The Cactus Conundrum: Planting, Pairing and Potting

Posted by Jason Wyrwicz on Mar 26th 2025

Jason Wyrwicz

CEO @ Pots, Planters & More

Cacti are the ultimate low maintenance plants—perfect for those who love greenery in their space but forget to water (we all do). These plants add a touch of desert to any room and are super versatile and can fit into many spaces with zero maintenance.

While cacti are often seen as no care plants, they still need the right environment, soil and attention to thrive. In this post we’ll cover everything from choosing the right pot and soil mix to pairing your cacti with other plants to create beautiful arrangements.

The Basics of Planting Cacti

Planting a cactus might seem like a pretty straightforward task, but the real challenge is providing the right conditions for growth if you want to ensure your cactus will thrive.

Cacti require specific soil, pots, and planting techniques to avoid common issues like root rot or stunted growth.
Here’s everything you need to know to get your cactus planted properly and keep it healthy:

Choose the Right Soil

Cactuses need well-draining soil to prevent water from sitting around their roots, which can lead to rot. The best choice is cactus-specific potting mix or a sandy, gritty soil blend that mimics their natural desert environment.

If you can’t find a pre-made cactus mix, you can easily create your own by combining regular potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice to increase drainage.

Select the Right Planter

Drainage is key! Ensure your planter has a drainage hole at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.

While a decorative pot might look tempting, remember—functionality comes first, especially when it comes to drainage.

Clay pots are a great option as they are porous and help wick away moisture. Choose a pot that’s just slightly larger than the cactus root ball—too large a pot can hold excess moisture, leading to root rot.

Planting Your Cactus Step-By-Step

Step 1:

Add a layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom of the pot for extra drainage.

Step 2:

Fill the pot with your cactus mix, leaving enough room to plant the cactus. Tap the sides of the pot to settle the soil.

Step 3:

Using your thick gloves, pull the cactus out of its nursery pot. Be careful, many cacti have sharp spines.

Step 4:

Plant the cactus in the new pot and fill around the root ball with soil. Don’t bury too deep—base of the cactus should be level with the soil.

Step 5:

Once the cactus is in, pat the soil around the roots to keep it in place. Make sure the cactus is steady and upright.

Watering after planting

After planting, it’s important not to water your cactus immediately. This gives the roots time to settle and adjust to the new environment.

Tip!

Wait for about a week before watering for the first time, allowing the plant to establish itself in the new soil.

When you do water, do so sparingly—cactuses need minimal water, and overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by beginners.

Cactus Pairing: The Art of Arrangements

Creating a cactus arrangement is an art and pairing different types of cacti with other plants takes it to the next level. But successful pairing means considering each plant’s needs: light, water and space.

Here’s how to master the art of cactus arrangements and have all your plants happy together.

Why Pairing Matters

Pairing cactuses with other plants isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating a balanced environment.

By choosing companion plants that have similar care requirements—light, soil, water— you create a happy ecosystem that will make each plant in the arrangement thrive.

Choosing Companion Plants

Not all plants are cactus friendly as many need more water or higher humidity than cacti can handle.

The best partners for cacti are other drought tolerant, low maintenance plants that thrive in the same conditions.

Plant Name	Pros	Cons	Comment
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)	✅Drought-tolerant ✅Similar soil and watering needs ✅Low maintenance	❌Can become leggy without enough light ❌Sensitive to overwatering	A great succulent companion that thrives in similar conditions to cacti.
Echeveria	✅Attractive rosette shape ✅Requires minimal care ✅Thrives in low light conditions	❌Sensitive to overwatering ❌Susceptible to pests like aphids	Easy to care for, pairs well with both small and large cacti.
Agave	✅Drought-resistant ✅Thrives in similar conditions as cacti ✅Adds height and texture	❌Can be slow-growing ❌Some varieties have sharp spines	A bold partner that complements cacti with its architectural form.
Sedum (Stonecrop)	✅Drought-tolerant ✅Grows well in poor soil ✅Adds ground cover	❌Can spread aggressively ❌Needs regular pruning	A low-growing, hardy plant that fills in space around cacti, keeping soil dry.
Aloe Vera	✅Similar water and light needs ✅Easy to grow ✅Medicinal properties	❌Requires occasional repotting ❌Can grow large over time	A practical and visually appealing partner for smaller cacti varieties.
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum)	✅Requires little water ✅Grows quickly ✅Beautiful rosette formations	❌Can overcrowd if not controlled ❌Sensitive to humidity	A resilient and compact succulent that pairs well in small cactus pots.
Yucca	✅Drought-tolerant ✅Adds height and structure ✅Low maintenance	❌Can become too large for small spaces ❌Requires a lot of sunlight	A large, striking plant that works well with tall cacti for contrast.

Designing Your Cactus Arrangement

When arranging cacti, think about the flow and height. Layering different types of cacti, for example tall spiky next to shorter rounded ones creates a dynamic look and gives each plant room to breathe.

Put taller cactuses in the back and shorter ones in front to create depth.
Combine plants with different textures like a smooth spherical barrel cactus next to a long spiky saguaro cactus.
Most cacti are green but their flowers come in different colors. Pair flowering cacti with succulents that have different colors to make both plants pop.

Spacing and Potting Considerations

Be aware of the space needed for each plant. Cacti have deep roots and too many plants in one pot will stunt their growth. Make sure your pot is big enough for the plants to grow into.

Caring for Your Cactus Arrangement

Once your cactus arrangement is set up the care routine becomes key. All plants in the arrangement should get the same amount of light and watered on the same schedule to avoid overwatering or underwatering. Rotate your plants regularly so they get even sunlight.

Potting Cactuses: Choosing the Right Pot

The right pot helps with moisture and space for the cactus to grow. When choosing a pot for your cactus look for:

Drainage Holes

At least one drainage hole at the bottom to allow excess water to escape

Material

Clay Pots: These are the old school choice for cacti. They are porous so air can get to the roots and moisture can evaporate faster which helps prevent overwatering.

Fiberglass Planters: If you want a more modern, lightweight option, fiberglass planters are great. They retain moisture better than clay but still drain well. They’re also less likely to crack in extreme temps so perfect for outdoor use.

Plastic Pots: These are cheap and lightweight but may retain moisture longer than clay which can be a problem for cacti. If you use a plastic pot make sure it has drainage holes and monitor watering more closely.

Size

Pot just slightly larger than the cactus root ball

Best Cactuses for Beginners

Some cacti are more forgiving than others and choosing the best for beginners will ensure your success. These cacti are low maintenance, hardy and perfect for newbies to plant care.

Cactus Name	Key Benefit	Care Tips	Size
Barrel Cactus	Hardy and low-maintenance	Bright sunlight, water sparingly once soil is dry	Medium
Prickly Pear	Adaptable, great for various environments	Bright sunlight, minimal watering, tolerate temperature changes	Medium
Christmas Cactus	Blooms in winter, less spiny	Indirect light, moderate watering, misting for humidity	Small
Bunny Ear Cactus	Unique, small and easy to care for	Bright sunlight, minimal watering	Small
Golden Barrel Cactus	Striking appearance, very low-maintenance	Direct sunlight, water sparingly once soil is dry	Large
Aloe Vera	Easy to grow, practical (healing properties)	Bright, indirect light, water sparingly	Small

Common Cactus Problems

Cacti are low maintenance but not immune to certain care issues. Here are some common problems you may encounter with cacti and how to fix them:

Issue	Symptoms	Cause	Solution
Overwatering	Yellowing, soft or mushy spots, foul smell	Excess water, poor drainage	Let soil dry completely before watering. Ensure pot has drainage holes.
Underwatering	Wrinkling, shrivelling, dry spots	Prolonged lack of water	Water thoroughly when the soil is dry. Increase watering during warmer months.
Pests	White cotton-like fuzz (mealybugs), brown/red spots (scale), webbing (spider mites)	Warm, dry conditions, poor air circulation	Wipe cactus with damp cloth or use rubbing alcohol. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Sunburn	Brown or pale patches, especially on sun-facing side	Sudden exposure to intense sunlight or too much direct sun	Gradually acclimate cactus to stronger sunlight. Provide some shade if necessary.
Fungal Infections	Soft, discoloured, slimy patches	Overwatering, poor drainage, humidity	Remove infected parts, let cactus dry, repot with well-draining soil.
Slow or No Growth	No visible growth or stunted growth	Insufficient light, poor soil, improper watering	Ensure 6+ hours of sunlight, check soil drainage, repot if root-bound.
Root Rot	Soft, blackened base, foul smell from roots	Overwatering, poor drainage	Cut off rotten roots, allow plant to dry before replanting in fresh soil.

Conclusion

Caring for cacti can be fun and rewarding with unique beauty for minimal effort.

By understanding the basics of planting, potting and pairing along with common issues like overwatering or pests you can keep your cactus thriving for years.

Choose the right varieties for your space, give them what they need and enjoy the journey as your cacti grow and bloom. With a little love these hardy plants will be a feature in your home or garden.

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