We Get Winter Cactus Questions
Hello!
I stumbled across your blog and I have a few questions regarding my new copiapoa.
How often should I water it, and how much water should I use when I do? Now that it is winter I thought I would need to water it less. I just got it about a week or two ago and it was flowering–now the flower has closed up. Is this usually the case with this cactus?
I also have a succulent that I have had for about a year, I think I over watered it recently but I thought maybe taking a look you could tell if it is doing okay. I was wondering if I needed to plant it in a bigger pot?
Also, I live in Oklahoma, just so you could get an idea on weather.
Thank you in advance!
Alicia
Alicia,
Cactus flowers only last 2-4 days, so it is not unusual that the cactus has finished blooming so quickly. It is unusual that it was blooming so late in the year. Normally you should see it flower in early summer. I would recommend some low strength fertilizer in spring and a little bit of extra bloom food.
For winter, put it in the sunniest window you have, water every 4-6 weeks, and pretty much leave it alone. In spring you can start watering about every 3 weeks.
When we water we prefer to drench the plant and let the water drain away – a kitchen sink is a good place for that.
The succulent is Crassula ovata, and it is fine. It definitely wants a bigger pot, but I would wait until spring.
Peter
