How do you get 20 yr old barrel and prickly cactus to flower indoors?

Donna Sheppard
by Donna Sheppard
  6 answers
  • Mol22466506 Mol22466506 on Jul 04, 2017

    Try placing them in a window that gets the morning light.

  • KattywhampusLOL KattywhampusLOL on Jul 04, 2017

    Donna, Hello :) When I was groinwg up we took a 2 week family trip into the desert of Arizona and I fell in love with cacti. Just being desert cacti tells me that yours will require a well drained soil, bright sunlight (which would also mean lots of heat, likethe desert they come from), and only minimum water (enough to stay alive). Since it isn't in its natural habitat and drawing enough nutrients from the surrounding area, I would think fertilization wil lbe necessary (below is a link on how to do that). As far as lighting goes, I don't think a grow light would hurt it any as a fill in for lots of desert lighting. Well, I hope this is of some help to you and good luck with the flowering. :)

    http://homeguides.sfgate.com/fertilize-cactus-22495.html

    • See 1 previous
    • KattywhampusLOL KattywhampusLOL on Jul 05, 2017

      Hillela, I love all the different types of cacti, and I love cactus fruit and cactus pads in cooking. Delicious! ... I don't know if you've ever tried them or the different products made with them. All I can say is YUM !Whenever I am able to get some it is such a treat :)

  • Graham Hooper Graham Hooper on Jul 04, 2017

    Make Sure it Gets Plenty of Light. .. Keep it Moist ..but Check When it Would Normally Flower in the Wild and Replicate the Season .Usually AFTER RAIN the Dessert Comes Alive with Flowers which Then Die with a lack of Rain afterwards and After Pollination

  • Debbie Roberts Schnurr Debbie Roberts Schnurr on Jul 05, 2017

    Give it an outdated birth control pill. They work wonders on all plants.

  • Ginger Ginger on Jul 05, 2017

    I have indoor cactus and all I do to get them to flower is place them in a sunny spot and water. For some reason or other it makes them bloom. Good Luck!

  • Donna Sheppard Donna Sheppard on Jul 11, 2017

    Kattywhampus, Thanks so much for your info. Fertilizing info is very helpful & informative!