How to care for Zygocactus after flowering
This article introduces the related experience of caring for Zygocactus after flowering and the maintenance skills after the end of the flowering period. Let's get to know more about it together.
Now that the Zygocactus in my home have finished flowering, many gardening enthusiasts do not know what kind of maintenance management they should perform next to make it grow new leaves as soon as possible and make the new leaves grow sturdy, laying a good foundation for the next flowering. In fact, caring for Zygocactus is not that difficult. After flowering, as long as the plant is properly managed in terms of water, fertilizer, and light, it can grow vigorously. During maintenance, be careful not to make four mistakes to make it grow new leaves quickly.
Be willing to prune
After Zygocactus finishes flowering, it is also necessary to remove some leaves. The plant usually starts growing new leaves after flowering. If there are too many weak seedlings, they will consume a lot of nutrients, making the new leaves grow small. Timely thinning some small leaves is more beneficial for the plant to grow new leaves.
After the flowering period of the plant is over, first remove the faded flowers, and then remove the small side buds, small leaves, or too dense stems and leaves to reduce nutrient consumption and increase ventilation and light transmission between the stems and leaves, which is more conducive to plant growth.
Do not let the potting soil become too dry
We all know that Zygocactus is a drought-resistant plant and is afraid of waterlogging. If the potting soil is too moist for a long time, it can easily lead to root rot in the plant. Therefore, many gardening enthusiasts dare not water their Zygocactus, always worrying that too much watering will cause root rot, resulting in the potting soil being in a dry state for a long time and the leaves becoming soft and lacking vitality.
In fact, Zygocactus is not that delicate. As long as the cultivated nutrient soil is loose and permeable, and excess water can be easily drained from the bottom of the pot after watering, it will not cause root rot. Spring is the peak growing season for Zygocactus. At this time, do not let the potting soil become too dry. Water the plant promptly when the potting soil is dry to keep sufficient moisture for better growth of new leaves.
How to care for Zygocactus after flowering
Over-fertilizing or not fertilizing at all
If you want Zygocactus to grow vigorously, you need to fertilize it properly, neither too much nor too frequently, nor should it be fertilized for a long time. Zygocactus has underdeveloped roots, so fertilizing should be thin. Too concentrated fertilizing can easily burn the roots and cause root rot.
When fertilizing Zygocactus, you can water it with some thin fertilizer or apply a small amount of compound fertilizer to the potting soil to provide the plant with adequate nutrition. When the temperature rises to above 30℃, stop fertilizing because after entering summer, it stops growing and enters a dormant state. At this time, reduce watering and stop fertilizing, focusing on resting.
Do not lack sunlight
Zygocactus has different sunlight requirements in different seasons. It is a short-day flowering plant and cannot be without sunlight during the winter and spring flowering period. Even after the spring flowering period is over, try to expose it to more sunlight to promote growth and make the leaves more sturdy and full.
When summer comes and the temperature and light intensity increase, be sure to provide shade for Zygocactus and do not continue to care for it in direct sunlight, as the leaves can easily be sunburned and become wilted. During the summer dormant period of Zygocactus, place it in a cool and ventilated area with some scattered light, avoiding direct sunlight.
After the spring flowering period is over, Zygocactus starts to grow new leaves. Increase watering appropriately, apply some thin fertilizer, and expose it to more sunlight. After the temperature rises, move it to a cool and ventilated environment. This way, the plant can grow vigorously, and the leaves will be more full and sturdy.
This article shares the full content of how to care for Zygocactus after flowering and the maintenance skills after the end of the flowering period. I hope it is helpful to green plant enthusiasts!