How To Make Cactus Grow Faster (9 Fast Growing Cacti)

Are you looking for a way to make your cactus grow faster? You’re in luck! With the right tips and tricks, you can easily speed up your cactus’ growth. Read on to learn how to make cactus grow faster with nine of the fastest-growing varieties.

How Fast Do Cacti Grow?

Most cacti grow slowly, usually no more than an inch per year! But there are a few factors that can affect how quickly your cactus can grow. The amount of sunlight it gets, the temperature of its environment, and even the type of soil it’s planted in can all influence its growth rate.

It’s also important to make sure you’re not making any common mistakes when caring for your cactus; overwatering and overfeeding can actually stunt its growth. If you want to promote faster growth indoors, try giving your cactus more light and increasing the temperature slightly—but be careful not to give it too much or too little water or fertilizer.

Why Do Cacti Grow So Slowly?

You may have noticed that cacti don’t seem to grow very quickly. This can be attributed to a few factors, including the soil and climatic conditions in which they typically live, their lack of leaves, and a specific type of cell structure called stomata. All these things contribute to their slow growth rate, so let’s take a closer look at why cacti grow so slowly.

Soil and climatic conditions

Cacti require specific soil and climatic conditions in order to thrive and grow faster. To improve the growth rate of cacti, you should:

• Improve soil fertility: Add compost or organic matter to your soil to provide essential nutrients.
• Control temperature range: Cacti prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
• Adjust watering frequency: Water your cactus deeply and thoroughly when the soil is dry. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.

Lack of leaves

Without leaves, cacti are unable to take in the energy from the sun that they need to grow. This is why they adapt by using spines and wool on their stems. These features provide shade and help them conserve water in desert climates. Unfortunately, this also limits their ability to produce chlorophyll, which is vital for photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll helps absorb sunlight and convert it into glucose, which plants use as food for growth. As a result, cacti’s leafless adaptations keep them from growing as quickly as other plants with larger leaves. However, some cactus species have adapted to conditions that allow them to take advantage of available energy sources and grow faster than others.

Stomata in cacti

Cacti’s adaptation of having fewer stomata than other plants limits their ability to take in carbon dioxide, further slowing their growth. This adaptation is beneficial for survival in the desert due to two main reasons:

• Water conservation: Fewer stomata mean that cacti can conserve more water by limiting the amount of evaporation through these pores. By not losing as much water, cacti are able to survive and thrive in hot and dry conditions that would be otherwise fatal for most other plants.
• Photosynthetic efficiency: The lack of stomata also prevents them from taking in too much carbon dioxide, which reduces the rate of photosynthesis and slows down their growth.

How To Make Cactus Grow Faster

By taking certain steps, it’s possible to make cactus grow faster. Watering tips are important for cactus growth, as these plants do not need a lot of water and too much can kill them. Aim to give your plant enough water so that the soil is slightly damp but never soggy.

Light requirements also play an important role in cacti growth; most species thrive in bright light, such as near a sunny window or outdoors during the summer months. Lastly, fertilizing strategies should be put in place if you want to ensure your cactus grows at its best rate. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season and once every three months during the winter months.

Related Post:
What Kind of Cactus Grows Tall?

What Are Some Fast Growing Cacti?

If you’re looking for a fast-growing cactus, you may want to consider the Argentine Saguaro, Pereskia, Blue Column, Walkingstick and Pereskiopsis varieties. These cacti are known for their quick growth rates and will provide a great addition to your garden. Some of these are perfect for outdoor areas while others prefer more controlled environments like terrariums – take a look at each one to decide what would work best for you!

1. Argentine Saguaro Cactus

You can grow the Argentine Saguaro Cactus quickly by providing it with plenty of sunlight, water, and fertilizer. This fast-growing cactus can tower up to 25 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide in just a few years, making it a great choice for those looking to add some height to their garden.

To ensure your cactus grows at its optimal rate:

• Fertilizing Techniques: Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer every two months while actively growing in spring and summer.
• Pruning Methods: Prune dead or damaged branches as needed.
• Optimal Growing Conditions: Make sure it’s planted in an area that gets full sun and receives regular watering during the hot summer months.

With the right care, you’ll have an impressive showpiece in no time!

2. Pereskia Cactus

The Pereskia cactus can reach up to 20 feet tall and offers a unique look with its leaves and black or brown spines. To encourage faster growth, you should prune it regularly to keep it from getting too large. Propagating by stem cuttings is also effective and will help the plant continue growing.

It’s important to watch out for common pests like mealybugs and scale insects, as well as diseases such as root rot and fungal infections that can affect this type of cactus. With proper care and regular maintenance, your pereskia cactus can thrive in Zone 10-11 climates!

3. Blue Column Cactus

Pilosocereus pachycladus, commonly known as the blue column cactus, can reach heights of up to 30 feet. This fast-growing cactus is usually bluish in color and has yellow spines. It prefers desert conditions with sandy soil and temperatures above 70° F. To optimize its growth:

• Watering: Only water when the soil is dry.
• Temperature: Keep it at or above 70° F; no colder than 50° F.
• Pruning techniques: Prune regularly to encourage more stalks and flowers.

Blue column cacti are popular among nurseries and garden centers for their ability to grow quickly under optimal conditions. Zones 9-11 are ideal for this heat-loving plant, though it can be grown in a pot if necessary indoors during cold weather months.

4. Walkingstick Cactus

A great option for gardeners looking for a spiny cactus that can withstand colder temperatures is the walkingstick cholla. Growing up to 5 feet tall and wide, it has thin stems that grow quickly compared to other cacti. Its greyish-green to purple coloration can be accompanied by red, yellow, or white flowers in late spring and early summer. It needs bright sunlight and well-draining sandy soil. Water it weekly during the summer but let the soil dry out in winter. This cactus is hardy down to -20°F and can thrive in Zones 5 through 11.

To encourage faster growth, prune off dead or damaged parts of the stem as needed. Propagation methods include cutting sections off mature stems with at least two sets of spines on each segment and planting them directly into moistened soil. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and root mealybugs, while diseases affecting this plant are usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

5. Pereskiopsis Cactus

You can propagate Pereskiopsis quickly, as it takes well to cuttings. It’s one of the fastest-growing cacti, able to grow up to a foot per month and even 5 or 6 inches in a single week! Hardy in Zones 10 and 11 and tolerant of temperatures down to 35°F, this plant requires more moisture than typical cacti but without wet roots:

• Care:
  • Water regularly, but don’t let the soil become soggy.
  • Prune when needed – remove damaged sections or those that are growing too large.
• Propagation:
  • Start with healthy cuttings from an existing plant.
  • Plant in a well-draining soil mix for best results.

6. Peruvian Apple Cactus

The Peruvian apple cactus is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a fast-growing cactus. Native to South America, this tall spineless cactus can reach up to 30 feet and produces edible purple fruits resembling dragon fruit. It’s important that you provide the right conditions for this plant to grow quickly – sandy soil with exceptional drainage, full sun, and infrequent watering.

To make sure it grows as fast as possible, try adjusting other variables like temperature control and lighting needs. Make sure you water sparingly in winter and avoid over-watering during the summer months. With these watering techniques and optimum lighting conditions, your Peruvian Apple Cactus should be able to reach 2 to 4 feet of growth each year!

7. Mexican Fence Post Cactus

Pachycereus marginatus, commonly known as the Mexican fence post cactus, can reach up to 20 feet tall. Native to Mexico, it grows at a rate of 3 feet per year and prefers dry soil that’s not overwatered. It’s hardy to 25°F and can be grown outside in zones 9-11.

You can cultivate these cacti for a living fence or backdrop due to their upright growing habit and grouping. To ensure its fast growth:

• Cactus Propagation:
  • Take stem cuttings from mature plants and root them in sandy soil
  • Sow seed directly into the ground when spring arrives
• Pruning Techniques: Remove dead stems by cutting them off at the base with sterilized scissors or shears
• Watering Schedule: Let the soil dry out before watering again; avoid overwatering
  These cacti would look great in any garden!

8. Blue Myrtle Cactus

The Myrtillocactus geometrizans, commonly known as the Blue Myrtle Cactus, can make a great addition to any indoor or outdoor garden. Growing up to 16 feet tall and wide, this cactus is quite forgiving for those who are new to caring for cacti. It’s best suited for zones 9-11 and prefers sandy soil with plenty of light and heat.

To get your Blue Myrtle Cactus growing quickly, try propagation methods such as cuttings or division along with regular pruning techniques. When grown indoors, however, it should be kept in an area that receives bright indirect light. Water when the soil is dry but make sure drainage is good so it doesn’t become waterlogged. Outdoors it will need protection from frost in winter months and may benefit from shade during hot summer days.

9. Silver Torch Cactus

You’ll love the silver torch cactus for its steady growth and beautiful magenta-colored flowers. Native to Bolivia and Argentina, this cactus can reach up to 10 feet in length and is covered with silvery hair. It grows well in zones 9 to 11, prefers plenty of sunlight, and needs well-draining soil. Here’s what you need to know for optimal silver torch cactus care:

• Propagation:
  • Seeds
  • Cuttings
• Care Tips:
  • Water when soil dries out during summer
  • Scale back water in winter
  • Cold-tolerant to mid-20s
• Common Pests:
  • Spider mites
  • Mealybugs

Conclusion

You’ve now got the knowledge to make your cactus grow faster. With a little extra care and attention, you can ensure that your cacti reach their full potential in no time. Take advantage of fast-growing species for more immediate results. Don’t forget to monitor soil quality, temperature, and water levels too! So don’t wait any longer – get growing with these tips and enjoy the beauty of cacti in your home or garden!