How to propagate the swallowtail cactus
About the propagation of swallowtail cactus and the methods and precautions of its cutting, let's get to know together below.
Also known as八宝 (八寶), 看青, 冬青, the swallowtail cactus is a evergreen small shrub of the Crassulaceae Sedum genus. As a houseplant, it has an upright and graceful crown, with bright green leaves that remain evergreen throughout the year, making it elegant and unique. Paired with a pot stand, pebbles, etc., it can be crafted into a small bonsai, or planted alone to decorate desks, windowsills, tea tables, and desktops, adding a touch of beauty to the living environment. Let's take a look at the cultivation methods and precautions for the swallowtail cactus!
Growth habits of the swallowtail cactus
The swallowtail cactus is native to southern Africa, with a multi-branched sub-shrub appearance. The stems are distinct, round, and have green or brownish-yellow skin. The leaves have small dots, with succulent leaves opposite and ovate. The flowers bloom in clusters, with small white or pink flowers, cross-pollination, and are not easy to bloom. It prefers a warm and dry environment with plenty of sunlight, is not cold-resistant, fears strong light, and is somewhat shade-tolerant. A sandy loam soil rich in nutrients and good drainage is ideal, with winter temperatures not falling below 7℃.
Propagation methods of the swallowtail cactus
1. Cutting: Generally carried out in spring and autumn, cut healthy terminal branches, 7-10 cm long, and let them dry in a shaded place for one day. After the wound is slightly dry, insert them into moist sand or perlite. Roots will form in about 3 weeks with a very high survival rate. Single-leaf cuttings can also be used, slightly dried after cutting, then inserted into the sand bed. Roots will form in about 4 weeks, and can be potted when they are 2-3 cm long.
2. Water cutting: From April to September, cut branches of good quality, healthy growth, and free from diseases, each segment 10-15 cm long, leaving 3-4 pairs of leaves at the top and removing two pairs at the bottom. Clean the cut surface, fix it with foam or thick paper, and place it in a cup with water depth of 1/2 to 1/3 of the cutting. Keep it in a well-ventilated and shaded place, maintaining a temperature above 25℃. Change the water every 2-3 days, and roots will generally form in about 7 days, with a nearly 100% rooting rate.
How to propagate the swallowtail cactus
Cultivation methods of the swallowtail cactus
1. Soil: For potting, a mixture of 2/3 decomposed leaf soil and 1/3 garden soil, with a small amount of river sand added, is used as the growing medium. A small amount of long-acting fertilizer like hoof pieces can be placed at the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer. To facilitate drainage, some pebbles or tiles should be placed at the bottom of the pot. The swallowtail cactus needs to be repotted every spring, adding new fertile soil.
2. Temperature: The optimal growth temperature for the swallowtail cactus is 15-32℃, and it dislikes high heat and humidity. When the temperature exceeds 33℃ in the summer, it enters a dormant state. It is also sensitive to cold and frost, requiring temperatures above 10℃ during the winter. When the temperature drops below 7℃, it also enters a dormant state. If the environmental temperature approaches 4℃, it may die from frostbite.
3. Sunlight: The swallowtail cactus enjoys sunlight but should be kept in a ventilated and shaded place during the summer. In other seasons, sunlight can be increased appropriately to make the leaves greener and fuller. In winter, when the temperature is low, increasing sunlight and reducing watering help improve cold resistance. If kept in a dark place for a long time, the plant will grow tall, the leaves will become thin and yellow, reducing its ornamental value.
4. Watering: From spring to autumn, water every 1-2 days, avoiding waterlogging in the pot. During the hot summer, when the temperature reaches over 30℃, the plant is in a dormant or semi-dormant state and watering should be controlled. Also, shade and cool the plant by spraying water around the pot 2-3 times a day and ensure good ventilation. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering to keep the soil slightly dry.
5. Fertilizing: The swallowtail cactus does not require much fertilizer. Apply a liquid fertilizer for cacti once a month in spring and autumn, do not fertilize in summer, and in winter, when the indoor temperature is too low, fertilizing is also not necessary. The pot should be changed every 3-4 years. When repotting in spring, a compound fertilizer or decomposed organic fertilizer can be added as a base fertilizer.
6. Pruning: The swallowtail cactus grows quickly, and if not pruned in time, the plant's shape will be destroyed, greatly reducing its ornamental value. Pruning is best done in spring and autumn, during its growth peak, as it recovers quickly and easily grows new branches after pruning.
7. Diseases and pests: The swallowtail cactus has few diseases and pests. In high temperature and humidity conditions, it may be affected by anthracnose and leaf spot diseases, which can be controlled by spraying 70% methyl thiophanate wettable powder 600-800 times or 60% propiconazole wettable powder 1000 times. If indoor ventilation is poor, the stems and leaves may be affected by scale insects, which should be cleaned manually. In severe cases, 0.5% veratrine soluble concentrate 300-500 times can be sprayed for control.
Precautions for the swallowtail cactus
1. The swallowtail cactus enjoys light and should be placed in a well-lit and warm environment throughout the year, which is key to flowering.
2. As a succulent plant, the swallowtail cactus is very drought-tolerant and should not be watered too much, keeping it dry and wet, and watering only when completely dry.
3. During the hot summer, be careful to avoid sunburn followed by heavy rain, which can cause leaf drop.
4. During the growing season, apply a thin liquid fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every 7-10 days, avoiding over-fertilization.
The above content shares how to propagate the swallowtail cactus and its propagation methods and precautions. Have green plant enthusiasts understood?