Cacti are a special type of succulent plant. Unlike other plants, they require specific soil to grow. This article will focus on how to choose soil suitable for cactus growth, helping cactus lovers to cultivate them better.
1. Understanding Cactus Soil Preferences
When choosing soil for cacti, we need to understand the types of soil they prefer. Most cacti come from desert regions, so they like to grow in sandy, well-draining soil.
2. Avoid Choosing Soil Rich in Organic Matter
Although organic matter is beneficial for other plants, this is not the case for cacti. Soil with a high organic matter content will make cacti too moist, which will lead to root rot.
3. Choose Soil with Good Air Permeability
The soil needed for cacti should have good aeration, which helps to keep the soil dry and reduce root rot. We can improve the soil's permeability by adding materials like sand and perlite.
4. Require a Light Soil Texture
The soil needed for cactus growth should be light and porous. Heavy clay soil will cause the plant's roots to grow slowly, which is very detrimental to cacti.
5. Pay Attention to the Appropriate pH Value
The pH value is an indicator of the soil's acidity or alkalinity. Soil suitable for cactus growth should be neutral or slightly alkaline. We can use a pH meter to test the soil's pH value. If it is found to be too acidic or too alkaline, it needs to be adjusted with a regulator.
6. Should Choose Soil Containing Minerals
Minerals are very important for cactus growth, as they are essential elements for normal plant development. Choosing soil with an appropriate amount of minerals can help cacti get more nutrients and grow better.
7. Do Not Use Soil with Too Much Fertilizer
We should avoid using soil with too much fertilizer to grow cacti. Because excessive fertilizer can harm the plant, leading to stunted growth or even death.
8. Understand the Soil Preferences of Different Types of Cacti
Different types of cacti have different soil preferences. Some species prefer sandy soil, while others like soil with a little bit of clay. When choosing soil, appropriate adjustments need to be made according to the different types of cacti.
9. Should Use Transparent Pots
Choosing a transparent pot allows us to see the condition of the cactus's roots. This way, we can better control watering, fertilizing, and ventilation.
10. Avoid Moving During the Cultivation Process
During the cactus growth process, we should try to avoid moving them, as frequent movement can damage the plant's growth and development, leading to its death.
11. Water Timely
Although cacti need a relatively dry environment, they cannot lack water. We should water them in time before the soil dries out to avoid the cactus roots drying out excessively and dying.
12. Reduce Watering in Winter
In winter, because the temperature is lower, the growth rate of cacti will slow down, so we need to reduce the frequency of watering to ensure that the soil does not become too moist.
13. Fertilize Reasonably
During the cactus growth process, we need to apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer. Choosing a fertilizer suitable for cacti and applying it with the correct method and frequency can help the plant get more nutrients.
14. Do a Good Job of Pest Control
Like other plants, cacti are also susceptible to pest infestations. We should do a good job of pest control, using appropriate pesticides for spraying to avoid pests causing harm to the cacti.
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When choosing soil suitable for cacti, we should pay attention to the soil's composition and texture, and avoid using soil with too much fertilizer or a high organic matter content. At the same time, understanding the growth environment and cultivation techniques of cacti can help us better cultivate them and let them thrive.