Care Methods for Zygocactus in Summer
The editor will talk about the content related to the succulent plant Zygocactus, specifically the care methods for Zygocactus in summer, and guide everyone through the following information.
In summer, Zygocactus enters a slow growth period, and many gardening enthusiasts find it difficult for their Zygocactus to survive the summer. How should we take care of Zygocactus in summer? The following steps are needed:
1. Enhance air circulation to allow the body temperature to dissipate;
2. Place it in a semi-shaded area or provide 50% shade;
3. Spray it appropriately, 2-3 times a day.
In daily management, attention should be paid to the following:
1. During the dormant period after flowering, the soil should be kept moderately dry, and frequent foliar spraying can help to exit dormancy early;
2. During the first vigorous growth period, the soil should be kept moist and the plant should be fertilized adequately, with nitrogen as the main nutrient and phosphorus and potassium as secondary nutrients. In autumn, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be the main nutrients, with nitrogen as a secondary nutrient, until flowering;
3. During the summer survival period, 70% of the sunlight should be blocked, fertilizing should be stopped, water should be controlled, and frequent foliar spraying should be done. Avoid direct rain and dry heat, and also prevent red spider infestations.
Preserving Buds and Promoting Flowering
In autumn, Zygocactus enters the second period of vigorous growth and meets the short-day conditions for flowering. In the early growth stage, new stem segments will continue to grow, while in the later stage, the flower buds differentiate and enter the bud formation period. Since there is no clear boundary between these two stages, to ensure flowering in the same year, it is necessary to give up stem growth. Provide weak light, keep the plant dry (no water or fertilizer), and only do a small amount of foliar watering without causing the flat stems to wilt. Increase insulation measures in late autumn (such as moving into a greenhouse) until individual stem segments show buds, at which point water can be given as appropriate.
When more than half of the stem segments show buds, apply a concentrated fertilizer twice at intervals of half a month to ensure more flowers and brighter colors. Another technique to promote flowering is simple and easy to follow. After surviving the summer, slightly control the fertilizing and watering of the potted plants, and start short-day treatment after mid-September. The lighting time is from 9 am to 5 pm daily, with no light exposure during the rest of the time. Generally, this can result in bud formation within two months. This treatment not only increases the number of flowers but also significantly advances the flowering time.
The above introduction to the specific care methods for Zygocactus in summer is hoped to provide some floral knowledge for flower enthusiasts.