Teddy Bear Cactus

The Teddy Bear Cactus is quite drought tolerant, and prefers to be on the slightly dry side. During the summer months, water your plant every two to three weeks. In the winter months, only water your plant when the soil is completely dry - usually every four to six weeks. If you over-water your plant, the stems and roots could rot, so be sure to be conservative with water.

The Teddy Bear Cactus is a sun-loving plant, and will thrive in bright light - both direct sunlight and indirect. It will not do well in low light conditions, and should not be placed in full shade. To avoid sunburn, place your plant in a location that gets plenty of natural bright light, but not direct sun. You can also move your plant around to avoid direct sun at certain times of day.

This cactus prefers average household temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius) with a slight drop to 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit (13-18 degrees Celsius) in the winter. If temperatures go below or above these ranges, it can cause serious damage to the plant.

This cactus prefers low humidity environments, and can thrive in as little as 20% humidity. If you live in a drier climate, you may need to mist the plant every few weeks or use a room humidifier to mimic its natural environment.

The Teddy Bear Cactus enjoys a well-draining soil, and does best when planted in a potting mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. If using a different mix, add one to two parts builder's sand to the potting soil to ensure fast drainage.

The Teddy Bear Cactus does not require fertilization. If desired, use a diluted, balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Be sure to use a water soluble fertilizer at 1/4-1/2 strength for best results.

Teddy Bear Cactus is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. It can fall prey to spider mites, mealybugs and whiteflies. Spider mites can be recognized by webs that form and a powdery texture on the surface of the leaves. Mealybugs look like white, cotton-like masses. Whiteflies appear as tiny white moths that fly away when disturbed. If any of these infestations show up, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil at the recommended dilution.

Teddy Bear Cactus typically needs to be repotted every two to three years, as it likes to be slightly root-bound. When the time comes, be sure to use a potting mix that is made especially for cacti and succulents. Allow the soil to dry out completely before repotting and be sure to use gloves to protect your skin from the prickly spines.

The Teddy Bear Cactus is best pruned by removing any dead spines or stems that are touching the ground first. In addition, you should remove any dead or yellowed stems that have grown too tall or wide. This allows the cactus to stay healthy and maintain its natural shape.

Mulching is not necessary for the Teddy Bear Cactus, but it can help keep the soil moist for additional water retention. If using mulch, it is best to use an organic mulch, such as peat-moss, as it will break down over time and help feed the plant necessary nutrients.

Teddy Bear Cactus can be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, use a sharp, sterile knife to make a 45° angled cut at the top of a healthy stem. Allow the cut end of the stem to callous over for about a week and then insert the stem into a potting mix. For leaf cuttings, use a sharp, sterile knife to cut away a healthy piece of the leaf, press it into a potting mix, and keep it moist, but not wet. Both types of cuttings should form roots in one to two months.

A heavy container should be used when planting a Teddy Bear Cactus, as it will keep the plant from tipping over due to its large spines. A stake or trellis may also be necessary as the plant grows taller and the stem becomes top-heavy.

The Teddy Bear Cactus does not require a winter rest period, as it is a tropical species. However, during the colder, darker winter months, the cactus may go into a dormant state and its growth rate will slow down.

The Teddy Bear Cactus is not toxic to cats and dogs, but should be kept out of reach of pets as the long spines can scratch and cause irritation.