Grafted Moon Cactus 2"

Light:

• Bright, Indirect Light: Grafted Moon Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can be too harsh and may cause the vibrant colors to fade or the plant to get sunburned.

• Indoor Light: It does well near a bright window but avoid placing it where it will get intense, direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

Watering:

• Infrequent Watering: Water sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially since the rootstock is a cactus and prefers dry conditions.

• Water During Growth: In spring and summer, water more frequently but still ensure the soil is dry before watering again. In winter, reduce watering even further as the plant goes into a dormant phase.

Soil:

• Well-Draining Soil: Use a cactus or succulent potting mix that drains well. You can add extra perlite or sand to improve drainage if needed.

• Avoid Heavy Soils: Heavy, water-retentive soils can lead to root rot.

Temperature:

• Warm Temperatures: Grafted Moon Cactus prefers temperatures between 60-85°F. Keep it in a warm environment and avoid cold drafts or exposure to temperatures below 50°F

• Indoor-friendly: It makes a great indoor plant, as long as it’s not exposed to cold temperatures.

Humidity:

• Low to Moderate Humidity: The plant does not require high humidity and does well in typical indoor environments with low to moderate humidity levels.

Fertilizing:

• Light Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed the cactus with a diluted cactus fertilizer once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.

Pruning:

• Minimal Pruning: Grafted Moon Cactus doesn’t require much pruning. You can remove any dead or damaged sections of the base or top part of the cactus if needed.

Repotting:

• Repot Sparingly: Grafted Moon Cactus has a slow growth rate, so it doesn’t need to be repotted frequently. Repot every 2-3 years or when the rootstock starts to outgrow the pot.

• Be Gentle: When repotting, handle the plant carefully, as the colorful top can be sensitive.

Pests:

• Watch for Pests: Common pests include mealybugs and spider mites. Check regularly for signs of infestation and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.

 Special Notes on Grafting:

• Lifespan: Because the colorful top part lacks chlorophyll, it relies entirely on the green base for nutrients. Over time (often after a few years), the rootstock may weaken or outgrow the top, and you might need to re-graft the top part onto a new rootstock.

• Toppling: Sometimes, the top part of the grafted cactus becomes too heavy and can tip over. If this happens, you can re-graft the top onto a sturdier base or place the plant in a more supportive container.