cactus gets. They get full artificial light 12 hours a day, set from sunrise to sunset. Light sits a little over a foot away from the top of the big cactus. It’s consistently 74-upper 80s/low 90 degrees around my cacti. I’ve tried to read up on everything I can, but I’m so lost. Poor thing created a mouth to tell me I suck at keeping cacti alive
Plant light: Mars Hydro 600W led grow light
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VL8FZS1?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Soil: Black Gold Natural & Organic Succulent & Cactus Potting Mix
https://www.sungro.com/retail-product/black-gold-cactus-mix-0-07-0-0-0-0/
I planted these around mid-november. From cacti/succulent mixed seeds from amazon. I also got a covered tray from amazon.
I water them by spraying/misting them until soil is damp. Only after a week or so when I notice the soil is dry and there isn't condensation on the tray cover.
They are on a heating pad set to 75 degrees. And I am using grow lights on a timer, 12hrs on 12 off.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KP3NH57/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R9GHQYJ/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For sure, I'd get a terracotta a little larger than the size of the root ball. Grab some succulent soil and perlite and mix it about 50/50, toss that bad boy in there, and slowly acclimate it to more light. A grow light might not be a bad option if you don't have more natural light to give it, you can get a nice pretty powerful GE bulb for about $30 on Amazon and put it in a regular desk lamp.
A moon cactus. I used to buy them a lot but stopped doing that because they don't live more than three years. The grafted cactus (the colored part) will die off. They will become gray then it shrinks.
--- more info: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_care_for_a_moon_cactus
It could be natural, but I'm only 80% convinced from that photo. Can you take a photo in natural light?
Compare yours to photos of the old man cactus.
I use relassy from Amazon. Super strong and one of the only lights I have found that are reasonable priced and have actual PAR /pffd information. Any grow light sold without this info especially if ‘a bargain’ usually means they are nowhere near strong enough for actual plants to grow properly let alone cacti.
Am identical one is sold under the name Bozily I just buy whichever is cheaper at the time.
I’d read this article about grow lights for cacti. They generally won’t thrive but some lights are okay for growth. You want high output lights. Something like this would be better.
LEOTER Grow Light for Indoor Plants - Upgraded Version 80 LED Lamps with Full Spectrum & Red Blue Spectrum, 3/9/12H Timer, 10 Dimmable Level, Adjustable Gooseneck,3 Switch Modes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082YWKWGH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_81G6WQYJF84ZQW8GT5F6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
this is the light
I use these
Hey so I've had a look for my Grow light manual and can't seem to find it. This is the product I purchased : https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08GS24RK5/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_7TJCBAK85ZJAGWZE1ZM1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Still such a noob grower and don't know anything about it. I've done a bit of research yesterday. I think I have my lights on the correct setting. It's the blue light and what is the brightest and I'm only able to run a 12 hr on 12 off cycle with these lights
My Alaskan basement full of happy cacti and succulents would like to have a word with you. Cacti do just fine inside with proper light. Obviously, these guys aren't getting enough, but now OP knows and can easily add supplemental lighting. It doesn't even have to be a big ugly fixture, either. There are plenty of grow bulbs that screw into normal light fixtures. GE makes my favorite
They do but not a great deal of them, just warm to the touch
That’s the lights they came in a brown box that just said something like grow lights on them
I would grab a 36W sansi bulb and hang it from a pendant cord about 18" above the plant. Over a period of a couple weeks gradually move it a little closer, till it's about a foot from the plant (do it gradually to ensure it doesn't burn).
Buy an inexpensive 1/2" diamond hole bit on Amazon. There are tons of YouTube videos to show how to do it. Don't put rocks at the bottom. Mix perlite and succulent/cactus soil together. Water when the plant shows signs of thirst,then water until it runs from the drainage hole.
1/2 inch Diamond Drill Bit Ceramic Porcelain Tile Glass Bottle Quartz Granite 0.50 Inch Single Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010W1KZL0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_6VV73JH4NM5HFQYKATQC
I've had good results with these:
GE Lighting Grow Light BR30 LED Light Bulb for Indoor Plants, Balanced Spectrum, 9-Watts, 1 Count (Pack of 1) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07NN6SVG6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YZCB3F3RW4AGJ2T048SS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The biggest weakness with bulbs is the small surface area. Plants do better with light coming in from a wider angle. But this GE bulb was enough to make some of my orchids blush with sun stress.
Love these! The white one is really great. I think one or two of these about 6 to 12 inches away from the plants would be a really good amount of light for them.
Looks great, but if you have compunction about peeing on it you can always buy pure urea, which has the NPK analysis 46-0-0, yikes! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WCW6P7/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_B30FFQAKD5F4ZYDPQX8Y
Well… I’m in an apartment and I don’t have a fixture for those type of bulbs. I picked up these and put them in place of the current lightbulbs. I do have some Venus Fly Traps in the bathroom right now. But I’m planning ahead for when winter eventually hits. The cacti would maybe spend 4 to 6 weeks in there. Probably less? But I’m starting to think maybe the kitchen might be better?
Put these up:
HOLADEN Decorative Garden Fence 18 in x 13 in, Totally 6 ft, Outdoor C... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BLD8PKD/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_X0BF9YZAXJ1P11JJWX66
You might be able to find cheaper options at Walmart. Just put it right in front of the cactus. Like make a little arc from the corner of the cement block to that wood step.
But you’re going to have to keep it weeded yourself, which you are not doing in this picture.
Clean out the weeds at the base of the cactus. It can lead to rot anyway.
I was looking at these that came recommended by the succulent subreddit mods:
(Pack of 6) Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 4FT, 2200lm, 6500K (Super Bright White), 20W, Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Corded Electric with Built-in ON/Off Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HBT3BVM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_FM4XKC0XN5MXAP3652NF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks for the advice! I have one of these, but it’s not really conducive for my space since I have 3 shelves needing light, so im looking for more strip lights at this point, but having a hard time finding what spectrum/light is best for cacti. https://www.amazon.com/GROPLANNER-Spectrum-Indoor-450Watts-Control/dp/B08DKYV518
Understood, I will only water the soil. Is there better lighting than others? This is what I currently have on her: EMMMSUN Grow Light, 45W LED Grow Light with 3/6/12H Cycle Timing, 3-Head Adjustable Gooseneck Plant Light, 5 Dimmable Levels&3 Switch Modes for Indoor Plants https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV8DLZZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_43FHC0PXPTR9TMAAQ7HW?psc=1
It’s maybe 6 inches away from the light. It’s one of those red/blue grow lights from Amazon grow light It’s also sitting next to my north facing window (maybe 10 inches away)
I got this Spiderfarm light, based on multiple users reviews and San Pedro Mastery videos:
I use theee of these on my four foot windowsill ( Alaska) and haven’t had anything etoliated. $100 for three basically. https://www.amazon.com/Non-Dimmable-Floodlight-Warehouse-Supermarket-SANSI/dp/B07DL99ZXZ
ok, I can see some spider nests, could they be the issue? I don't think there are spider mites. I saw them on other plants before but I don't think here is the case. But if there is any infestation, what is the best solution? is there any kind of chemical we can apply to the plant to get rid of it?
I'm thinking of buying something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sunlight-GHodec-Four-Head-Growing-Dimmable/dp/B081CWHKPG/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3NB6NDUM915K6&dchild=1&keywords=plant+growth+light&qid=1629752368&sprefix=plant+growth+%2Caps%2C297&sr=8-9
to make up for the light. I'm worried that in winter it gets less sun light than now. The room is well lit-up from morning to sunset, but it gets direct sun light for maybe 4,5 hours a day (afternoon until sun set)
It's called mater magic. It was suggested to me on Reddit and I tried it on my cacti. This year they chose to grow ginormous. https://imgur.com/gallery/CyrsGLc
I have my eye on this one with the big shelves, but still searching for cheaper options!
They are a mixture of red lava rock, black lava rock, pumice, green zeolite, river stone and maifan stone. I got it from the local online store but you can get them here. You need to wash the rocks several times before use or else they'll look pale and not as colorful.
The pebbles are a mixture of red lava rock, black lava rock, pumice, green zeolite, river stone and maifan stone. You can get them here. You need to wash the rocks several times before use or else they'll look pale and not as colorful.
It was these. AMAZON LINKY I have other similar ones with a boho design on them those are slightly smaller and they are fine. I find that they all need feet (cabinet bumpers) on the bottom to raise them up off the little trays.
Im doing a test run in the white pots using an inch of gravel on the bottom because I hate to not use something I already have. I think its possible the smaller ones might have gravel in the bottom, I cant remember. lol
I normally buy Growth Technology Ltd, MDCAF2 Repotting Mix https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007797622/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_SD1FWTG9HBE5TFCKATFG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Or Westland 10200054 Cacti/Succulent Potting Compost Mix and Enriched with Seramis, 4 liters, Brown https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07662J9W8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6E8P80JG9VGZ61Z24VXZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm fairly new, but I started my collection with the GE Lighting 93101226 LED Grow Light, 24-Inch/2ft Fixture, Balanced Spectrum, 24 in. It doesn't have the harsh violet light, and my bunny ear cactus has been growing really well under it.
I had just watered it prior to pulling it out so that’s why it was wet. That mix was potting soil, sand and perlite. But when I repotted it after taking this picture, I used a cactus/succulent specific mix that I had obtained since I originally planted that bunny ear.
FREEPLANTS Smart Succulent Plant Pot with Adjustable LED Grow Light Timer Ventilation Fan Decoration for Kitchen Apartment Office White (Plants Not Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RYRMXVB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3Z5Q9X4X4GWZVYJQJDBF
I found a pair of these in my dad's tool box, demanded to know what they were immediately so I could get my own.
These are awesome.
Here's a link to the product (in case you care to see it)! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MNB7T1S?pf_rd_r=Q57HGRQ2XRMQK48GEN90&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8&pd_rd_r=59631ad8-fc9b-4731-8234-6b9f4777c7c4&pd_rd_w=cK0fS&pd_rd_wg=zLy9g&ref_=pd_gw_unk
Its currently potted in this stuff: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007797622/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'll have a look for that stuff and repot it once I've sorted out the root rot issue. Thank you for all of your help
i use this light for my succulents and cacti and have no etiolation! its cheaper than most grow lights but still works rly good! definitely much better than the "clip on the edge of ur table and bend the lights" one i used to have
just incase you could use a recommendation :)
You can buy an artificial cactus Christmas tree like mine. I have the SAFEPLUS one but other brands also show up on Amazon.
SAFEPLUS 5ft Cactus Christmas Tree Artificial Xmas Tree with 90 LED Lights and Bowknot
This is my reply to someone that asked the same question just earlier:
I have this one purchased via Amazon/USA. I think it comes in shorter lengths but you'll have to do a search. Monios-L T5 LED Grow Light, 4FT Full Spectrum Sunlight.
I like the low profile, more unobtrusive look.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QCT6Q4T/
Here is my Instagram post...various slides...showing it set up: https://www.instagram.com/p/CChnqFBB9CE/
*IG account not needed. Can be viewed in your browser. *I cannot stand those pink/blue lights. 😆
I have this one purchased via Amazon/USA. I think it comes in shorter lengths but you'll have to do a search. Monios-L T5 LED Grow Light, 4FT Full Spectrum Sunlight.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QCT6Q4T/
Here is my Instagram post...various slides...showing it set up: https://www.instagram.com/p/CChnqFBB9CE/
*IG account not needed. Can be viewed in your browser.
so hi guys, i have some questions about winter setup. (disregard the seedlings), i have 2 astros, bunny ears, balloons. i know people say to overwinter them in cool dry well lit area. but i dont have anywhere i can do that. so instead, im just gonna try growing them through the winter as well.
the light turns on for 12 hours a day, its a 110 watt led array https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08HQK9M15/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (the seller told me it replaces a 1000 watt system? idk what that means, cuz the actual draw is 110w)
and the room temp becomes maybe 17c in the am till morning, and then like 22- 24c in the daytime with the light and then like 20c in the evening, the heating mat is set to 30c. (tho that's mainly for the seedlings.).
how often do i water?
im thinking maybe once a month or maybe 2 mts?, also do i fully saturate soil still? like summer?
​
any issues with this setup? the window is south facing. lots of light sometimes + growlamp.
​
i watered them today cuz i haven't done it in 2 months. i just hope its warm enough to dry the soil out within time.
​
grammar/structure is 0/10 sorry, i suck at engrish.
I used this Niello one from amazon.
https://www.amazon.ca/Niello-ultra-thin-ultra-light-Spectrum-Include/dp/B01NAQ1PB2
I have it set up about a foot above my plants and I’m using a daily timer that keeps it turned on for 12 hours a day.
Not the OP but the cactus is probably Acanthocereus tetragonus, and here's a dude selling on amazon. Hope it helps!
They're technically 3.90inch x 3.30inch. They aren't exactly square, as they have a slight angle in at the bottom. I got them from Amazon and I'm just noticing that the price went up. They are extremely sturdy and have held up beautifully in the hot and humid Virginia summers. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KZ5IFE2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_B-uYBbM14YNFV
If you're going to over winter them then no, if you have space say; in a garage or shed that they can stay cool and dry in then you're fine.
If not, then you're gonna need some type of artificial light source
I got this one, and it worked well last winter in a grow tent Link
My two cacti are already planted. I was thinking just a 1 or 1 1/2 inch of sand for design, and it would be this brand of sand. I also ordered a moisture meter to see when the soil is dry so i never over water.
Skip flourescent, Get led grow lights for weed, most cactus need full sun if the temp is above 50° or they will etoliate. Spiderfarmer and mars hydro are good brands. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PLY1WKK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_image
Hey sorry I just saw this. I purchased 32oz deli containers (Freshware Food Storage Containers [24 Set] 32 oz Plastic Deli Containers with Lids, Slime, Soup, Meal Prep Containers | BPA Free | Stackable | Leakproof | Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0159YQCPI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gF3zFb5TEEWWN) and measured 1 1/3 cups of water and poured it in the container. I used a sharpie and marked how high that was. In semi-hydroponics you try to keep the water level at 1/3 of the total volume of the container. Some people drill holes but I found this method easier. Next I poured out the water and filled the container with hydroton and put the plant in it and poured water (with a little fertilizer, apple cider vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide but not completely necessary) to the sharpie line. Good luck!
One option I use for my small cacti (and growing seedlings) that works well: Moveable Head 80W
The arms have to be relatively close to/above the cactus.
For my big guys (cereus, tricho) I use much stronger and intense lights: 100W LED
You can use any growlight but I found that at least 50W works best. I don’t have good sunlight at all but my grow lights have prevented etoliation in my cacti.
I did check out grow lights and was surprised to see the more professional types have come down in price considerably e.g. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VL8FZS1/?coliid=I3CEZ9EUW5XLHN&colid=17BYE9AKZATLF&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
How far are you holding your light away from the seedlings?
I got mine for I think 14? It’s working great, I didn’t even notice my pot was getting wet in the rain, but now because I measure with this I figured that out.
Alotpower Soil Moisture Sensor... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XC6QD3B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I was going to use this sand
Before I do, do I need to wash the sand? Or rinse it and let it dry? I just don’t want to introduce a risk to my cacti and succulents!
If the window gets more light during the day, then sure. From the look of it though, I would try to get it more light. Even putting it in a place that gets some shade and some light outside would probably be better.
Less light = water it less = less growth. More light = soil dries faster = water more frequently.
I use this cactus potting soil from Amazon and it has worked great (Miracle-Gro Cactus Palm and Citrus potting Mix). If it is a little moist when you take it out of the bag, then put it in a pot and let it dry outside in the sun before you put the cactus in the soil.
To help with water drainage so your catus doesn't get water logged, put a layer of pebbles at the bottom of your pot.
For water, you should soak the soil until water comes out of the hole in the bottom of your pot. Don't water until the soil is dry to the touch. I also like to poke away the top layer of soil to see if it is damp under the dry top layer. If it is damp then I wait another day. If it dry, then I water until it soaks through.
Thank you for the reply if you can help me out with growing instructions I have seen lots of tips and stuff and I gave him 4 to 5 hours under a grow light. I always water him then the soil was dry dry which took about 2 to 3 weeks. This one is the grow light that I used.
You might need to get a stronger light or move it closer. I have this light hanging 8-12 inches above my echeveria and then an additional light aimed toward them (one of those gooseneck LED ones). They've grown really well for months with no etiolation. They're off to the side of the window so pretty much all of their light is from those lamps.
Copy/paste from a previous comment I posted in /r/cactus
> I use this one. Most of the LED panels I can find online are either extremely expensive or that awful purple colour. This LED is over 7000K. It's like I have the sun in my living room, lol. I have 5 of them lighting about 60 cacti and succulents. Everyone is happy :) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015YX8ZF4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Z5LiCbQKEWB5W
Really? I use 4 foot white LEDs for my plants and they are barely warm to the touch (especially compared to fluorescent lights). This is similar to what I use https://www.amazon.com/Barrina-Integrated-Fixture-Utility-Electric/dp/B01HBT3BVM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1544560492&sr=8-4 Purple lights are also pretty harsh on the eyes.
Thanks for the reply. So not a hell of a lot going wrong.
Growth Technology Ltd MDCAF2 Cactus Focus Repotting Mix 2 Litre https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007797622/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_d45TBbMYF418B
That's the mix I used.
Also, is there anything I can do to keep it upright naturally? I anchored it using string, but that actually seemed to make it weaker.