Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! Today it is all about how to grow and care for Moon Cactus plants. Moon Cactus plants are easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know in order to keep them healthy. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be enjoying your Moon Cactus for years to come! The Moon Cactus, also known as Ruby Ball Cactus, Red Cap Cactus, Red Hibotan and Red Cactus, is a special cactus grown from grafts of two different cacti. These two different cacti are grafted together, and their union is collectively referred to as a Moon Cactus.
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RESOURCES & LINKS:
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Moon Cactus Indoor Care Guide
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Video Timestamps
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0:00 – Introduction
1:11- Light and Location
1:39 – Watering and Fertilizer
2:21- Temperature and Humidity
3:03 – Propagation
4:01 – Potting and Repotting
4:45 – Toxicity and Common Pests
5:05 – Common Problems
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Summary
Moon cacti are prized for their unique appearance, and they can be found in many different colors. They are primarily grown indoors in a pot and serve as houseplants requiring little maintenance. The key part is the colorful scion, which is always a variant of Moon Cactus species. The rootstock is a choice between many different types of cacti, with Hylocereus being the most common.
1. Light and Location
Moon cacti will do best when placed in a location that receives bright, indirect light with a few hours of sun each day. So, if you’re growing them indoors, find a spot near a window where they will receive the right amount of light. Note that these are two different cacti grafted together; the top portion likes a bit of shade while the bottom wants direct sun. Compromising between the two is necessary for the plant to function.
2. Watering and Fertilizer
Water your Moon Cactus deeply but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering results in root rot and death. Feed your Moon Cactus a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength every month during the growing season.
3. Temperature and Humidity
Moon Cactus prefers intermediate temperatures. Make sure you don’t place it in a spot where it will get too hot or too cold. The room temperature is usually just fine. Moon cacti grow best in average room temperatures with no specific requirement for humidity. But remember to mist the plant in the winter as it’s the only moisture it can tolerate during dormancy.
5. Propagating Moon Cactus
Due to their peculiar nature, Moon Cacti can’t be propagated the same way as regular cacti. The only real way to propagate them is by grafting the scion on another rootstock. Grafting is easier than it sounds.
6. Potting and Repotting
Moon Cactus doesn’t grow too fast, and it will take a few years before it needs repotting. But, even if the roots aren’t spilling out of the pot, repotting can still be beneficial. It will allow the plant to experience fresh soil filled with nutrients. You can repot these cacti at any time of year, but it’s best to do it when it’s actively growing.
7. Toxicity and Common Pests
Moon Cactus is generally non-toxic to both humans and pets. Mealybugs and scale insects are the most common pests you’ll find on these cacti indoors. If you see any signs, take swift action to get rid of them. Horticultural oils can deal with these pests without damaging the plant.
8. Common Problems
Washed out colors, tilting rootstock and graft coming apart are the most common propblems of these plants.
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