Cactuses have a waxy coating to help them retain water, and they have spines to keep others from taking their water.
A cactus' waxy skin helps it retain moisture in desert climates.
Cactus plants tolerate a range of soils. But they have two preferences. They favor free draining soils, since their body parts are adapted to moisture deprived environments. They also favor soils that retain just enough moisture for cactus roots to take in the amounts that the stem needs to meet dissolved nutrient requirements and to interact photosynthetically with sunlight.
Charcoal can absorb and retain up to 60 of its weight in moisture.
Cactus plants tolerate a range of soils. But they have two preferences. They favor free draining soils, since their body parts are adapted to moisture deprived environments. They also favor soils that retain just enough moisture for cactus roots to take in the amounts that the stem needs to meet dissolved nutrient requirements and to interact photosynthetically with sunlight.
One non living factor that affects cactus growth is slow draining soil. A cactus plant prefers free draining soil that holds some moisture. It doesn't tolerate waterlogging. Another non living factor is the level of heat, light, and moisture. A cactus plant likes high heat in the desert and jungle, high light and low moisture in the desert, and low light and high moisture in the jungle.
A cactus that has flowers is giving the flowers fluids from within. A cactus is like a camel except with many more chambers. The cactus stores moisture for long periods of time.
To retain the plants moisture.
Most gardeners prefer cedar mulch when wishing to retain moisture.
It helps retain some moisture
Your cactus may be deflating due to overwatering, which can cause the roots to rot and the plant to lose its turgidity. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly to help your cactus recover.
Your cactus may be droopy due to overwatering, lack of sunlight, or root rot. Check the soil moisture, ensure proper drainage, and place the cactus in a sunny spot to help it recover.
To injure animals that may be predators of the cactus, e.g. try to eat it! If an animal goes to eat the cactus, it will spike them and they will not eat it again. Also it absorbs and stores moisture from the air for the cactus, so it can be utilized in hot conditions.