Cactus need some support?
After repotting a cactus, Karen noticed that the plant’s tall, top-heavy growth made it a little unstable in its new home. While the fresh soil and roomier pot would help the roots spread out and strengthen over time, the cactus still needed temporary support to stay upright and avoid tipping over. Instead of purchasing specialty plant stakes, she reached for a simple, budget-friendly solution you might already have in your kitchen: chopsticks!
Cactus staking tip
She used four chopsticks to create a horizontal grid support across the soil. To make this grid, first cut the chopsticks to a size that fits snugly inside the rim. Fit two sticks on either side of the cactus, and run another set of two perpendicular to the first. To avoid damaging the plant, make sure the chopsticks aren’t squeezing the plant. It’s an easy, affordable trick that works especially well for newly repotted succulents and cacti with narrow bases or heavy tops.
Tip submitted by Karen Nickel, WI
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Cactus watering hack
Robert grows cactus under lights at his home and finds it hard to water with a watering can. The light fixture is set close to the tops of the plants, they’re spaced close together, often growing tightly in tiny pots, and it’s time-consuming to pull each cactus out to water. So he attached an 18-in.-long piece of clear plastic tubing to the spout of a condiment bottle. He fills the bottle with water, guides the tubing into the pot, gives a squeeze and dampens the soil. Robert finds it easier to maneuver the flexible tubing in each pot than a watering can spout. Plus, by using the long tube, he avoids getting poked by the sharp spines on his prickly plants!
Tip submitted by Robert Mapes, Iowa
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