The most popular pot sizes for Easter Cacti are 4, 6, and 8 pots. They expand to become 1 x 1. Because it lives for a long time inside, older plants (10+ years) can grow to be 2 x 2.
Light
Without direct sunshine, strong natural light is ideal for them. The thick leaves of a spring cactus will burn in the hot sun. For reference, mine is growing on a buffet in my dining room, which has three sizable east-facing windows. It is positioned about 10 feet from the windows, where it receives lots of light (Tucson is famed for its abundant sunshine!).
They prefer bright shade while growing outside. As you can see from the video, my covered side patio’s northern exposure offers the best exposure.
Water
These are epiphytic cacti, which are different from the desert cacti that Tucson is covered in. They grow on other plants and rocks rather than soil in their native rainforest settings. The roots must be able to breathe.
Give yours a big swig of water and let the entire contents of the saucepan completely drain. Before you water the plant again, make sure it is completely dry. The roots should not be kept wet all the time because they will eventually rot.
In between waterings, let the soil to dry out. It depends on a variety of things how frequently you water it. You should find this guide to watering indoor plants helpful.
Water your Easter Cactus more frequently when it is blooming. At this point, you don’t want it to become fully dry.
Temperature
They can withstand a variety of temperatures. Your Easter Cactus will feel comfortable in your home if you do. Just be aware that the blooming season will occur more quickly the warmer your home is. Keep children away from heaters and, in the opposite direction, from drafty areas.
The evening temperature must be chilly for blooms to set. It is best between 45 and 55 degrees F.
Humidity
Although this epiphytic cactus favors humidity, it can survive in our homes despite their tendency to be dryer.
I’ll put mine on a saucer with stones and water if it starts to appear less “plump & a bit on the dry side.” To prevent any rotting, make sure to keep the pot’s bottom out of the liquid.
Soil
In their natural habitats, spring cacti grow on other plants, rocks, and bark. In soil, they do not grow. They eat leaves and other trash in the natural world. This indicates that they like a fairly porous mixture with considerable richness.
I usually mix in compost and coco coir with a fairly chunky local succulent and cactus mix. This peat moss substitute is better for the environment since it has a pH that is neutral, can hold more nutrients, and enhances aeration.
Fertilizing
None of my spring cactus have ever received fertilizer. Every spring, I always supplement with worm compost and organic compost. They’ve always had no trouble blooming. I’ll modify mine again in the summer here in the desert when it’s much hotter and dryer.
Every spring, I lightly apply worm compost to the majority of my indoor plants before covering it with a thin layer of compost. Easy, right? For a larger houseplant, use a 1/4 to 1/2 layer of each. Right here, you can read about how I feed my composting worms.
You can use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (such 10-10-10) in the spring, early summer, and mid-summer even if yours might not require it.
My friend gave his Christmas and Easter cacti (20-10-20) all-around orchid fertilizer in the spring and again in the summer, and they both looked fantastic. It needs to be diluted to 1/4 strength. Water your plants with 1/4 of the fertilizer’s suggested dosage. If necessary, I might try using my collection of orchids, which I have quite a number of.
Wait to fertilize your Spring Cactus until it has completed blooming entirely, which should take 1-2 months. Before hitting it with the good stuff, you want it to relax!
Here, you can see the leaf from my Thanksgiving Cactus (which, by the way, is frequently advertised as a Christmas Cactus) on the left and the leaf from my Easter Cactus on the right. The Easter Cactus leaf is noticeably smoother, as can be seen.
Propagating
Speaking of propagation, leaf cuttings or division are both fairly simple methods.
By chopping the terminal leaf parts off, you can take individual leaf cuttings. It is simple for me to twist them off. I select a few pieces, which I consider to be a stem. After that, I let the leaves or complete stems recover for about a week. They are then planted in a straight succulent and cactus mix with about half of the leaf’s end sticking out, and after a couple of weeks, they begin to take root. I repotted them after one month has passed.
Pests / Problems
Mealybugs, spider mites, and possibly scale are common although mine have never experienced any of these.
Another issue is the fungal disease known as root rot. By not overwatering and/or utilizing a soil mixture that is properly aerated and free drainage, you can prevent this.
Flowering
Yes, this plant’s blossoms are quite attractive. Compared to the Christmas and Thanksgiving Cacti, whose flowers I think somewhat resemble Shrimp Plant flowers, these are more star-shaped. They come in vivacious violet, peach, red, orange, and that calmer Easter color, white.
These plants are timed by the farmers to bloom around Easter. Although they can bloom long into or throughout May, they are primarily sold in March and April. The flowers will open more quickly and their overall blooming period will be shorter the warmer your home is.
Similar to what you do to get the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti to bloom once again, you may get them to flower once more. Make sure your spring cactus receives an equal amount of sunshine and absolute darkness each day six to eight weeks before you want it to bloom.
At this time, keep them dry to force them into dormancy. Depending on the temperature, the mix they are in, and the size and type of pot they are planted in, they may need watering every three to six weeks.
Keep the temperature between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, 50 to 55 degrees is ideal. Your need for more darkness will increase if your temperatures are warmer.
The Easter Cactus blooms may be seen in the two lower pictures. The Thanksgiving Cactus flower in the top photo is much different from these flowers.
Good To Know
When Easter Cactus is minimally pot-bound, it thrives. Every two to five years, I repot my.
Yippee! These plants are said to be safe for both cats and dogs. If your pet consumes the leaves or stems, they may irritate their stomach.
I urge you to use an Easter Cactus to commemorate Spring, the season of fresh beginnings and vivid hues. Those lovely flowers will certainly make your house cheerier!
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, one of the most well-liked succulents, is regularly utilized for therapeutic and medicinal purposes. The plant’s extracts can be found in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and flavored waters, and its sap is traditionally used to heal sunburns.
However, pets may be poisoned by this succulent. Aloe has a reputation for causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in animals, as well as making them lethargic.
Long, pointed tendrils are a distinguishing feature of aloe plants. Some types have foliage with white spots, while others bloom sporadically. Pets should not be allowed near any types.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are prized for their profusion of flowers, which come in a variety of hues from soft pink to flamboyant orange. This tropical succulent is well-liked as a houseplant and goes by several names, including mother of millions, devil’s backbone, and mother-in-law plant.
This plant primarily causes vomiting and diarrhea by irritating the digestive system. Heart arrhythmias, however, can also happen.
Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a vast and diverse genus of plants that encompasses anything from tiny, low-growing plants to gigantic giants.
Many succulents of the genus Euphorbia are harmful to both cats and dogs, including the pencil cactus and crown of thorns.
Ingestion of this succulent can cause a variety of poisoning symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress and eye and skin irritation.
It is advised to stay away from all euphorbia species, including the deadly poinsettia, if you have pets.
Jade
Similar to aloe vera, jade is a widespread, simple-to-grow houseplant that is common on windowsills. Jade plants resemble trees because to their thick, woody stalks and hefty, oval leaves.
There are various types of jade, and each one should be kept out of reach of animals. Your cat or dog may exhibit signs such as gastrointestinal distress and uncoordination if they consume jade.
If a cat eats a cactus, what happens?
Cats are not toxic to cacti, therefore ingesting a piece of the plant shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Cactus have defensive spines that could hurt your cat, therefore caution should be used if your cat likes to harass and chew on houseplants.
Cats sometimes lick, chew, play with, and even torment indoor plants, so cat owners should always do their research before introducing a new plant into the house. If the houseplant is poisonous to cats and other animals, this might be very harmful. While some plants are just mildly poisonous, others can be lethal or cause considerable harm.
Keep in mind to call your vet if your cat has consumed anything strange or if they are suddenly displaying unusual symptoms. You can learn more about different plant life and how it affects animals from your veterinarian.
How can I keep my cat safe from cacti?
This is the most affordable and practical choice for every pet owner. You can spray your plant with a variety of pet-repellent sprays without causing any harm to it or the pet without buying them from a pet store or nursery.
With vinegar, orange, lemon, cayenne pepper, or chili pepper, you may also prepare a few at yourself. If you prefer, you can combine pepper with water and spray it on your succulents. Citrus fruits can be used in a similar way; simply use diluted lemon juice, orange juice, or white vinegar. If you have essential oils on hand, add 12 to 15 drops of oil to your spray container, give it a thorough shake, and then spray. Pets particularly dislike the scents of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass. The process might need to be repeated two to three times per month as the odor will eventually go away.
Are cats poisoned by jade plants?
The Ceriman’s tropical appearance makes it one of the most well-liked houseplants.
However, the leaves and stems of this plant are mildly hazardous to cats because they contain insoluble calcium oxalates.
Signs of Ceriman Toxicity in Cats
The tongue, lips, and face may enlarge as a result of severe oral irritation. The signs include profuse drooling, pawing at the face and lips, sobbing in pain, sometimes vomiting, and occasionally having trouble swallowing. If the sap comes into contact with the skin, it may irritate it.
Onset of Symptoms
If a cat bites or chews on this plant, producing oral irritation, symptoms usually appear right away. Up to 24 hours after intake, digestive symptoms may appear.
Cyclamen
a widespread flowering plant that is frequently given as a gift because of its lovely blossoms, which primarily bloom in the winter. But don’t be fooled by their beauty; they are actually quite toxic.
This plant can be fatal to your cat in all parts, especially those below the soil. This is due to the presence of saponins, also known as triterpene glycosides, in cyclamens.
All sections of the Cyclamen plant contain saponins, but the tubers (the underground components), which have the highest concentration, are also the most dangerous.
Signs of Cyclamen Toxicity in Cats
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea are possible side effects if any portion of the plant is consumed. The chemicals in this plant, particularly the tubers and roots, can cause cardiac issues in cats, including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), seizures, and even death.
Signs may appear very away (especially if the tubers are consumed) or up to several hours after consumption, depending on the portion of the plant and how much of the plant is consumed.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Like the Hurricane Plant, which is common in homes, this plant is poisonous to cats because it contains insoluble calcium oxalates. If eaten, these crystals will irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause severe burning and irritation to the lips and tongue.
Signs of Dieffenbachia Toxicity in Cats
Extreme mouth irritability can result in facial, tongue, and lip enlargement as well as oral ulcers and blisters. Excessive drooling, pawing at the face or mouth, decreased appetite, oral pain, vomiting, and less frequently difficulties swallowing are symptoms that are frequently present.
If a cat bites or chews on this plant, producing oral irritation, symptoms will appear right away. Up to 24 hours after intake, digestive symptoms may appear.
Dracaena (Corn Plant)
Similar to Aloe and the other plants on this list, this common houseplant also contains the chemical saponins, making it hazardous to cats if consumed.
We’ve shown two different iterations of this plant in the photographs because it comes in numerous kinds.
Signs of Dracaena Toxicity in Cats
excessive drooling, mental drowsiness, a drop in energy, an absence of hunger, dilated pupils, and vomiting (occasionally with blood).
The Jade plant, also known as Chinese Jade, is a typical succulent plant seen in homes. If consumed, cats are thought to be toxic, but the toxicity is thought to be moderate and self-limiting (resolves without treatment).
Signs of Jade Toxicity in Cats
The most typical signs include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, and an unsteady walk (stumbling).
Due to the moderate toxicity, symptoms might not be immediately apparent, but they could appear within 14 hours of intake if they are.
Lilies
The poison from true lilies may be the most harmful and lethal one that cats have ever encountered. There are both safe and harmful lily plants, and it’s crucial to understand the difference.
The Hemerocallis and Lilium species (real lilies) are referred regarded as the “dangerous lilies,” and examples include Easter, Japanese display, Asiatic, stargazer, wood, red, western, tiger, and rubrum lilies. The Hemerocallis genera include daylilies, which are likewise quite dangerous.
While benign or less harmful lily cultivars including Peruvian, Peace, and Calla lilies don’t pose the same danger to human life as Lilium and Hemerocallis species do. Instead, they include oxalate crystals that have modest side effects such causing mouth and oral cavity irritation and possibly some drooling.
However, even the tiniest ingestions of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species carry a risk of death.
Signs of Lily Toxicity in Cats
Even the smallest ingestions, such as those of Lilium and Hemerocallis sp., have the potential to be lethal and will almost certainly cause severe, acute renal failure. Increased thirst, difficulty urinating, no urine production (anuria), vomiting, not eating, lethargy, and weakness are possible symptoms. Learn more about the cat toxicity of lilies.
Because any portion of the Lilium or Hemerocallis species is extremely toxic, even a small amount of ingestion can cause severe symptoms that usually manifest 24 hours after ingestion. The earliest symptoms may include increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and tiredness. Serious kidney damage is likely to happen if immediate action is not performed. A vet should examine your cat as soon as possible.
Marijuana (THCtetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabis, Pot, Mary Jane)
This product is now more widely available in the medical and recreational markets as a result of recent and ongoing legalization changes. increasing exposure to pets as a result.
The Cannabaceae family includes the cannabis species cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. Most of their effects on people are widely understood. However, toxicity results when dogs consume these same effects.
The effects could range from moderate to severe depending on the product consumed and whether it was mixed with other items like chocolate (as in a brownie) or extremely concentrated (as in an e-cigarette oil).
Signs of Marijuana Toxicity in Cats
Cats are renowned for chewing on live plants or dried goods, however dogs are often more likely to be impacted due to their less refined palate.
Ataxia, dilated pupils, drooling, vomiting, dribbling urine (usually seen in dogs more frequently), a slower heart rate (bradycardia), tremors, and very occasionally seizures are all signs of poisoning.
Depending on the product used, symptoms usually appear minutes after ingestion and may take up to two hours to manifest.
Sago Palms (Cardboard Palm, Cycads, Coontie Palm, Zamias)
Sago palms are not palm trees, despite the fact that “palm” is part of their common name. They are cycads, an ancient seed plant with a thick trunk and a crown of sizable compound leaves. a widespread and potentially lethal plant that can be found indoors, on patios, and is frequently utilized in landscaping.
Signs of Sago Toxicity in Cats
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), vomiting, bloody stools, and increased thirst
Typically, symptoms appear anywhere between 15 minutes and 34 hours after eating. Treatment that is aggressive should start right away. Even with extensive therapy, the chance of survival is at about 50%.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria, Mother-in-law’s Tongue)
This species of stemless, evergreen perennial is well-liked indoor plants. The height of its leaves can range from 2 to 4 feet. Its spongy texture, which has leaves that shoot straight up, can be alluring to your cat but is only minimally harmful.
Sweetheart Ivy
This perennial will flow down from its planter and is well-known for its heart-shaped leaves. So, if you do have one, hang it up where your cat can’t get to it. In North Carolina and the Pacific Northwest, this species has become invasive. More poisonous than the berries are the leaves of Sweetheart Ivy.
Signs of Sweetheart Ivy Toxicity in Cats
Hederagenin, a poisonous component of this plant, can cause profuse drooling, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
While symptoms may appear within 48 hours of intake, they may take up to 12 hours to manifest.
Myth Buster: Are Poinsettias Toxic for Pets?
Ironically, poinsettias—one of the most well-known holiday plants that can be dangerous to pets—might not be as bad for them as previously believed. Medical intervention is rarely required unless symptoms are severe or prolonged because to the low amount of toxicity reported with poinsettia intake.
Pets may exhibit mild symptoms of poinsettia poisoning such as vomiting, drooling, and, very infrequently, diarrhea. The irritated skin may become red, swollen, and itchy from the milky sap.
A higher level of toxicity or increased skin irritation may be the outcome of repeated exposure.
Due to their moderate nature, symptoms may go unnoticed at first, but they may become noticeable within 24 hours of consumption. Repeated exposure may be necessary for more pronounced symptoms to appear.
Both indoor and outdoor plants have a long list of poisonous species. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control website of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants contains the whole list. This article should have provided you with some useful information as you travel to the nursery to select your plants or even if your cat likes to spend time outside.