Seasonal shift - caring for your cacti as we head towards summer
Daylight savings kicked in over the weekend here in NZ, and I don’t know about you, but I just love the brighter mornings and longer evenings. The shift in seasons always makes me want to refresh my space and my plant care routine.
Spring and summer are when cacti really thrive. After a slower, dormant winter, they’re ready to grow, stretch, and soak up the sun. If you’ve got a cactus (or a few!) at home, here’s how I look after mine this time of year.
Ease them into the sun
Cacti love light, but after winter, they need a bit of a warm-up. I usually move mine closer to the window gradually especially if they’ve been tucked away in a darker spot. North-facing windows are great in NZ for consistent light without too much harsh afternoon sun.
Remember - rotate your pots every week or so to keep growth even and avoid leaning.
Water more frequently
Spring means more growth (but that doesn’t mean daily watering). Right now, I’m watering about every 2–3 weeks. In summer, it’ll be closer to once a week. Check the soil - if the top few centimetres are dry, it’s time to water. I use the soak-and-dry method: water thoroughly, let it drain, and don’t water again until it’s dry.
Repotting time
If your cactus looks cramped or the soil dries out super-fast, it might be time for a new pot. Spring is a great time to repot because the plant is actively growing and can recover quickly. When it comes to soil, I always make my own well-draining mix, including ingredients like perlite, pumice, coarse sand, or bark chips to help water flow through easily and prevent root rot.
Resume feeding
Spring is when I resume feeding my cacti after the dormant winter. Though they don’t need much fertiliser, I give mine a little help during the growing season. I use a cactus-specific liquid fertiliser once a month from October through March. It helps with flowering and overall growth, especially if your cactus is in the same soil from last year.
Watch for pests
Warmer weather can bring out more pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. Check around the base and under any new growth, using a bit of neem oil to wipe down the plant if I spot anything.
Rember good airflow helps too, so avoid crowding your plant
Spring is such a good time to reconnect with your plants. There’s something really calming about getting my hands into the soil, brushing down my cacti and giving each cactus a little attention. It’s my version of plant therapy so it never feels like a chore.
If you’re looking to refresh your space or gift something green, check out what’s new at Cacti and Chill for our updated range of cacti and succulents.
