Methods and Precautions for Cultivating Lophophora Williamsii
As a珍品 (precious plant) among the cactaceae family of succulents, Lophophora Williamsii is deeply favored by gardening enthusiasts for its round bulbous stems and unique patterns. To achieve healthy growth throughout the year, it is necessary to accurately manage temperature, light, and fertilizer. This article systematically compiles the key points of essential care techniques.
Core Elements of Care Control
Accurate Temperature and Humidity Regulation
A constant temperature of 25°C is most suitable for growth, and it is recommended to use intelligent temperature control equipment from late spring to early autumn. When the temperature exceeds 32°C, cool down twice a day with a misting system, taking care to avoid water droplets that can cause burns. In winter, use a double-layer thermal greenhouse to maintain a temperature above 15°C to effectively prevent bulb shrinkage.
Dynamic Water Management
In the growing season (May to October), water using the immersion method, replenishing to 40% soil moisture every 3 days. In the dormant season (November to April), switch to a drip irrigation system, supplying 150ml of water every 10 days. Especially during the bulb shrinkage period, use an electronic hygrometer to monitor and ensure that the substrate moisture rate is ≤15%.
Advanced Cultivation Techniques
Precision Nutrient Allocation
Prepare slow-release granular fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 3-12-8, and bury 5g along the edge of the pot monthly. During the growing season, supplement with calcium and magnesium foliar fertilizer, diluted at a ratio of 1:1500, to prevent epidermal shrinkage. Be particularly careful to avoid organic fertilizer contacting the stem, and maintain ventilation for 48 hours after fertilizing.
Optimization of Lighting System
Configure full-spectrum plant lights, providing 6 hours of additional light (10000lux) daily during spring and autumn, and add 50% shading nets in summer. In winter, use double-layer thermal film combined with a lighting system to ensure an average daily light duration of ≥5 hours. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure and prevent plant deformation.
Comprehensive Pest and Disease Control
Biological Control System
Alternately use Bacillus subtilis (1:800) and neem oil (1:1000) monthly for prevention. During the爆发期 (outbreak) of red spider mites, introduce predatory mites for biological control, and use yellow sticky traps to monitor pest density. Isolate immediately upon discovering rust disease and treat with tebuconazole 2000 times solution for 3 consecutive times.
Maintenance of Root Health
When repotting in spring every year, use a mixed substrate of perlite: akadama soil: kazuma soil in a ratio of 3:5:2. If the bulb softens, immediately remove from the pot, cut off the腐烂 (rotten) roots, soak in carbendazim solution, and after drying for 3 days, plant in new soil. During the recovery period, control the air humidity to below 40%.
Through systematic environmental control, Lophophora Williamsii can achieve an annual growth of 3-5cm. It is recommended to establish a care log, recording each watering and fertilizing session and morphological changes, and to create a dedicated microenvironment using plant growth lights, intelligent temperature control, and other equipment. Regularly observe the bulb's luster and thorn seat morphology, and adjust the care plan in a timely manner to allow this desert spirit to bloom with unique charm in a home environment.