Hi Everyone Just starting to put my cactus outside for the summer. The weather has finally started to get nice on Long Island. Last year they got sunburned so this year I purchased shade cloth. I got the 40%-50% protection. It's suppose to be sunny and warm for at least the next week. How long do I ...

Hi Everyone Just starting to put my cactus outside for the summer. The weather has finally started to get nice on Long Island. Last year they got sunburned so this year I purchased shade cloth. I got the 40%-50% protection. It's suppose to be sunny and warm for at least the next week. How long do I ...

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They were indoors all winter. I just brought them outdoors last week. suppose to rain over the weekend and I wonder if that would be a good first watering.

Hi Everyone.
My cacti haven't had water since late last September. We're getting a late spring on Long Island, 60's in the day and upper 40's at night. Is it to early to start watering or should I wait for some warmer weather. Thanks

John

Great advice Steve. With the heat in apartments in the winter the conditions are probably as dry or even more so than desert conditions. A little watering can't hurt. My melo although fairly large hasn't formed a cephalium yet. Looking at pictures of mature Melo's this is one unique plant.

I agree Sue. I'm in an apartment which in the dead of winter can get very dry. A light watering once a month can't hurt. If you go back in the posts there's a lot of people wondering about winter watering. Everybody's situation is different so there's probably different answers.

Thanks Sue. I know you treat the Melo's differently than a regular desert cactus. I've seen them in aruba where the overnight temperature rarely drops below 75. Got a saguaro and a large barrel from arizona about a month ago and nursery told me no water till spring. Maybe an light mist once a month....

Thanks for your help Steve. It will stay in my apartment on a sunny windowsill for the winter. might go outside today as it will be in the mid 70's. Looking at the forecast probably the last time for awhile.

Hello All I just got my first Melocactus. It came bare root so I'm about to pot it. I've read that with most cactus you wait to water 10 to 14 days after repotting, does this also hold true with the melo's. I know you water them a little more in the winter and was wondering if they can stay complete...

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Hi everyone
I have using Miracle-gro cactus plant food for my summer feedings which is 2-7-7. Just found a box of the Schultz liquid plant food which is 10-15-10. If used as directed is this to strong for a cactus. Be good to know for next summer. Thanks