{"id":1730,"date":"2023-12-10T11:26:31","date_gmt":"2023-12-10T11:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/?p=1730"},"modified":"2023-12-10T11:26:32","modified_gmt":"2023-12-10T11:26:32","slug":"do-cactus-need-direct-sunlight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/do-cactus-need-direct-sunlight\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Cactus Need Direct Sunlight?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You excitedly pick out a cool new cactus from the nursery &#8211; maybe a prickly pear or sculpture-like cereus. After weeks at home, though, its vibrant green color starts fading. The compact shape becomes elongated and stretched out despite your careful watering. What&#8217;s going on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cacti generally do need direct sunlight to thrive. In their natural habitat, they&#8217;re exposed to intense sun for most of the day. Without sufficient sunlight, cacti may become weak and leggy as they stretch towards the light source.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>However, the amount of sunlight required can vary between different cactus species. While most cacti appreciate full sun, some can tolerate partial shade. It&#8217;s essential to research the specific needs of your cactus species to ensure it gets the right amount of sunlight for optimal growth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Do-Cactus-Need-Direct-Sunlight.webp\" alt=\"Do Cactus Need Direct Sunlight.\" class=\"wp-image-1758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Do-Cactus-Need-Direct-Sunlight.webp 700w, https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Do-Cactus-Need-Direct-Sunlight-300x171.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>So, how much sun should your cactus get? What are the best ways to supplement indoor sunlight? Let&#8217;s take a closer look at cacti and their sunlight requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1730_a02be9-a6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1730_a02be9-a6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1730_a02be9-a6\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1730_a02be9-a6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1730_a02be9-a6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1730_a02be9-a6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading1730_a02be9-a6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1730_a02be9-a6\"><strong><em>Looking for More Information About Cultivation:<\/em><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"line-height:2.4\">\n<li><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/why-is-my-cactus-growing-aerial-roots\/\">Why Is My Cactus Growing Aerial Roots<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/what-causes-saguaro-cactus-to-die\/\">How Do Moon Cactus With Root Rot Reproduce?<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;background-color:#f6f6f6;border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-list li{margin-bottom:12px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-list li .kb-table-of-contents-list-sub{margin-top:12px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-basiccircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:after, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-basiccircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:before, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-arrowcircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:after, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-arrowcircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:before, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-xclosecircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:after, .kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-toggle-icon-style-xclosecircle .kb-table-of-contents-icon-trigger:before{background-color:#f6f6f6;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_e93b79-ea .kb-table-of-content-wrap{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Kinds of Environments Are Cacti Adapted For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cacti may seem totally <strong>alien<\/strong> to us, but they evolved to thrive in some of the <strong>harshest desert environments<\/strong> on earth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Desert Origins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most cacti species originated in super-sunny, dry areas like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Sonoran desert<\/strong> in Mexico and the American Southwest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Atacama desert<\/strong> in Chile &#8211; one of the driest places worldwide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sahara desert<\/strong> in Africa &#8211; extending across the continent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Over millions of years, cacti adapted perfectly to handle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Intense, relentless <strong>sunlight<\/strong> with UV radiation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Searing daytime <strong>temperatures<\/strong> up to 120\u00b0F<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very low annual <strong>rainfall<\/strong> &#8211; we&#8217;re talking less than 12 inches a year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>They truly are survivors in these harsh desert biomes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full Sun Exposure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In their native desert and scrubland habitats, cacti are used to getting absolutely maximal sunlight exposure. We&#8217;re talking nearly year-round, unfiltered sun beating down on them all day long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The sun is their energy source for growth and flowering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their specialized <strong>stems<\/strong> and <strong>skin<\/strong> allow them to thrive in full sun<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s why most cactus species demand the brightest, most direct sunlight we can provide to really thrive indoors. They evolved for perpetual bright light!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Role of Light for Cactus Growth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Light is like food for plants &#8211; critical for healthy cactus development! Here&#8217;s an overview of why it&#8217;s so important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photosynthesis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cacti use sunlight for <strong>photosynthesis<\/strong> like other plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This process converts light to energy they need to grow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More sun = more energy for robust growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Promoting Flowering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As mentioned earlier, most cacti produce gorgeous <strong>flowers<\/strong> when mature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abundant light triggers the hormonal pathways for flowering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insufficient sun can mean no flowers!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Root Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sunlight fuels growth above and below the soil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong <strong>roots<\/strong> prevent tipping and support plant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weak roots from low light cause issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vibrant Color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pigments like <strong>chlorophyll<\/strong> and carotenoids need sun<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low light bleaches out the vivid hues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bright light maintains vibrant tones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Proper sunlight truly nurtures every stage of a cactus&#8217; lifecycle for optimal health. It&#8217;s the key ingredient!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Sunlight Should Your Cactus Get Indoors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So we know cacti are used to the perpetual desert sun. But how can we best mimic that indoors? Here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended Hours of Direct Sun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>4-6 hours<\/strong> per day is ideal for most cacti<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start with just 2-3 hours if moving from a low-light area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gradually increase to acclimate it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Morning vs Afternoon Sun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Morning light<\/strong> is gentler with less chance of scorching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Afternoon light<\/strong> can be harsh in summer &#8211; provide shade if it is too intense<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preventing Sunburn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Acclimate new cacti slowly over 7-10 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch for red, scorched patches &#8211; signs of sun damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Light shade material can provide protection while adjusting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Be patient &#8211; it can take some trial and error to find the perfect sunlight formula for your cactus to mimic its native desert environment. Proper lighting is crucial for it to thrive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Species Can Handle More Shade Than Others?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite most cacti needing sunlight, a few species tolerate shade better than others; an overview is provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jungle Cacti<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cacti native to tropical jungles can adapt to lower light than desert species. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Christmas cactus<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Orchid cactus<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crab cactus<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These thrive indoors in bright, indirect light near an east or west-facing window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certain Desert Cacti<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A few desert cacti are shade-tolerant, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fishhook barrel cactus<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pencil cactus<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Moon cactus<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Aim for about 3 hours of direct sun for these, ideally early morning sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs of Insufficient Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spindly, irregular growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weak stems<\/strong> that cannot support the weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dull, faded color<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This indicates even shade-loving cacti need more sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cacti for Bright, Low Light Rooms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have only low indirect light, choose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Snake plant:<\/strong> Tolerates very low light<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gasteria:<\/strong> Does well in office settings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Haworthia:<\/strong> Unique succulent, shade-loving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While not true cacti, these succulents make great low-light options!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens When a Cactus Doesn&#8217;t Get Enough Sun?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Insufficient light badly impacts cacti; what issues to watch for with inadequate sunlight are explained:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Etiolation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is when a cactus becomes abnormally stretched out and spindly, with irregular growth. It&#8217;s desperately seeking more sun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stems are weaker and unable to support the weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growth will be directional toward the light source<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loss of Color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vibrant colors fade and dull without enough light<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of sun bleaches out the rich hues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blooms and flowers decrease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weak Overall Form<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stems collapse or flop over<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Underdeveloped root system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prone to rotting and other issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lower Survival Rate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Insufficient sunlight leads to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declining health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher susceptibility to pests\/disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential death in severe cases of etiolation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fixing Etiolated Cacti<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gradually increase sunlight over several weeks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trim excess growth and re-root<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support stems until the plant improves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With time and proper sun exposure, an etiolated cactus can recover and resume healthy, compact growth. Don&#8217;t give up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Cacti Need as Much Sun in Winter?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In winter, the sun is less intense in many regions. Here&#8217;s how cacti need to change with the seasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lower Winter Sun Intensity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The sun sits lower on the horizon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shorter days and more cloud cover<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunlight loses intensity even on clear days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This means cacti often thrive with <strong>less direct sun in the winter<\/strong> months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Overwintering Priorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While cacti need some sun year-round, winter care focuses more on the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Temperature regulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Humidity control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watering Reduction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adjusting Sunlight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Most cacti do well with <strong>2-4 hours<\/strong> of sun in winter<br>\u2022 Monitor for signs of etiolation or excess sun<br>\u2022 Provide shade if showing distress<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transition Back to Full Sun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In spring, slowly re-acclimate cacti to more direct sun over 2-3 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supplemental Winter Lighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Often not essential, but can be used<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grow lights<\/strong> provide additional hours of bright light<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recommended for 13+ hours\/day in winter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The right sun balance in winter helps cacti thrive year-round indoors!<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns1730_1df39c-d2{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:center;align-items:center;}.kt-btns1730_1df39c-d2 .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns1730_1df39c-d2 .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns1730_1df39c-d2 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns1730_1df39c-d2 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns1730_1df39c-d2 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{color:#ffffff;border-color:#444444;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns1730_1df39c-d2 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button::before{display:none;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns1730_1df39c-d2 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns1730_1df39c-d2 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{background:#444444;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns1730_1df39c-d2\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn1730_fe610f-f9.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn1730_fe610f-f9.kb-button{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);background:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn1730_fe610f-f9.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn1730_fe610f-f9.kb-button:focus{background:var(--global-palette5, #4A5568);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-btn1730_fe610f-f9.kb-button .kb-svg-icon-wrap{display:block;}}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn1730_fe610f-f9 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-auto kb-btn-global-fill kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false ktblocksvideopop wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ecXsd5gDNDM?si=BI3ld1B17baMi9ee\" download=\"\" rel=\" nofollow sponsored noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Do Cacti Need Sunlight [Video]<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Can You Supplement Sunlight for Your Cactus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When your cactus needs more sun than a window can provide, supplemental lighting is beneficial. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing Grow Lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>LED full spectrum<\/strong> lights are ideal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go for bulbs labeled for succulents\/cacti<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjustable panels allow custom positioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Placement and Distance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Position lights <strong>6-12 inches<\/strong> above the cactus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Angle lights to illuminate the entire plant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust height as the cactus grows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommended Daily Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Start with <strong>10-12 hours<\/strong> of supplemental light<br>\u2022 Slowly increase to <strong>14-16 hours<\/strong> per day<br>\u2022 Use a timer to maintain optimal hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rotation and Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rotate cacti regularly under the lights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This prevents one-sided growth toward the light<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wipe dust off bulbs and replace them per the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With the right supplemental lighting setup, your cactus can thrive indoors regardless of the natural sunlight available!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Say<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing the proper amount of sunlight is crucial for cacti to thrive as houseplants. While they originate in perpetually sunny desert environments, even shade-tolerant species need some direct sun daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aim for 4-6 hours of sun exposure, adjusted for seasonal changes. Prevent sunburn by gradually acclimating new plants. Signs like etiolation show when more light is needed. For cacti struggling with insufficient natural sun, grow lights can beautifully supplement the required hours of bright light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a basic understanding of cacti&#8217;s sunlight needs, you can recreate their ideal lighting conditions for healthy, compact growth indoors!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>If you found this article helpful, please share it with other plant owners<br>and consider following us on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100094064670205\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tashfik896\/media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Twitter&nbsp;<\/a>and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/tashfik96\/_created\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pinterest<\/a>&nbsp;for more valuable plantation care information.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You excitedly pick out a cool new cactus from the nursery &#8211;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cultivation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1730"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1730"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1730\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1730"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1730"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groundplant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}