Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Zygocactus in Summer
Today's lifestyle tip brings you the cultivation methods and precautions for Zygocactus in summer, as well as the tricks for keeping Zygocactus thriving indoors. This green plant and flower cultivation content will surely be helpful to you, so let's get to know it together!
Zygocactus has bright and colorful flowers, and when in bloom, it presents a vibrant and joyful scene. It often blooms in the winter and spring seasons, adding even more festive atmosphere if it coincides with the Spring Festival. However, Zygocactus enters a dormant period during the summer, during which it looks wilted and listless, forming a sharp contrast with its blooming period. This is, however, a normal part of its growth cycle. After the dormant period, as the weather cools down, Zygocactus will enter a vigorous growth phase, preparing for the winter bloom.
So, how should Zygocactus be cared for during its dormant period in summer to safely survive the harsh summer? By following the "3 less, 1 more" principle, you can easily get through the summer and grow rapidly in the fall. Let's talk about some of the precautions that need to be taken when caring for Zygocactus in the summer.
1. Less Sunlight
Zygocactus needs a certain amount of sunlight for growth and blooming to thrive. However, it is currently summer, and Zygocactus is in a special dormant period. During this time, its metabolic activities weaken, and growth becomes very slow, or even stops. If exposed to direct sunlight during this period, it cannot perform normal physiological activities and can easily be sunburned, or even the entire plant can be sunburned to death.
Recommendation
During the dormant period in summer, Zygocactus should be kept in a place with plenty of scattered light, avoiding direct sunlight during the afternoon and evening when the sun is柔和. It can be exposed to the sun in the morning and evening when the sunlight is gentle.
2. Less Watering
In the normal growing season, Zygocactus needs ample water to grow vigorously. However, with the arrival of summer, the amount of water Zygocactus should be given should be adjusted. Although the summer weather is hot and water evaporates quickly, Zygocactus is basically in a state of growth stagnation during the dormant period, and excessive watering can easily cause root rot.
Recommendation
Water Zygocactus in the summer only when the soil is completely dry, and do not water if it is not dry. After watering, make sure there is no standing water in the pot to avoid root rot caused by prolonged waterlogging. If it is difficult to judge the moisture level of the potting soil, you can insert a bamboo stick or a disposable chopstick into it and then determine when to water based on the moisture condition of the chopstick or stick.
3. Less Fertilizing
As mentioned earlier, Zygocactus grows very slowly in the summer and does not need much water and nutrients. If you fertilize it abruptly in the summer, its roots can only absorb a limited amount of fertilizer, and the excess fertilizer will remain in the soil. With the accumulation of fertilizer, the roots can be burned, causing fertilizer damage.
Recommendation
No fertilizer should be given to Zygocactus in the summer. The correct fertilizing time should be after the fall, when Zygocactus shows signs of growth and is no longer wilted. Only then should you give it a moderate amount of fertilizer to promote rapid recovery and growth.