How to care for an hydroponic cactus
Today, our editor will delve into how to care for an hydroponic cactus and related topics such as the cultivation tutorial for hydroponic cacti. Next, our site editor will introduce this topic to everyone.
In most people's common sense, cacti should not be watered too much, often only watered once every one or two months, less is better than more. However, not watering for too long can cause the cactus roots to shrink and dry up, and they will not grow, possibly remaining unchanged even after a year and a half, making it look like a fake.
If you can hydroponically grow a cactus, then you no longer need to worry about watering issues; even if the roots are immersed in water, they can grow normally, so what's to fear!
Hydroponically growing a cactus does not mean placing the cactus directly in water, as it will rot quickly. Instead, some operations need to be performed to allow the cactus to grow hydroponic roots that can adapt to the aquatic environment and absorb nutrients and water from the water to meet the growth needs of the cactus.
Now, let's get back to the main topic. How can we make a cactus grow hydroponic roots? Follow these steps, and you can transition from soil cultivation to hydroponic cultivation in half a month.
【1】Trimming the Roots
First, remove the cactus from the pot and clean off the soil, preferably by washing the roots with water, but try to avoid getting the ball part wet. After cleaning the roots, use clean scissors to cut off the fine rootlets, leaving only a small part of the thicker roots, or even cutting all of them off if needed.
【2】Aerate and Dry for a Week
The purpose is to allow the trimmed root wounds to dry and heal. It must be placed in a well-ventilated area; good ventilation will allow the cut surfaces to dry faster and are less likely to become infected. Don't worry that a week is too long and the roots will dry out; even ten or fifteen days are fine. Cactus roots are not that fragile, and the longer they are left to dry, the stronger their desire for water will be, which will speed up the process of root growth later on.
【3】Inducing Root Growth
A week later, after confirming that the roots are completely dry and not infected, choose a small-mouthed container (with a diameter smaller than that of the ball) or a planting basket. Place the cactus above the container mouth, fill the container with water, and adjust the water level so that it just touches a tiny bit of the roots. Really, just a tiny bit is enough; don't add too much water. In just three or four days, you can see white hydroponic roots growing out and extending into the water. Throughout this process, it's best to keep the ball part from getting wet, including when changing the water later on.
How to care for an hydroponic cactus
【4】Post-management
As the hydroponic roots become more numerous and longer, lower the water level to expose the upper part of the roots to the air, which will prevent the roots from rotting due to lack of oxygen.
Change the water every two weeks and use nutrient solution to help the ball grow faster. (You can prepare a clip, as I do by hand... it really hurts...)
❗️❗️❗️Note: An hydroponic cactus is still a cactus, so its other growth habits remain unchanged. It still needs sunlight and good ventilation. If it lacks sunlight for a long time, it will easily grow tall, and the cactus may become a cactus column.
The above sharing of how to care for an hydroponic cactus and the tutorial for hydroponic cactus maintenance may bring you some help in your daily life!