Mini Cactus Lucky Dip

*You'll receive one plant at random from the selection we have in the shop at the time.*

Scientific Name
Of the family cactaceae (from the Greel κάκτος, originally meaning cardoon)

Common Name(s)
Cactus

Origin
Native to the Americas, from Patagonia in the South to Western Canada in the North

Description
Cacti are extremely well-adapted to survive in desert environments where few living things make their homes, retaining water and collecting any sudden rainfall quickly with extensive but shallow roots. Thanks to this they are very low-maintenance as houseplants; as long as they have enough light and not too much water they will be quite happy to sit on your windowsill or shelf. These adorable spiky, fluffy or spiny friends will be sure to liven up your space with a low time commitment, perfect for houseplant newbies and those with overflowing forests alike!

Light
Thrives best in bright light; will love your brightest windowsill (try South-facing if in doubt!).

Water
Allow all the soil to dry out between watering; if the plant becomes crispy it may have too much sun and too little water; if it starts to grow mushy or rot at the roots, likely too much water and too little sun.

Humidity
Low humidity is perfect for cacti; a hose down to clean now and again is fine as long as the plant dries and doesn't sit damp.

Soil
Needs a well-draining pot and potting mix; look for specific 'cacti and succulent' soils with plenty of sand and other well-draining materials. Only repot if absolutely necessary: use the next size pot up, repot in the spring, and no more frequently than every three years.

Food
Feed every two months in the growing season, and every three in autumn and winter. Use 'cactus' labelled feed.

Temp
Likes temperatures of 10-28°C; on the warmer end in spring-summer and preferably around12°C in its autumn-winter dormancy period.

Pet-safe?
These plants are not toxic but the more spiky varieties can hurt pets and small humans

Tips
Some cacti produce pups- so keep an eye out for miniature versions of your plant growing off the stem or out of the root which you could propagate!