How to cultivate Golden虎 cactus
Are you wondering how to cultivate Golden虎 cactus and the introduction of green plant care, such as cultivation methods and precautions? Next, the editor will introduce it for everyone.
Golden虎 cactus maintenance management
1. Temperature
Temperature plays an important role in the growth cycle of Golden虎 cactus. In winter, Golden虎 cactus enters a dormant state. In April, Golden虎 cactus wakes up and starts growing. From May to June, the temperature reaches the optimal growth temperature of 25-30℃ for Golden虎 cactus, and it enters the peak growing period. From July to August, when the temperature exceeds 35℃, Golden虎 cactus enters summer dormancy. In September, when the temperature drops to 30℃, Golden虎 cactus wakes up again and starts growing.
If managed well in autumn, its growth rate may exceed that of spring. In the second half of November, as the temperature drops, Golden虎 cactus gradually enters the dormant period. At this point, the annual growth cycle of Golden虎 cactus comes to an end.
2. Lighting
Cultivating Golden虎 cactus should meet its demand for sunlight as much as possible. Except for indoor maintenance in winter, it should be placed in a sunny area throughout the day in spring, summer, and autumn. If Golden虎 cactus is placed indoors for a long time, it will affect its color and the growth of spines, causing the ball to deform and lose its ornamental value.
In winter, Golden虎 cactus should be placed on a windowsill with sunlight and rotated occasionally to ensure even exposure to light. During the intense summer sun, it should be properly shaded. My method is to cover the upper part of Golden虎 cactus with a colored plastic bag to protect the top fluff from rain, and then cover the ball and pot with a large plastic bag, placing it in the area with the longest exposure to sunlight outdoors. During the high temperatures of summer, the large plastic bag is removed to avoid moisture buildup inside the bag that could cause the ball to rot. After removing the bag, the ball is in a well-ventilated environment and grows well.
3. Watering
Although Golden虎 cactus is drought-resistant, it still needs water. Some Golden虎 cacti may not grow large or even shrink due to lack of watering. Golden虎 cactus should be given sufficient water during the growing periods of spring and autumn, while water should be restricted during the dormant periods of winter and summer.
① Water once every 4-5 days or once a week during the initial growth stage, pouring water from the edge of the pot, preferably in the morning around 9-10 o'clock or in the afternoon around 4-5 o'clock. It's best to let tap water sit for 2 days before watering.
② From late April to June, Golden虎 cactus requires more water, so water once in the morning and evening, making sure to water thoroughly.
③ During the plum rain in June, be cautious of overly wet soil to prevent root rot.
④ In July and August, when Golden虎 cactus enters summer dormancy, water should be restricted.
⑤ From late September to October, Golden虎 cactus enters the growing period again, watering every 3-4 days.
⑥ In November, the growth of Golden虎 cactus tends to stop, and watering can be done once every 10 days.
⑦ In December, Golden虎 cactus enters dormancy and does not need to be watered to enhance its cold resistance.
4. Fertilization
Fertilize frequently and thinly in spring, once a week. From May to June, fertilize every 4-5 days, with slightly higher concentration. Do not fertilize during the high summer temperatures. From September to October, fertilize once a week, and do not fertilize from November to the following spring.
Fertilizers made from decomposed animal remains or poultry manure should be diluted in water and applied in the morning around 9-10 o'clock or in the afternoon after 5 o'clock. Water should be poured the day after fertilizing.
5. Repotting
The timing of repotting is the same as planting, once a year or every other year. Prepare a larger pot and new cultivation soil, remove the ball from the old pot, remove some of the old soil, and剪除枯根,烂根, etc., then let it dry before potting.
If the ball is too large to repot, some of the old soil can be removed and new cultivation soil added. Press the soil down after changing and cover with a layer of coarse gravel without watering.
6. Cold Prevention
Golden虎 cactus is not cold-resistant. When the temperature drops to around 5℃, move Golden虎 cactus to a sunny indoor area, keep the soil dry, and prevent cold wind.
Golden虎 cactus prefers a sunny and well-ventilated environment. Do not place it in a dark area of the living room, otherwise the ball will become elongated, the spines will become dull, and it may lose its ornamental value. However, it needs to be slightly shaded during high summer temperatures to prevent sunburn.
Golden虎 cactus prefers a warm and humid environment, with the optimal growth temperature being 20-25℃. It should be kept above 5℃ in winter, as low temperatures can cause unsightly yellow spots on the ball and affect its appearance. Keep the soil dry during low winter temperatures.
Spring and autumn are the optimal growing seasons for Golden虎 cactus. It is suitable to apply fertilizers such as cake fertilizer, chicken manure, bone meal, or pigeon droppings. It is better to be dilute than concentrated. When applying chemical fertilizers such as urea or potassium sulfate, avoid contact with the stem. After fertilizing, spray water to prevent damage to the ball. However, fertilization should be stopped during winter, summer, and for newly potted plants.
Golden虎 cactus grows quickly and needs to be repotted once a year. The optimal time for repotting is after the dormant period ends and before the vigorous growth period begins. The cultivation soil should be rich in nutrients and calcareous loamy soil, and some of the old roots should be cut.
Golden虎 cactus is a large ball, but it takes many years to grow, such as 10 years for a diameter of 15 centimeters and 20 to 40 years for a diameter of 70-80 centimeters. It is necessary to follow cultivation requirements to avoid losses.
7. Nursing
Golden虎 cactus prefers a warm, humid, and shady environment, with the optimal growth temperature being 25-35 degrees. It is not resistant to low temperatures and can easily become brown and rot below 5 degrees. Do not spray water on the surface of the cactus and be careful not to expose it to too much light or too much shade. Too much light can burn the plant, and too much shade will cause it to become尖形 and lose its bright color.
Precautions for Cultivating Golden虎 Cactus
1. Drought-resistant and flood-sensitive: The original habitat of cacti is the arid tropical desert, so they prefer dry conditions and dislike flooding. During the growing period, watering should follow the principle of not watering until dry, watering thoroughly when dry, and watering immediately after pouring.
2. Sun-loving and shade-avoiding: Cacti need plenty of sunlight to grow, and lack of sunlight can prevent flowering. However, they also dislike direct sunlight and need to be shaded during the hot summer noon to prevent sunburn.
3. Sandy soil preference and clay soil avoidance: Cacti grow well in sandy soil with good drainage, ventilation, and rich in lime. They dislike sticky and waterlogged soil, which can cause poor development and root rot. The cultivation soil can be made up of 3 parts loamy soil, 3 parts decomposed leaf soil, 3 parts coarse sand, and 1 part wood ash.
4. Alkaline preference and acidity avoidance: Cacti prefer to grow in neutral or slightly alkaline soil, with the optimal pH being 7.0-7.5. Sensitive soil can cause failure to flower and root rot. After long-term cultivation, the potting soil can become compact and acidic. If the pot is changed once a year and the soil is renewed, the plant can grow well without additional fertilization.
This article shares a comprehensive explanation of how to cultivate Golden虎 cactus, cultivation methods, and precautions, hoping to serve as a reference to solve your green plant problems.