What's wrong with the cactus not blooming?
Looking at the carefully maintained cactus on the balcony and never seeing the buds, many flower lovers will feel confused. As a flowering expert among desert plants, cactus actually has specific growth needs. This article will systematically analyze the four key factors that affect flowering, from water management to light regulation. 1. Scientifically control the influence mechanism of improper watering of water supply Although cactus is famous for its drought tolerance, long-term water shortage will cause the plant to enter a dormant state, and the root system will shrink and be unable to absorb (S-Y) points. Studies have found that plants stop flower bud differentiation when soil moisture content is below 15%. On the contrary, standing water for more than 72 hours will cause root rot, which directly affects the ability to blossom. Operation Guidelines for Precise Watering Follow the principle of "seeing dry, seeing wet" in spring and autumn, and pour thoroughly after the soil is completely dry. During the high temperature period in summer, it is changed to morning spraying, combined with deep irrigation once a month. It is only necessary to keep the soil slightly moist during the winter dormant period. It is recommended to use a long-spout pot to slowly inject water along the basin wall. 2. The temperature environment accurately regulates the effect of temperature on flower bud differentiation. Cactus needs a temperature difference between day and night to complete flower bud differentiation. 25-35℃ during the day and 15-20℃ at night are the most ideal. Continuously below 10℃ will freeze the growth points, and above 40℃ will lead to metabolic disorders. Intelligent temperature control solutions recommend using a fill light with temperature control function, setting daytime light for 12 hours and maintaining a constant temperature of 28℃. In winter, heating pads can be placed to maintain the ground temperature, and care should be taken to avoid direct contact with the basin bottom. In summer, sunshade nets combined with water curtains are used to cool down to maintain air circulation. 3. Dynamic management of light intensity The relationship between light and flowering cactus needs 6-8 hours of direct light every day to accumulate enough photosynthetic assimilates. Experimental data show that the light intensity of 30,000 - 50,000 lux is the most conducive to flower bud formation, and the flowering rate drops by 87% in low light environment. Scientific light filling implementation plan can be maintained under full sunshine in spring and autumn, and a sunscreen net with 50% shading rate can be used from 11 to 15 in summer. LED full-spectrum plant lights are recommended for indoor cultivation, with a distance of 30cm away from the plant filling light for 4 hours a day. Rotate the flowerpot regularly to ensure uniform light exposure. 4. Optimizing the nutrient supply system, fertilizer selection standards, phosphorus and potassium elements need to be supplemented during flowering, and slow-release fertilizers with an N-P-K ratio of 3-12-12 are recommended. Self-formulated fertilizers can use a mixture of decomposed sheep manure: bone meal: plant ash in a ratio of 5:3:2 to avoid the use of chlorine-containing compound fertilizers. Fertilization cycle and technical growth period (April to September) apply liquid fertilizer diluted 1000 times every 15 days, and apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer during flower bud differentiation period. Pay attention to the need to return water the next day after fertilization to wash the salt accumulation, and strictly stop fertilization during the dormant period.
Through the establishment of a four-dimensional maintenance system for moisture, temperature, light and nutrition, and regular pot changes for root pruning (it is recommended to replace the special cactus substrate every 2 years), most varieties can bloom stably after 3-5 years of maturity. Record the maintenance log and observe the plant condition adjustment strategy, and you will be able to harvest a full pot of amazing flower buds.