How to propagate a Golden Barrel cactus
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How to care for a Golden Barrel cactus? The Golden Barrel cactus is native to the dry and hot desert areas from San Luis Potosi to Hidalgo in central Mexico. It is one of the most charming species of cacti, relatively easy to cultivate, and an ideal ornamental plant for urban and home greening. Let's take a look at how to care for a Golden Barrel cactus!
Cultivation conditions for Golden Barrel cactus
The Golden Barrel cactus prefers ample sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In summer, it should be shaded appropriately but not excessively, otherwise the body will become elongated and reduce its ornamental value. The suitable growth temperature is 25°C during the day and 10-13°C at night, with a suitable day-night temperature difference that can accelerate the growth of the Golden Barrel cactus.
In winter, the Golden Barrel cactus should be placed in a greenhouse or a sunny indoor area, maintaining a temperature of 8-10°C. If the temperature is too low in winter, ugly yellow spots will appear on the body.
Propagation methods for Golden Barrel cactus
The Golden Barrel cactus is commonly propagated through seed sowing, grafting of young plants, and cutting propagation.
1. Seed sowing: Using seeds collected in the same year results in a high germination rate. In spring or autumn, select plump seeds (black) and soak them for two days to promote germination, then sow them in potting soil. They will germinate in about 7-10 days. When the young plants grow to 1 centimeter, thin them to a spacing of 5×5 centimeters. When they reach 4 centimeters, they can be transplanted, with one plant per small pot. After 30-40 days of germination, the young cactus will be the size of a grain of rice or mung bean and can be transplanted or grafted onto a rootstock for faster growth.
2. Grafting method: Grafting 3-month-old seedlings onto a soft-stemmed plant can promote growth. When the scion reaches a certain size or the rootstock can no longer support it, cut it off, let the wound dry, and then plant it in a pot. In a fertile soil and well-ventilated environment, ungrafted seedlings also grow quickly. After potting, the seedlings or grafted plants should be placed in a semi-shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight. After 7-10 days, if the cactus does not shrink, it has survived.
3. Cutting propagation: This is the most common propagation method and can be done throughout the year. First, cut a mature piece from the mother plant, place it in the shade for half a day, then insert it into the soil. This is the key to survival. The cutting medium should be well-ventilated, capable of both water retention and drainage, such as perlite, vermiculite, or river sand. After inserting, do not water, just spray to keep the sand slightly moist.
4. Grafting method: Using grafting can promote growth and提前 flowering. Grafting can be done at any time except during high temperature and humidity periods when the cut surfaces are prone to rot. September is the most suitable month. The rootstock should be a plant with strong affinity to the Golden Barrel cactus, such as the three-angled arrow. When grafting, first make a horizontal cut at an appropriate height on the rootstock, then make a horizontal cut on the lower part of the scion ball. Immediately after cutting, place the scion on the cut surface of the rootstock (ensuring that at least a part of the vascular bundles of the scion and rootstock are in close contact). Then tie the pot vertically with fine thread to ensure close contact between the upper and lower cuts. After grafting, place the pot in a slightly shaded area, cover it with plastic wrap to maintain humidity, and the binding can be removed after 3 to 7 days.
Golden Barrel cactus cultivation preparation
1. Potting soil selection: It should be loose, moderately fertile, neutral or slightly alkaline in pH, and rich in organic matter. Bagged soil is available in the market or can be prepared by yourself.
① 3 parts loam, 2 parts decomposed leaf mold or peat, 1 part screened bone meal, 4 parts coarse sand,
② 3 parts coarse sand, 3 parts garden soil, 2 parts decomposed leaf mold, 1 part lime, 1 part broken bricks or tiles, with a little superphosphate, charcoal granules, or bone meal added.
2. Pot selection: The best choice is a breathable clay pot, followed by ceramic or porcelain pots. The size of the pot should match the size of the Golden Barrel cactus, with a gap of 3-4 centimeters between the cactus and the pot wall. For larger cacti, the gap can be slightly larger.
3. Proper light and temperature: The Golden Barrel cactus enjoys ample sunlight and needs to be placed in a sunny area during the growing season. In summer, it should be semi-shaded, as direct sunlight can cause burns. If kept in a low-light environment for an extended period, the cactus will become elongated and lack vitality, reducing its ornamental value. In winter, it also needs to be placed in a sunny indoor area, with a room temperature of 8-10°C being ideal. The minimum temperature should not be lower than 4°C.
4. Watering and fertilizing should be moderate: In spring and early summer, water can be given moderately, and a small amount of decomposed thin liquid fertilizer and compound fertilizer can be applied. When the temperature reaches above 38°C in midsummer, the plant enters a summer dormancy period, during which watering should be controlled and fertilizing stopped. Normal watering and fertilizing can be resumed when it cools down in autumn. In winter, watering should be strictly controlled to keep the potting soil slightly dry.
The above introduction on how to propagate a Golden Barrel cactus and the cultivation techniques of this plant is hoped to be liked by everyone!