How to Cultivate Hylocereus undatus to Bloom
Answering netizens' questions on how to cultivate Hylocereus undatus to bloom and providing insights into the cultivation methods of this plant. Let's take a look together.
Hylocereus undatus, also known as霸王鞭 (Bawangbian), 三角火旺 (Sanjiaohuo Wang), and 三棱剑 (Sanlengjian), is one of the climbing cacti species in the Cactaceae family. It is commonly distributed from Central America to the northern part of South America and was later introduced to China, where it thrives in southern regions like Guangdong and Fujian. A gentle sunlight and well-draining sandy loam soil are the basic requirements for cultivating Hylocereus undatus. Below are detailed explanations of the cultivation methods for this plant.
1. Selection of Cultivation Location
Hylocereus undatus prefers a warm and humid growing environment with moderate sunlight. When sunlight is too intense, it should be placed in a semi-shaded environment. If the weather is cold, it needs to be placed in a sunny area, with an average temperature of at least 10 degrees Celsius to avoid frost damage.
2. Selection of Soil
Hylocereus undatus favors sandy loam soil rich in humus and good drainage. Therefore, it is advisable to mix some deciduous leaf soil and coarse sand into the soil when planting. Alternatively, a mixture of deciduous leaf soil and wood ash can also be used. Organic fertilizers should be chosen for fertilization, with the fertilizer placed around the plant to enhance absorption and promote growth.
3. Watering Frequency
Hylocereus undatus is drought-tolerant. In spring, do not water excessively, aiming to water once every 10 to 15 days. In summer, water once a day early in the morning or in the evening. In winter, the potting soil should be kept moderately dry and can be wrapped with plastic film to keep warm.
4. Pruning of Hylocereus undatus
After flowering, the dense and old branches that have bloomed should be cut to allow new branches below to receive adequate sunlight and improve ventilation, promoting the next blooming cycle.
5. Fertilization Management
Hylocereus undatus does not require high fertilizer. During the growing season, apply decomposed liquid fertilizer once every 15 to 20 days, and stop fertilizing in winter. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to root rot.
6. Precautions
Hylocereus undatus is mostly propagated by cutting. During growth, it is prone to diseases such as wilt, anthracnose, and scab. It is necessary to monitor its growth condition promptly and treat any issues. The plant needs to be repotted every 1 to 2 years, choosing a pot that is appropriately sized for the plant. Before repotting, the plant should be taken out and left to dry for half a month.
7. Pest and Disease Control
(1) When the scab disease first appears on Hylocereus undatus, use a small knife to remove the affected area, then apply 40% carbendazim·triazole or 45% triazole 50 to 100 times solution.
(2) For the initial stage of anthracnose disease, you can spray a mixture of 30% copper oxychloride and 70% mancozeb in a 1:1 ratio, or 70% thiophanate-methyl and 75% chlorothalonil 1000 times solution, or 80% carbendazim 800 times solution, or 40% carbendazim·triazole 1000 times solution. These agents should be alternated, using one every 10 days.
The detailed explanation provided above on how to cultivate Hylocereus undatus to bloom and its cultivation methods will hopefully offer you assistance in green plant management!