Why Does the Cactus "Wanzhongshan" Experience Excessive Growth?
As a classic ornamental plant of the cactus family, "Wanzhongshan" is deeply loved by succulent enthusiasts for its towering and layered shape. However, many growers encounter the problem of excessive growth in their plants — abnormally elongated internodes and a loose, collapsing plant form, which severely affects its ornamental value. This article will analyze the three core causes from the perspective of growth mechanisms and provide a systematic solution.
One, The Formation Mechanism of Excessive Growth in Wanzhongshan
1.1 Excessive Growth Triggered by Water Imbalance
The native desert environment of Wanzhongshan has shaped its drought-resistant characteristics, but some growers have two extremes: suddenly watering after long-term drought or continuously maintaining moisture. The former triggers the plant's stress water storage mechanism, while the latter leads to excessive extension of the cell walls. It is recommended to use the "dry-wet alternating method" — water thoroughly after the soil is completely dry, combined with a breathable ceramic pot environment, maintaining the substrate moisture between 30%-50%.
1.2 Excessive Growth Induced by Insufficient Light
Experimental data shows that Wanzhongshan requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. When the light intensity is less than 3000 lux, the plant obtains light by elongating its internodes. It is recommended to provide full sunlight in spring and autumn, avoid strong UV light from 11-15 pm in summer, and supplement light in winter by keeping the light source more than 30 cm away from the plant, using a 6500K color temperature LED plant light for best results.
1.3 Excessive Growth Caused by Overnutrition
An imbalance in the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is a common trigger, especially fertilizers with a nitrogen content greater than 15% can easily cause longitudinal cell division. It is recommended to mix 5% bone meal as a base fertilizer when repotting, and apply a 2-5-3 ratio liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. If excessive growth has already occurred, stop fertilizing immediately and配合断水处理, wait for new tissues to return to normal before resuming care.
Two, Wanzhongshan Modeling Repair Plan
For plants that have experienced excessive growth, the "progressive control method" can be used to reshape the plant form: ① Gradually reduce the amount of water for each watering, maintaining a 20-day watering cycle during the transition period; ② Use the rotation cultivation method, rotating the pot 45° clockwise daily to ensure even light exposure; ③ Perform surgical removal on excessively elongated internodes, apply charcoal powder to the incision to prevent infection, and new lateral buds will form a compact structure within 60-90 days.
By scientifically regulating the four elements of light, water, temperature, and fertilizer, combined with regular pot rotation and moderate pruning, Wanzhongshan can maintain its ideal layered shape. It is recommended to take growth comparison photos every quarter, establish a maintenance log to record environmental parameters, and gradually master the growth patterns of the plant, allowing this desert spirit to blossom in its most beautiful life form.