Many hydroponic growers have only grown fruits, herbs, and veggies. But what if you decided to grow a Cactus in your system?

In this guide, I am going to take you through Cactus Facts, what they grow well with, how to grow them in hydroponics & aeroponics, pruning, pest control, and the best seeds to grow!

Let’s get started!

Cactus Facts

• Optimal PH: 5.5 – 6.5
• Any number under 150PPM
• Temp: 45 – 85 degrees
• Enjoys: Light, soft water, warm spots – not too cold and not too hot

Grows well with

• Sage
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Curry
• Lavender
• Chives

Hydroponic Cactus

Just like other plants, Cactuses require water and nutrients taken in through the roots. Normally, these plants only grow in dry soil, but they can be grown in hydroponics. For this to work, the roots only need to be soaked in the water and nutrients. While growing a cactus in hydroponics, it requires a lot less effort than the other methods.

To begin, let’s get one thing out of the way. You can either start from seed, or you can propagate an existing cactus. Propagating a plant just means to create a new plant from an existing plant. To do this with a cactus, you need to cut a healthy piece off the plant, with the stem attached. Lay this out to dry for a few days, then place it in water and it will begin to grow roots and re-grow to a new cactus! It’s a pretty cool process.

To grow a Hydroponic cactus, you will need to germinate the seed, this is just like any other hydroponic plant. Once you have a few stems, you can place it into your hydroponic system. The next part is key, when placing the stems into the water solution, you will need to make sure that only the cut ends are in the water partially. If any other part of the cactus is in water, it will rot.

Germinating the Seed

The first step in growing a hydroponic cactus is to germinate the seed. This process is similar to growing any other hydroponic plant. You can start by placing the seed in a damp paper towel and sealing it in a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm, dark place and check on it daily until you see the seed sprout. Once the seed has germinated, you can transfer it to a small pot with a hydroponic growing medium.

Placing the Stems in the Hydroponic System

Once the cactus has a few stems, you can place it into your hydroponic system. However, it’s important to note that cacti have unique water requirements. When placing the stems into the water solution, make sure that only the cut ends are in the water partially. If any other part of the cactus is in water, it will rot. This will also prevent excess moisture from damaging the cactus, which is a common issue in traditional soil-based growing.

Monitoring the Water Solution

Maintaining the correct water solution is crucial for hydroponic cactus growth. The solution should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You can use a pH meter to check the pH level regularly and adjust it as needed. It’s also important to change the water solution every two weeks to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and algae.

Providing Adequate Light

Cacti require plenty of light to grow properly. If you’re growing hydroponic cacti indoors, you’ll need to provide them with artificial light. LED grow lights are an excellent option, as they provide the right spectrum of light for plant growth while using less energy than traditional bulbs. Place the lights 6-12 inches above the cactus and keep them on for 12-16 hours a day.

Aeroponic Cactus

Cacti are known for their resilience and ability to survive in harsh environments. However, have you ever heard of growing a cactus in an aeroponic system? Aeroponics is a method of growing plants in air or mist without soil. In this article, we will explore how to grow a cactus in an aeroponic system.

Preparing the Aeroponic System

Before planting the cactus, it is important to prepare the aeroponic system. Ensure that the system is clean and free from any debris or contaminants. Fill the system with water and add the necessary nutrients required for the cactus to grow. It is important to note that cacti require less water than other plants, so be mindful of the amount of water added to the system.

Planting the Cactus

When planting the cactus, it is important to ensure that only the end part of the roots are in the system, not all of the roots. If the entire root system gets wet, you risk the cactus dying from too much water. Place the cactus in the aeroponic system and ensure that the roots are not touching any parts of the system. This will prevent the roots from rotting due to excess moisture.

Maintaining the Aeroponic System

To ensure that the cactus thrives in the aeroponic system, it is important to maintain the system regularly. Check the water level and nutrient levels regularly and adjust them as necessary. Also, monitor the growth of the cactus and trim any dead or damaged parts to ensure that the plant remains healthy.

Benefits of Growing a Cactus in an Aeroponic System

Growing a cactus in an aeroponic system has several benefits. Firstly, it allows the cactus to grow in a controlled environment, which can result in faster growth and higher yields. Secondly, it eliminates the need for soil, which can reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests. Finally, it is a more sustainable method of growing plants as it requires less water than traditional soil-based methods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to grow a cactus in an aeroponic system. However, it is important to ensure that only the roots are getting wet and that the system is maintained regularly. By following these steps, you can successfully grow a cactus in an aeroponic system and enjoy the benefits of this sustainable and controlled method of growing plants.

Indoor Cactus

Indoor Cactuses are a common house plant. Why? Simply because they are low maintenance. In an AeroGarden system indoors, it is even less maintenance. You can grow your Cactus in Water, Hydroponic system, Aeroponics and of course soil. Just make sure that the plant is getting the right amount of light that is required by placing it by a window, or somewhere in which it will have the appropriate amount of light to maintain a happy, healthy plant.

Pruning

Cactuses don’t really need to be pruned simply because they do not grow like a fruit or vegetable. Typically, you would prune the roots to enable healthier roots, like hair cut in a way. Pruning will be needed if you notice that some of the plant is dying, or slacking. Just prune those right off, and they will grow back healthier!

Pest Control

Indoor plants tend to not be accountable for pests, although they can still come and go. A few to keep an eye for is: Mealy Bugs, And Root Mealy Bugs, Spider Mites, and Fungus Gnats. You should not have to worry about any of these unless you have a door or a window open allowing the pests to come inside and attack your plant.

Diseases

Diseases are very common with house plants, just because it has to do with water, light, air, bacteria, and nutrients. It may take a while before starting to realize your cactus plant has a disease. Check the roots every other month or so to keep an eye out for root rot.

Tips & Tricks

• If you are starting from a cutting, allow the cutting to dry out for a few days, then place it into the system.
• When adding nutrients, only add half of what the system usually needs.
• You can purchase Cactus cuttings from any online store! I have listed some at the bottom of this page, check it out!
• Use soft water when you water your Cactus, bottled water or filtered water will do the trick.

Inside Scoop

A lot of AeroGarden Growers do not believe that you can grow a cactus in hydroponics, but you can!

Cactus thrive in the Light from the AeroGarden!

Many growers love to place the cutting in Clay Pebbles, which seems to do the trick.

If you notice your plant is looking unhappy, you may have over watered it. Simply remove it from your system, and allow it to dry for a day or two, then place it back into your system.

A lot of Cactus lovers like to use water and even rocks instead of clay pebbles.

Try to avoid putting your Cactuses (that have been outdoors) that are in soil, near your AeroGarden. This is simply because you could attract bugs to your AeroGarden because of the soil in the plant.

Typically when in soil, Cactuses can’t tolerate a lot of water because it will cause root rot. But when you submerge them in water, they start to develop new roots that can now tolerate all the water. This is the plant’s way of adapting to new climates.

Cactus Seeds and Cuttings

• Seed Seeds, Cacti/Cactus – This pack of cactus seeds is a nice variety, with a 90% germination rate!
• Astrophytum Purple Nudun – this beautiful little Cactus will definitely be the star of any room.

The best thing to do when growing a Cactus is to get it from a local plant store, or ask a friend for a cutting of their Cactus!