Night-blooming Cereus, also known as night jasmine, is named for its nocturnal blooming and strong fragrance. This flower not only has a high ornamental value but also possesses unique medicinal properties. In home gardening, night-blooming Cereus is a very popular plant. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the planting methods of night-blooming Cereus, helping you to easily care for this beautiful flower at home.
Selecting Seeds and Purchasing Seedlings1. Variety Selection: There are many varieties of night-blooming Cereus, with single and double petals, strong fragrance, and rich colors. Choose according to personal preferences and planting conditions.
2. Purchase Timing: Spring is the best time to buy night-blooming Cereus, as the temperature is suitable and the plants grow vigorously.
Planting Soil and Site1. Soil Requirements: Night-blooming Cereus prefers loose, well-draining soil, with sandy loam being the best choice.
2. Planting Site: Choose a place with plenty of sunlight and good ventilation, avoiding overly damp or dark environments.
Planting Methods1. Sowing: Scatter night-blooming Cereus seeds in the prepared soil, cover with about 1 cm of soil, and keep the soil moist.
2. Transplanting: When the seedlings have grown to 5-6 leaves, transplant them carefully to avoid damaging the roots.
3. Planting Depth: The planting depth should be slightly higher than the soil surface.
Watering and Fertilizing1. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Increase watering frequency during the hot summer.
2. Fertilizing: Apply a compound fertilizer once a month during the growing period to promote plant growth.
Pruning and Shaping1. Pruning: During growth, promptly prune withered leaves and weak branches to keep the plant tidy.
2. Shaping: According to personal preferences, you can prune and shape night-blooming Cereus to make it more beautiful.
Disease and Pest Control1. Diseases: Night-blooming Cereus is prone to leaf spot disease and root rot. When diseases are found, promptly remove the affected plants and spray an appropriate amount of pesticide for prevention and control.
2. Pests: Common pests include aphids and red spiders. Use insecticides for control when pests are found.
Maintenance and Management1. Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when the flowers bloom at night to prevent them from becoming damp.
2. Cold Protection: Take appropriate measures to keep warm during the cold winter, such as covering with straw.
Night-blooming Cereus is a beautiful flower with a relatively simple planting method. As long as you master the key links such as seed selection, soil, watering, and fertilizing, you can easily care for it at home. I hope this article can provide help for your night-blooming Cereus planting journey.
References:
[1] Zhang Lihua, Wang Lifen. Night-blooming Cereus Cultivation Techniques [J]. Botanical Garden, 2018, 37(2): 1-3.
[2] Li Ming, Zhang Xiaohui. Night-blooming Cereus Disease and Pest Control Techniques [J]. Plant Protection, 2019, 45(3): 48-50.