How do cacti spread their seeds?
Do you know this? Here is an introduction to how cacti spread seeds and the methods of seed dispersal in green plants and flowers. Please see the detailed introduction below.
Cacti can reproduce both asexually and sexually. However, sexual reproduction, or seed propagation, is necessary when a large number of cacti need to be propagated or new varieties need to be cultivated.
I. Artificial Pollination
There are few self-pollinating species among cacti. Most require cross-pollination, which needs to be done manually to produce seeds. Many species also require cross-pollination with plants of the same species but different individuals. Therefore, at least two plants of the same species are needed. Pollination must be performed when the anthers are open, the pollen is mature, and the stigma of the pistil is fully secreting粘液. However, the maturation time of the pistils and stamens may not be the same for different species. If the pistil of the female parent flower opens later than the male parent, the male parent can be placed in a cool, shaded area to delay flowering, or the pollen can be collected and stored in a cool, dry place. It can then be used for pollination when the pistil of the female parent is mature. For most species, the highest success rate of pollination is 1-2 hours after the flowers open the second day. Use a clean brush to gently apply the pollen to the stigma of the female parent or use fine forceps to place the pollen on the stigma. If the weather is extremely hot, humidity is too high, or there is water on the flowers, the fertilization rate will be low.
II. Removing Petals
If the ovary gradually swells after pollination, it indicates successful pollination. At this time, the withered petals should be cut off to prevent rot. The plants should be protected from rain and water splashes and should be managed with proper fertilization and watering.
III. Timely Seed Collection
Cacti fruits generally mature in 50-60 days, and some species are berries that are easily eaten by birds and other small animals when mature. Fruits should be protected with net covers. Some fruit peels tend to crack easily, so timely harvesting is necessary. Berries should be peeled, the seeds washed, and the moisture filtered out. The seeds should be placed in paper bags and stored in a dry, cool place, with the seed name and collection date noted.
IV. Disinfecting and Soaking Seeds
The soil used for sowing should be disinfected river sand or mixed sand with decomposed leaf soil, which must be sterilized by boiling or steaming and not with chemicals. Before sowing, wet the potting soil using the immersion method, then soak the seeds in a 1% formalin solution or a 2.5% copper sulfate solution for 15 minutes. After washing, they can be sown. Small seeds can be evenly scattered on the soil surface mixed with sand without covering them. Large seeds can be sown at a spacing of 5 mm x 5 mm.
V. Sowing at the Right Time
The best time for seed propagation of cacti is spring and autumn, when there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. Large temperature differences not only increase the germination rate but also speed up the growth of seedlings. Avoid sowing on cloudy or rainy days and choose sunny weather. In a greenhouse, seed propagation can be done all year round.
How do cacti spread their seeds?
VI. Post-Sowing Management
After sowing, cover the pot with a glass plate and make sure to leave a slit open every day for ventilation. Most cacti species can germinate within 15 days. After germination, carefully observe the moisture inside the pot and keep the surface of the soil slightly moist. Seedlings must be controlled for light exposure, and a hole-punched white paper can be placed on the glass. As the seedlings grow, replace the white paper to increase the size and number of holes for better light exposure. Management of cacti seedlings should be strict in terms of temperature, humidity, water, light, and ventilation. During the growth seasons of spring and autumn, maintain a larger temperature difference between day and night and provide appropriate light to the seedlings. In summer, enhance ventilation and reduce temperature. In winter, keep the plants in a warm indoor area and increase light exposure appropriately, but not excessively. Watering should mainly be done by the immersion method, just keeping the surface of the pot moist.
VII. Disease and Pest Control
Cacti seedlings are prone to diseases and pests. Weeds should be removed promptly, and the soil should be loosened regularly. If red spiders, aphids, or scale insects are found, they should be captured or sprayed with a 40% trichlorfon solution (1000 times dilution) every 7-10 days, or a 50% carbaryl solution (500-700 times dilution) can be used. The main diseases of cacti include golden spot disease, sunken spot disease, and red rot disease, which can be prevented by spraying with a 75% chlorothalonil solution (or 50% benomyl) at an 800 times dilution or a 70% thiabendazole solution at a 600 times dilution. Transplant seedlings every half year to promote root growth and development.
The detailed explanation shared above about how cacti spread seeds and the methods of seed dispersal in plants is hoped to bring you help in green plant management!