Hairbrush Cactus Plant Care Guide
What is the Hairbrush Cactus plant?
When the word “cactus” is used, odds are you begin to picture the Hairbrush Cactus. This particular type of cactus is columnar in shape, growing straight upward and producing long, spine-covered branches over the years. In the wild, they can grow to be up to 49 feet tall, but a more petite form is readily available to grace your home.
Native to Mexico, the Hairbrush Cactus gets its name from the fact that its fruits were traditionally used as hair combs. It is used to more arid environments and can continue to grow unopposed with only very minimal assistance. This is great news for those interested in a more low maintenance houseplant. Just be careful when placing a spiny cactus within reach of pets and children!
Light Care
As is the case with most cacti, the Hairbrush Cactus prefers as much bright, direct light as possible. Find a space as close as possible to a window or other source of natural light in your home. Unlike the majority of houseplants, there is no real fear of your cactus being exposed to too much direct sunlight, as their natural environments would call for this regardless.
Bright, indirect sunlight is also a tolerable condition for the Hairbrush Cactus, so long as the indirect light is consistent. However, avoid placing your cactus in low light conditions, as this will be seriously detrimental over time. Cacti need light as often as possible, or else they risk suffering from stunted growth.
Water Care
In general, you do not have to water the cacti in your home, and the Hairbrush Cactus is no exception! This plant thrives on dryness, so watering it only very occasionally is the ideal situation. Overwatering is a concern for cacti, so make sure to keep yours in a dry, arid state as often as possible.
To check the water levels of your plant’s soil, place a water meter into the soil, where it will give you an accurate indication. If you do not own a water meter, stick one finger knuckle-deep into the soil. At this depth, you will be able to accurately account for the soil’s level of moistness.
Food Guide
In truth, this cactus does not even necessarily need soil in order for it to grow. Regular potting soil is fine for the Hairbrush Cactus, just make sure that it drains well to avoid pools of water from building up. Cacti are especially susceptible to damage when sitting in stagnant water, so make sure to prevent this from happening.
Similar to the soil situation, the Hairbrush Cactus and many cacti like it do not need to be fertilized. However, it would benefit from receiving fertilizer sparingly. If you feel like giving your cactus a boost, feed it once per month during the growing season with a common cactus fertilizer.
Staff Holy Grail Pro-Tip:
Unlike many other popular houseplants, Cacti actually prefer a source of bright, direct light throughout the day. This is due to their native environments being arid deserts, and it allows them to enjoy even greater care leniency. No need to worry about the sun burning your plant, as it is not affected harshly by it. For best results, place your Hairbrush Cactus in a windowsill or directly next to any other source of direct sunlight!
