The influence of strong light on the physique of Kikko water - The transition of Kikko water physique
Let me tell you about the knowledge of Kikko, a succulent plant. The influence of strong light on the physique of Kikko water - The transition of Kikko water physique, the specific content is as follows:
Kikko, scientific name Strombocactus disciformis, is currently considered a single species of a genus, that is, the unique Kikko genus (Strombocactus). However, a new variety called S. disciformis ssp. esperanzae has emerged, which can be seen as a subspecies from its scientific name, but it is also named S. pulcherrimus, showing a tendency to be listed as an independent species.
Kikko was once classified under the genus Turbinicarpus, but later was listed separately. From my personal understanding, the significance of Kikko being listed as an independent genus is not significant. On the one hand, Kikko is relatively easy to hybridize with Turbinicarpus species, and there are rumors in the community that S. disciformis ssp. esperanzae is the offspring of a cross between T. alonsoi and Kikko. On the other hand, the external characteristics of Kikko are very similar to some Turbinicarpus species, and the position of the flowers is also the same. Of course, from the perspective of classification, these are not the main basis for classification, so this is just a purely personal view, and I cannot provide too many specific theoretical bases. But since Kikko was once classified under Turbinicarpus, it should not be without basis.
Generally, people are accustomed to classifying Kikko as a variety of slow-growing plants like peonies and flower baskets. However, in reality, the difficulty of growing Kikko and its growth rate are much easier and faster than the general understanding. Therefore, when growing Kikko, it is better to follow the natural laws.
Here, one must highlight the issue of lighting.
For slow-growing varieties, most enthusiasts are accustomed to keeping them in a closed environment. While this can create an environment with large temperature differences and high humidity, which can accelerate plant growth to some extent, the conditions in most households are limited, and the so-called homemade small greenhouses are far from actual large greenhouses, mainly due to differences in space and lighting.
Large greenhouses generally can achieve full-daylight, while small family greenhouses often can only have half-daylight or even less. Promoting growth under insufficient lighting can directly lead to plant deformation, failing to maintain the characteristics of short, strong, and plump. Of course, different varieties also have different light requirements, with some requiring only half-daylight.
Although keeping peonies in a closed environment at home is not a big problem, this is mainly due to the special shape of peonies - not spherical, but lotus seat-shaped, so they generally do not show the phenomenon of overall plant heightening and pointed tips. Also, some peony varieties do not require much light. However, it should be noted that the warts of peonies can become elongated and not tightly packed, which is actually etiolation. It is just that due to visual angles and cognitive issues, people do not perceive the visual impact of plant shapes like pointed tips on spherical plants. Kikko, on the other hand, is different, as its growth rate is relatively fast, and it has high light requirements. If there is insufficient light, it is easy to develop etiolation and pointed tips.
The large Kikko I bought had this problem, with its shape destroyed, which is regrettable. The main issues are twofold: First, after the seller receives the inventory, they often adopt methods such as dry seeding to recover, which places the ball indoors for a long time before being sold, meaning the ball experiences a long period of insufficient sunlight; Second, due to the high price of Kikko, after purchasing, people often adopt conservative recovery methods and keep it in the shade for a period of time. Once somewhat recovered, it is then cared for in a small greenhouse with insufficient sunlight, eventually leading to irreversible losses. Later on, I placed it directly outside the west balcony, where it receives direct sunlight, and the new growth began to develop horizontally, with a fairly fast growth rate and more vibrant flowers.
For daily maintenance, there are no special requirements. It is recommended to use granular planting materials, and during the period of sufficient lighting, it can be watered fully. Also, I found that Kikko can successfully pollinate with all varieties of Lophophora and the seeds can germinate, so everyone can try it!
Figure 1: The trend of pointed tips that once appeared is clearly visible.
Figure 2: The changes brought by sunlight to the warts.
Figure 3: Continuous blooming this year.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of the influence of strong light on the physique of Kikko water - The transition of Kikko water physique, hoping it can help you.