How to Plant Cacti
A detailed introduction about how to plant cacti and the planting steps of cacti cultivation experience, let's take a look together.
Cacti, also known as grass balls, are native to the desert areas of South America. They prefer a hot and dry environment, and different species produce flowers of different colors. Cacti propagation generally uses seed sowing, and it is best to choose sandy soil with good water permeability for sowing. Maintain the sowing temperature at about 25°C. After germination, place it in a well-ventilated environment. Below, we specifically understand the sowing method of cacti.
1. Potting Soil Selection and Treatment
It is best to choose loose and permeable sandy soil for sowing cacti. A mixture of 50% coarse sand, 20% peat, 20% vermiculite, and 10% wood ash can be used as the growing medium. For cultivation, you can use a regular black plastic pot. Before filling the pot with soil, disinfect the pot and the growing medium with a potassium permanganate diluted solution. After disinfection, fill the pot with soil. Then tap the bottom of the pot gently on the ground to make the soil settle by about 1 centimeter, which is more suitable for future plant maintenance.
2. Seed Treatment
When obtaining cactus seeds, wash the surface flesh off with clean water. After washing, place them in a well-ventilated area to air-dry the surface moisture. After the moisture has dried, prepare a potassium permanganate solution diluted with a certain amount of cool water, making the potassium permanganate a light pink color. Then, place the seeds in it and soak for about 30 minutes. After removing, dry them before use.
3. Sowing
Cacti sowing is best done between July and August. The sowing temperature should be between 20°C and 25°C. Since the seeds are small, you can use a toothpick蘸dipped in water for sowing. Plant the seeds on the surface of the soil without covering them. Then, cover the pot with a layer of plastic film. This can ensure the humidity for seed growth and prevent excessive evaporation of water. Make a few small air holes in the plastic film with a toothpick to ensure seed ventilation. Finally, place the plant in a wind-sheltered, diffused light environment. In about 7 days, the plant will grow into small balls.
4. Post-Germination Care
Three days after germination, remove the film covering the surface and move it to a semi-shaded, well-ventilated environment. After a month, move it to a bright, diffused light environment. Since cacti at this stage cannot withstand strong light, if the light is too strong, you must provide shade. Generally, young cacti prefer a moist soil environment, so attention should be paid to the amount of watering. You can also use the immersion pot method to supplement plant moisture. Watering can be combined with fertilization. Mainly apply a thin nitrogen fertilizer solution to promote root growth.
The above is a brief explanation about how to plant cacti and the planting steps, hoping to bring a little help to your life!