I picked up this small seedling about a month ago and I’m still figuring out the best way to care for it. Right now, the top two inches of the pot are pumice but the rest is standard cactus soil. It’s been tricky to read moisture levels through the cactus mix and I’m anxious about overwatering, even though I know this species can handle more water when grown in full pumice. I’ve read the UC Davis notes, but their guidance assumes a pure inorganic substrate and daily watering, which isn’t what I’m working with.
I’m wondering if it’s worth repotting now into something with faster drainage. The recommendation is full pumice, but I’d love a setup that lets me leave town for up to five days without stressing about a plant sitter. Some organic component would make watering less frequent, but I’m not sure how dry I can safely let it get when cactus soil is involved.
I’m also considering moving it into a long-term pot. I found a few terra cotta options (pic 4) that I really like. The seedling is currently in a small 2×12 pot, so would jumping to a much larger vessel put it at risk of staying too wet or being over-potted? Or is it better to size up gradually?
by conner228
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