Cacti or Succulents Outside in The Summer?

Do you move your cacti or succulents outside in the summer?

That question comes with many points of view. In my opinion it’s six of one half-dozen of the other.

Cactus and succulents may in fact benefit from the extra sun they will receive during the summer season, that benefit must be balanced against the potential of mealy bug attacks and rot from the rainy season.

Contrary to popular opinion, the best “soil” to grow cactus in is not sand. A sandy soil, yes, but not plain sand

The best method to prepare a good soil for cacti is to start off with a standard potting soil and add about one fourth as much clean sand - I like to use playground sand. Coarse finely ground rocks also work well.

If you use sand, don’t scoop it up from the beach! Beach sand contains too much salt and will hurt growth. Drainage is so important with cactus and succulents, make sure you take special steps to add extra rocks or broken pots to the bottom of the pot so any excess water will “stand” for the roots to sit in.

Cacti and succulents can be fed using foods - dry or soluble - you use on your other plants, however, use it a little more sparingly.

For me I like to find a place to put a plant as a house plant or outdoors, but opt NOT to move them back and forth. The choice however is up to you!

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