- 1). Dig a hole twice as wide as and 2 inches deeper than the cactus root system in an open and sunny part of the garden. Keep the beavertail cactus away from other non-cactus plants to make watering easier, and to keep it under control at later growth stages.
- 2). Put down a 1-inch thick layer of fine gravel and the same amount of cactus soil in the bottom of the hole, and place the cactus on top. Backfill the rest of the hole with more cactus soil, making sure to fully cover the roots and leave no air pockets. General garden soil is not suitable for cactus plants; they need dry, sandy soil that will drain more readily.
- 3). Water the cactus sparingly to keep the soil moist but not wet during extended dry periods. The cactus prefers the soil dry and loose and does not require a lot of water to survive. Do not water during the winter unless the plant is drying out, since it is dormant in cold weather and does not use the water.
- 4). Fertilize the soil around the cactus once a year in the springtime with a high phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer. Phosphorus promotes root growth and health.
- 5). Check the cactus regularly during the warmer months for signs of pest activity. The beavertail cactus is prone to mealy bugs, spider mites and scale; treat as appropriate for any pest found.
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