How to Plant a Newly Bought Cactus
As one of the most popular succulents, the cactus has become the first choice for beginners due to its unique shape and drought resistance. However, many people often cause the plant to die due to improper handling after receiving a cactus bought online. This article will systematically analyze the complete planting process from unpacking to thriving, teaching you step by step to create a healthy succulent pot plant.
Four Steps to Planting a Cactus
1. Unboxing Inspection and Root Treatment
After carefully removing the express packaging, you need to immediately check the plant's condition: observe if the ball is damaged, gently pinch the base to confirm if it is soft. Focus on checking the root condition, if you find that the cut has not healed or there are black rot spots, you need to trim to healthy tissue with a disinfected pair of scissors, then place it in a well-ventilated and shady place to dry for 3-5 days, completely dry wounds can effectively prevent infection.
2. Container and Substrate Scientific Proportion
Choose a ceramic pot with a diameter 3-5 cm larger than the ball, the bottom must have a drainage hole. The substrate is recommended to use a golden ratio of 50% particle soil (red jade soil + volcanic rock) + 30% nutrient soil + 20% river sand, this structure can quickly drain water and maintain necessary moisture. Avoid using garden soil or heavy soil, which can easily cause root suffocation.
3. Key Details of Planting Operation
After filling 1/3 of the substrate in the pot, hold the plant to adjust the planting depth, ensuring that the root neck is level with the pot edge. When filling the soil, it needs to be layered and compacted, tapping the pot wall lightly every 2 cm thick layer of substrate to reduce gaps. Finally, spread 0.5 cm thick wheat stone on the surface, which can both stabilize the plant and prevent bottom rot.
4. Fine Maintenance During the Seedling Stage
After planting, you need to go through a critical 15-day seedling stage: maintain a scattered light environment, and control the temperature between 18-28°C. Use the edge watering method, pour water slowly along the pot wall with a尖嘴壶 (spouted pot), and stop when water seeps from the bottom drainage hole. Be especially careful to avoid leaving water droplets on the surface of the ball, as high temperature and humidity can easily cause sunburn spots.
With scientific maintenance, 90% of newly purchased cacti can sprout new spines within one month, and roots can be seen penetrating the bottom drainage hole after 2-3 months. In daily management, it is necessary to supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers every month in spring and autumn, shade and control water in summer, and maintain a wintering environment above 10°C. Mastering these core techniques, you can also easily cultivate plump and round cacti.