Summary of 13 Cactus Fertilization Tips
An article about the related knowledge of the succulent plant cactus, summarizing 13 tips on cactus fertilization, with detailed introduction below.
Jingzhu depends on fertilizer for a lush growth. To make a cactus grow well, with a plump and strong body; thick and bright spines; and numerous and colorful flowers, proper fertilization is essential. Here are some fertilization techniques:
1. Correctly understand and use fertilizers. Pay attention to 5 combinations and 5 main points: let's start with some theoretical points. Reasonable fertilization means suitable, timely, moderate, moderate, and appropriate fertilization for cacti.
1. Organic fertilizers (self-made or available at flower markets, such as pigeon manure granules) combined with chemical fertilizers, with an emphasis on organic fertilizers;
2. Liquid fertilizers (special cactus nutrient solutions available at flower markets) alternated with granular fertilizers, with an emphasis on liquid fertilizers;
3. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (small packs of superphosphate and potassium fertilizers) used with nitrogen fertilizers, with an emphasis on phosphorus and potassium fertilizers;
4. Base fertilizers (adding bone meal or cow dung to the pot bottom during potting) used with top dressings, applied in stages, with an emphasis on base fertilizers;
5. Fertilization combined with the application of antibacterial and insecticidal agents, with an emphasis on fertilization (especially when applying organic fertilizers).
2. Fertilize the cacti according to their different characteristics, growth conditions, and placement environments.
1. Cacti grown outdoors should be fertilized with more organic fertilizers, while those indoors with more clean chemical fertilizers. Cacti grown outdoors, with ample light and air circulation, can generally be sprayed with fast-acting fertilizers, except for those with long hair or sunken tops. Cacti grown indoors should not be sprayed with liquid fertilizers.
2. For small cacti, fertilize 3 to 4 times during spring and autumn, with less fertilizer; for large cacti, fertilize 6 to 7 times, with relatively more fertilizer.
3. For young cacti and mature large ones, fertilize young cacti with low concentration and more frequently, focusing on nitrogen fertilizers; fertilize mature large cacti with more fertilizer and less frequently, especially during the bud differentiation and flowering stages, with an emphasis on phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
4. For cacti with long growing periods, fertilize frequently; for those with short growing periods, such as "Sun Rise" cacti (self-rooted cultivation), fertilize appropriately.
5. For fast-growing cacti, such as "Flower Abundant" cacti, apply organic fertilizers to promote growth; for cacti with flower buds, apply phosphorus fertilizers and avoid nitrogen fertilizers; for grafted cacti, apply a complex fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
6. Apply more nitrogen fertilizers in spring; apply less nitrogen fertilizers before winter.
7. For some soft small cacti, such as Gao Sha, Bai Xing, Li Guang Dian, etc., the concentration of fertilization should be particularly low.
8. When fertilizing cacti, follow the principle of "better too dilute than too concentrated, frequent application of thin fertilizers."
9. Appropriately "supplement calcium" for cacti. Animal bone meal, eggshell powder, crushed shells, and old wall soil are rich in calcium, which can make the spines of cacti grow bright and strong.
10. Most cacti in the genus Cereus require a high amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Mixing decomposed clamshell and snail shell into the soil can make non-flowering cacti bloom stunning flowers.
11. It is best to fertilize when the soil is moist or after loosening; the best fertilizing period is from March to early August; the best time to fertilize is early morning or evening on sunny days; outdoors, fertilizing 2 to 3 days after rain gives the best results.
12. Pay attention to 10 "no's" when fertilizing: do not fertilize cacti with injured bodies or roots; do not fertilize those with poor growth; do not fertilize newly purchased cacti with buds or those in bloom; do not fertilize cacti lacking sunlight; do not fertilize cacti waiting to root; do not fertilize young cacti; do not fertilize newly potted cacti; do not fertilize cacti affected by pests; do not fertilize cacti in direct sunlight; for beginners, it is recommended not to fertilize.
13. Do not apply organic matter such as soy milk, milk, or seafood that has not been fully fermented.
The above content summarizes 13 tips on cactus fertilization for green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve your problems in green plant management.