What Fertilizers Do Cacti Like?
The cactus that stands proudly in the desert may seem to require no meticulous care, but when settled in a pot, scientific fertilization is key to achieving a full and healthy plant. Master the preparation techniques of these four types of natural organic fertilizers to keep your cactus both sturdy and capable of blooming beautiful flowers.
Complete Process of Organic Fertilizer Preparation
Plant Protein Nourishment Method
Residue from oil crops like soybeans and peanuts, rich in plant protein, needs to be finely processed to release its fertilizing effect. Crush the cake fertilizer into rice grain size, soak it in water at a ratio of 1:5, and seal it for fermentation for 20 days. The resulting amber-colored liquid is the best nutrient for cacti during their spring growing period.
Poultry Manure Transformation Technique
Collect dry manure from chicken coops and pigeon cages, and it can be transformed into a gentle fertilizer after 45 days of composting. Stir it twice a week during fermentation. When the liquid is tea-colored and has no distinct odor, dilute it at a ratio of 1:8 and water it around the edge of the pot to significantly enhance the cactus's disease resistance.
Special Formula for Flower Promotion
Extraction of Bone Phosphorus Elements
After eating, wash the排骨 (bones) and poultry bones thoroughly and steam them under high pressure to completely remove salt and fat. The dried and ground bone meal needs to mature for 3 months. Sprinkle 5 grams on the surface of the potting soil each quarter. Combined with the stimulation of day-night temperature differences, it can induce flowering in cacti that are over three years old.
Nutritional Combination Efficiency Plan
Choose a slow-release fertilizer for succulents with an NPK ratio of 2-7-5, dissolve 2 pellets in water every month. This precise nutritional combination can continuously supply for 6 months, especially suitable for columnar cacti with fragile roots, avoiding fertilizer burn while ensuring growth needs.
The timing of fertilization is also important, with the best results when the temperature is stable between 18-28°C.完全停肥 (Completely stop fertilizing) during the winter dormancy period and replace watering with mist spraying during the high summer temperatures. By observing the shine of the cactus's skin and the growth rate of new spines, you can accurately determine whether the nutritional supply is sufficient, allowing this desert spirit to show vibrant vitality on the windowsill.