Help your cacti and other succulents thrive by avoiding the 'most common mistakes'

How to keep succulents and cacti alive

Cacti and other succulents require similar care tips and plant owners must consider everything from lighting and watering to temperature.

When bringing your plant home, it is key to find the best place to display them, owner and founder of Sell My House Fast SA TX and indoor gardening enthusiast Daniel Cabrera said.

He told GB News: "Lighting is essential - bright indirect light is where succulents and cacti excel.

"Place them next to windows that have a southern or western exposure to realise growth and flowering throughout the year." It is important to get the plants near natural light, but avoid putting them in cold spots.

Where you put a plant and how much light it gets can also affect the temperature in the room, which can make a difference in how the plant grows. Watch out for draughty spots or areas where they could be burned by direct sunlight.

The expert added: "Succulents and cacti like temperatures between 15°C to 25°C lately. Keep them away from drafts or any significantly high sources of heat, such as radiators."

When speaking on the number one thing to remember, Daniel claimed plant owners should avoid making a common watering mistake.

He continued: "The most common mistake is overwatering. These plants store water in leaves and stems, so they need to be watered only when the soil has completely dried out.

"In this regard, most indoor environments only need to be watered every two to three weeks." In colder months, the plants may need to be watered even less frequently, according to the expert.

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Overwatering can cause the soil to become waterlogged more easily. Cacti and succulents need plenty of drainage, so opt for a pot which allows the water to flow.

The expert added: "Use a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents. Use pots with drainage holes to allow water not to collect at the bottom and cause root rot."

This comes as experts share using a cotton pad can help your cheese plant thrive year after year. Looking for more tips? GB News shared the "essential" water hack for thriving orchids.