Cacti are a great addition to landscaping in Arizona. They are perfectly suited for the environment and are easy to maintain. Their dramatic appearance also adds interest and curb appeal to your outdoor space. However, they are many misconceptions about the right way to care for cacti that could leave you with unhealthy plants that end up detracting from your landscaping. Here is what you need to know about caring for your outdoor cacti.
Don’t Water New Plants
Yes, cacti need to be watered, but timing is everything. If you have newly planted cacti, you should wait at least a week before watering them. Cacti should be planted when the ground is dry, which allows the roots to heal from being moved. After a week, water if the soil is dry at the roots and the daytime temperature is over 90 degrees. If it is cooler or the soil isn’t dry, you can delay watering even longer. Generally, your new cacti will need to be watered within two weeks of planting, regardless of the temperature, so monitor the soil.
Use a Deep Soaking Technique
The best way to water cacti is to give them a deep soaking. This involves letting your garden hose drip water for between two and six hours. Watering too quickly can be damaging, so take time to let the soil and roots gradually absorb the water. Small plants will only need about two hours, while large cacti will need all six. Do this for the first two to three years, after which time cacti will only need a deep soak when temperatures are over 90 degrees for more than a week.
Follow Special Rules for Saguaros
Saguaro cacti should generally never be watered. However, extreme drought can be harmful to the plants. Keep an eye on your saguaros in drought conditions. If they begin to shrink, they need water.
Let the team at Complete Landscaping ensure that your cacti stay healthy for life. To learn more about our landscaping services in Tucson, call (520) 323-8918.