How to care for Cereus peruvianus
Are you curious about how to care for Cereus peruvianus and the fastest method for its cutting propagation? Let's explore these topics together next.
Cereus peruvianus belongs to the Cactaceae family, a perennial epiphytic plant. Its stems resemble a command arrow, and its flowers look like lotus flowers, hence the name. The flowers of Cereus peruvianus are diverse and colorful, but the blooming period is short, with individual flowers lasting up to two days before withering. However, it is easy to care for and propagate, making it popular among many flower enthusiasts.
How does Cereus peruvianus propagate? How should you care for the plant after it has rooted from cuttings? Let's discuss these two questions with fellow flower enthusiasts, hoping it will be helpful to those in need.
How does Cereus peruvianus propagate?
Cereus peruvianus is generally propagated through cutting. When propagating Cereus peruvianus through cuttings, the following points need to be considered:
One, the selection of cuttings:
The selection of cuttings for Cereus peruvianus propagation is relatively easy and is the first key step to success. The top, too-tender stem segments and the bottom, too-old stem segments are not suitable for cutting. The too-tender stem segments have insufficient nutrients, poor resistance, are prone to rot, and difficult to root.
The too-old stem segments have poor viability, difficulty in rooting and sprouting, and are also not easy to root. Generally, moderately mature stem segments should be selected, with two-year-old stem segments being the most suitable;
Two, disinfection treatment:
Before cutting, the stem segments and the cutting medium should be disinfected to prevent post-cutting infection by pathogens. Disinfection is simple and can usually be done by soaking in a fungicide solution like carbendazim or potassium permanganate, with a concentration of 0.1%.
After preparing the disinfectant solution, soak the stem segments of Cereus peruvianus in the solution for about half an hour, then dry the surface moisture in a well-ventilated area before cutting. After cutting, water the cutting medium directly with the solution to complete the disinfection.
Three, the selection of medium:
The cutting medium for Cereus peruvianus should not be rich in nutrients, such as humus or peat, as it can cause pathogen infections and lead to cutting failure. It is best to choose a medium with fewer nutrients, such as washed river sand, perlite, or vermiculite.
After the cuttings are complete, place them in a shaded and well-ventilated area for care. Water only when the medium is completely dry. Generally, the rooting process is faster in a high-temperature environment (between 15°C and 25°C), and cutting should not be done when the temperature is below 10°C.
In higher temperatures, the cuttings of Cereus peruvianus can usually root and survive in about 15 days. After the cuttings have rooted and survived, they can enter normal care without the need to change the soil, which usually has little effect on nutrient supply until the next year.
After Cereus peruvianus cuttings have rooted and are in normal care, the following points need to be considered:
One, care environment:
Cereus peruvianus enjoys sunlight but is sensitive to strong light. It requires ample sunlight in daily care and needs shade in the summer. Insufficient sunlight for a long time can lead to the plant not flowering for many years. Cereus peruvianus has poor cold resistance and needs to be prepared for frost in winter. When the temperature approaches 5°C, it is necessary to move the plant indoors promptly.
Cereus peruvianus prefers a humid growing environment and can become wilted in dry conditions. In the summer, it is beneficial to spray water mist in the morning and evening to increase the humidity of the microenvironment.
Two, watering management:
Cereus peruvianus prefers a moist environment and is drought-tolerant, fearing waterlogging. Follow the principle of moist-dry intervals in daily care, watering when the potting soil is slightly dry, and reducing the watering frequency in winter. The potting soil can be allowed to completely dry before watering. Again, it's best to spray water mist in the morning and evening in the summer.
Three, fertilization management:
Fertilizing Cereus peruvianus should follow the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently. During the rapid growth period (spring, summer, and autumn), at least one multi-element compound fertilizer should be applied each month to provide the plant with comprehensive nutrients.
After the plant matures, it is necessary to supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the spring after the warming, to promote bud differentiation and allow the plant to enter the flowering period smoothly. In the spring, reduce the intake of nitrogen and avoid using fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, such as urea.
Summary: Cereus peruvianus cutting propagation is relatively easy, with two key points: selecting moderately mature stem segments and ensuring a higher ambient temperature. With these two points guaranteed, rooting and survival generally do not pose major issues.
There are two points that need special attention in the daily care of Cereus peruvianus: one is to ensure sufficient light but avoid direct exposure to intense sunlight, and the other is to control watering and misting in high temperatures.
The specific content of how to care for Cereus peruvianus and the fastest method for its cutting propagation shared in this article is for everyone's reference and operation.