Kitty Cactus

Kitty Cactus should have moist soil at all times; in the growing season you can water the soil regularly, ensuring you never let it completely dry out. In winter however, you should cut back on the watering schedule, letting the soil dry almost completely between each watering. Avoid leaving the soil too wet.

Kitty Cactus prefers very bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a bright location away from direct sunlight, which can be too intense and damage the plant. An east or west-facing window is great. Artificial fluorescent light can also be used to supplement your natural light.

Kitty Cactus prefers normal room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C), so care should be taken to not let the temperature drop or rise too much out of this range. Avoid any draughts and temperature fluctuations/extremes.

Kitty Cactus does not require high levels of humidity, but it does prefer some added humidity in the air. Mist the leaves regularly with warm water as this adds necessary humidity to the air and prevents its spines from drying out.

Kitty Cactus prefers sandy, well-draining soil. Use a compost mix with about two-thirds potting soil and one-third sand for best results. Alternatively, you can make your own compost by mixing one-third peat-based potting soil, one-third perlite, and one-third coarse sand.

Kitty Cactus should be fertilized using a specially formulated cactus fertilizer. During the growing season, feed once every two weeks, diluting the fertilizers to half of the recommended strength. In winter, stop fertilizing altogether.

Kitty Cactus is not susceptible to many pests, but occasional scale insects, mealybugs, or spider mites can appear. You can spot them by inspecting the stems and look for little white specks or webs. If you have pets or small children, cinnamon powder sprinkled over the soil may act as a natural deterrent for these pests. To get rid of them, try rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and dabbing them directly. You may need to repeat this process several times over the course of weeks in order to fully get rid of them.

Kitty Cactus should be repotted every two or three years, although it's possible to extend the repotting period to three or four. It's best to wait until the plant is actively growing before repotting, as too intese a shift can be detrimental to the plant's health. When repotting, choose a pot slightly wider and deeper than the existing one, with adequate drainage holes at the bottom so that the soil does not stay soggy.

Kitty Cactus should not need much pruning. If you find that any of the stems have become too tall and leggy, you can prune them to a lower spot on the stem, making sure you use sharp, sanitized scissors when doing so.

Kitty Cactus is not very demanding in terms of mulching, although topping the soil with gravel or wood chips may help to keep the soil moist during the dry periods.

You can propagate Kitty Cactus from cuttings. Use a sharp, clean knife to remove a healthy piece from the main stem. Cactus cutting takes quite some time to establish a new root system and root its stem. Leave the cutting to dry in the shade for a few days to callus over before planting in dry, well-drained soil that is a combination of perlite, peat, and sand. Water once a week, applying a diluted liquid fertilizer periodically, and eventually, the cactus will root and begin to grow.

Kitty Cactus does not require a stake or other support, but if the stems become too heavy it can be helpful to add one.

Kitty Cactus prefers a winter rest period; during this time, reduce watering and move to a spot with lower light temperatures. The rest period will help your cactus replenish its energy reserves so it will bloom later in the season.

Kitty Cactus is not toxic to cats and dogs, but its sharp spines can cause injury if not handled with care.