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Cactus gardening may seem to be an easy and hassle-free way to have a beautiful garden, but it’s not as simple as it appears.
With their sharp spines and irritating glochids, caring for cacti requires some amount of effort and protection, as it can cause skin irritation and injury if not handled carefully.
If you decide to grow cactus yourself, I encourage you to protect your hands with the right gloves because wearing gloves is crucial when you are into cactus gardening.
In this article, I will discuss the different types of gloves that work best for cactus gardening. You might also enjoy reading: 3 best gardening gloves for thorns.
Which Gloves Are The Best For Handling Cactus?
Leather gloves are the best choice for cactus gardening as they are durable, flexible, and offer great protection for your hands. However, consider opting for a gauntlet type of leather gloves for added protection.
Kevlar gloves are ideal if you prefer superior protection, but they may compromise on flexibility. Vinyl gloves may not provide adequate protection when dealing with prickly cactus plants, while Nitrile gloves are good for small plants.
Below are the best gloves for handling cacti:
1- Leather Gloves
Leather gloves are the most popular gloves used for cactus gardening. I like that leather gloves soft, durable, and offer excellent protection from spines and thorns.
Moreover, leather gloves are thick enough to protect your hands from spines but flexible enough to allow you to handle the cactus with ease. Additionally, they are easy to clean and can last you for a long time.
More importantly, leather gloves offer durability, comfort, and flexibility, making them suitable for extended periods of use and an excellent choice for handling cacti.
2- Kevlar Gloves
Kevlar is an incredibly strong and heat-resistant material made up of synthetic fibers that are five times stronger than steel, making Kevlar gloves the ultimate protection.
Kevlar gloves are made from a strong, synthetic material that is puncture and cut-resistant, meaning that they can protect your hands from even the sharpest cactus spines.
Kevlar gloves are also heat-resistant, which makes them ideal for handling cactus plants that are exposed to high heat. However, Kevlar gloves may be quite rigid and less flexible, making it challenging to handle fine or delicate cactus plants.
3- Gauntlet Gloves
Gauntlet gloves are leather gloves that extend up to your forearm and have cuffs that tighten. Generally, Gauntlet gloves are ideal for gardening tasks where you need extra protection, particularly when handling spiny cactus plants.
More importantly, Gauntlet gloves provide you with added safety features and are perfect for people who are prone to skin rashes or allergies.
4- Vinyl Gloves
Gloves made of vinyl are often used for light gardening tasks, such as propagation and cutting operations.
Typically, Vinyl gloves shield your hands from dirt and sharp edges but may not provide adequate protection when you are handling prickly cactus plants.
5- Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are another excellent option for handling cacti. They are puncture and chemical-resistant, which makes them perfect for dealing with sharp cactus spines.
I like that Nitrile gloves are latex-free, which makes them an excellent choice for people with latex allergies. Keep in mind that Nitrile gloves are generally available in different thicknesses and sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your requirements.
Nitrile gloves are lightweight, durable, and affordable. Intended for frequent use in gardening operations, Nitrile gloves offer you the best alternative synthetic gloves for gardeners who cannot bear natural materials like latex. They are good for small cactus plants but may not be suitable for larger cactus plants.
6- Garden Gloves
Garden gloves are a popular choice for handling cactus among gardeners. In general, garden gloves are made from different materials, such as cotton, rubber, or latex.
Some garden gloves are designed with reinforced fingertips to protect your hands from spines and thorns. Also, garden gloves are affordable and easy to clean, and they come in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
7- Welding Gloves
Welding gloves may seem like an unusual choice for handling cacti, but they offer excellent protection. They are made from thick leather material that can withstand high temperatures and sharp objects.
Welding gloves might be a bit too rigid for some cactus handling tasks, but they are an excellent choice for handling large cacti that can be quite heavy.
What to read next:
- Top 4 Non-Leather Thorn Proof Gloves.
- 9 Best Indoor Succulents Low Light That Thrive In Dark Rooms.
- How Long Do Succulents Live Without Water (This Long!)
- Top 10 Unexpected Succulent Plants Benefits.
Wrapping Up
I believe that when it comes to handling cacti, protection is crucial. The right gloves can make a big difference in ensuring your safety during the process.
Leather gloves, nitrile gloves, Kevlar gloves, garden gloves, and welding gloves are all excellent options to consider.
Whichever gloves you choose, I recommend you make sure that they are thick enough to protect your hands and comfortable enough for extended use. Stay safe, and happy cactus handling!