How to Safely Grow Cactuses in a Hanging Basket

Hanging baskets may seem fun to have around your home as decorations. A person who likes to grow cactus might want to consider the safety of others before hanging up their prickly friends. Hanging the plants up high may be advantageous, but may be a downfall when it comes time to water. Warning those who visit or live around cacti that drapes out of a hanging basket is a good idea.

Since the majority of cacti grow best in sandy soil, the amount of weight should be considered before planting cactus in a hanging basket. Sturdy chains with "S" hooks would be much better support than relying on most store bought hanging pots made of plastic and rope. A combination of a round grate along with the chains and "S" hooks would be best to support cactus planted in a shallow pot.

When putting together a hanging basket as mentioned, add a fourth support instead of relying upon three. Not only will the fourth support be more secure it will also keep your potted cactus from sliding out all too easily. With the bottom "S" hooks in place, crimp them closed with either regular pliers or needle nose pliers.

There are many novice gardeners who plant their cactus in deep pots forgetting that the roots of a cactus tend to grow near the top of the soil. Shallower and wider pots are best for cacti as this allows the roots system to grow correctly. The top of the soil should be no closer than an inch away from the top edge of the pot. This is another safety precaution in case the cactus topples over in the hanging basket so that it does not topple on out onto the ground or someone's head.

Cover the soil with pea gravel or finely crushed rock to keep flying critters from burrowing into the soil. This may not keep birds from trying to build nests in the soil, but the cactus' needles sure will. Mud dobbers, mosquitoes, and other creepy crawly things will think twice about trying to burrow into the sand beneath the gravelly terrain.

Teach your children about the dangers of cactus. Some varieties are poisonous and should not be grown around children at all. That is why it is a good idea to know which ones are poisonous before hand before choosing what to plant. Not all cacti are edible by humans either. If you are growing cactus in a hanging basket or elsewhere for eating purposes hopefully you have done the research to know if it is edible or not.