Method and Precautions for Cultivating White Sand Cactus
The columnar White Sand Cactus is favored by succulent enthusiasts for its unique shape and beautiful flowers. This desert plant native to South America has specific requirements for its growing environment. Mastering the correct cultivation method can keep the plant compact and make it bloom orange-red flowers every spring.
Four Key Elements of White Sand Cactus Cultivation
Substrate Proportion and Container Selection
Use a 3:2 mixture of coarse river sand and humus soil, mixed with 10% perlite to enhance breathability. A 3-5cm drainage layer should be reserved at the bottom of the ceramic pot to prevent root rot caused by waterlogging.
Water Management Cycle
Water thoroughly every 15 days during spring and autumn, stop watering during the summer high-temperature dormancy period. In winter, when the environmental humidity is below 40%, water sparingly along the pot wall monthly, avoiding contact of water droplets with the stem surface.
Regulation of Light Intensity
Ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, use a sunshade net with 30% shading rate at noon in summer. Supplement with 2 hours of 4500lux light from grow lights in winter to maintain a compact plant shape.
Temperature Gradient Control
Keep a temperature difference of 15-25℃ during the growing season to stimulate bud differentiation, do not let the temperature drop below 5℃ in winter for safe overwintering. In greenhouse environments, pay attention to day and night ventilation to prevent diseases caused by high temperature and humidity.
Propagation and Daily Management
Technique for Separating offsets
Select healthy offsets with a diameter of more than 2cm, let the cut surface dry in the shade for 3 days, then place it flat on disinfected vermiculite. Maintain an environmental humidity of 60% at 25℃, new roots will sprout in about 20 days.
Key Points for Potting
Method and Precautions for Cultivating White Sand Cactus
Repot every 2-3 years in spring, retaining 1/3 of the original soil. After pruning the roots, let them dry in the sun for 48 hours, then soak the roots in a Multi菌灵 solution for 10 minutes to prevent fungal infections.
Solutions to Common Problems
Repairing Yellowing Stems
If sunburned, move to a scattered light environment for 2 weeks and spray with a 0.1% ferrous sulfate solution. If yellowing persists, check if the roots are rotting and promptly remove necrotic tissue.
Comprehensive Control of Scale Insects
Initially, use a 75% alcohol cotton swab for physical removal, during outbreaks, alternate between using spirodiclofen and imidacloprid, apply pesticides once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Strengthen environmental ventilation to reduce the probability of recurrence.
Answers to Maintenance Questions
Suggestions for Space Planning
Mature plants can reach a height of 80cm, it is recommended to cultivate in open-air balconies or courtyards. Indoor maintenance requires the use of full-spectrum plant lights and opening windows for ventilation for more than 2 hours daily.
Explanation of Medicinal Value
The extract of the plant contains triterpenoids, which can be made into anti-inflammatory external ointments. It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the juice to avoid contact with sticky liquid for sensitive individuals.
By precisely controlling the light cycle and dry-wet cycle, the White Sand Cactus can show its best ornamental state. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure, combined with thin application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in spring and autumn, can effectively promote bud differentiation and create a blooming effect.