How to Care for Grafted Zygocactus
The editor answers how to care for grafted Zygocactus and the key points of its maintenance, offering some great green plant care tips. It's worth collecting!
Zygocactus is native to the巴西 region of South America and was later introduced to China for cultivation, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Zygocactus prefers to grow in a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment, has poor cold resistance, is a short-day plant, and requires at least 8-10 hours of sunlight daily. It is suitable for planting in well-drained, loose soil. The propagation method is mostly grafting. Let's learn about the cultivation methods and precautions for grafted Zygocactus from aspects such as temperature control, lighting conditions, water and fertilizer management, and more.
1. Temperature Control
The suitable growth temperature for Zygocactus is between 15℃ and 25℃. In hot summers, shading is required, and in autumn and winter, it should be moved indoors for care. In winter, when the temperature is low, it is necessary to control the indoor temperature to be above 5℃, or use a plastic bag to cover the plant for insulation, otherwise low-temperature frost damage may occur.
2. Lighting Conditions
Zygocactus is a short-day plant. If it receives sufficient sunlight every day, it will bloom in February or March. Therefore, adequate sunlight should be provided during cultivation, but shading should be considered in strong summer sunlight to avoid plant damage from intense light.
3. Water and Fertilizer Management
In the summer, when the temperature is high and water evaporates quickly, watering should be done every 1-2 days. In spring and autumn, when the temperature is moderate, the watering interval should be every 2-3 days. In winter, although it is the growing season for Zygocactus, the low temperature slows down water evaporation, so the watering amount and frequency should be reduced to once every 4-5 days. Fertilization mainly focuses on April to June or September to October, with an interval of about 10 days, using decomposed cake fertilizer. Fertilization should be stopped after entering summer.
4. Pest Control
Zygocactus is prone to pest and disease attacks, especially after grafting. Poor ventilation can lead to infestations of aphids, red spiders, and other pests, which can affect its health and even its survival. Therefore, it is important to ensure good ventilation after grafting. If pests are found, they can be removed with fingers or a small brush if the number is small. If the number is too large, professional insecticides must be used.
5. Precautions
During the growth of Zygocactus, there is a dormant period when water and fertilizer should be stopped. Normal management should resume after the dormant period. During cultivation, it is important to control the amount of watering to avoid waterlogging and root rot. It is also not advisable to expose the plant to direct sunlight to prevent scorching and plant death.
Another point to note in the maintenance of grafted Zygocactus is the treatment of rot. Rot is the most common disease during Zygocactus maintenance, especially right after grafting. If part of the leaves start to rot, it is essential to cut off all the affected parts to prevent further damage. Then, apply sulfur powder to the cut surface for disinfection, which can effectively save the Zygocactus.
That's all for how to care for grafted Zygocactus and the key points of its maintenance. I hope this article can help you with green plant management!