How to cultivate a giant cactus? Is it cold-resistant?
If you want to know the experience of cultivating a giant cactus and its cold resistance, it will definitely help you. Let's learn about it together!
The giant cactus, also known as the Cardón cactus, is a very beautiful cacti plant, loved by many for its unique columnar shape and beautiful flowers. However, for those new to growing cacti, there may be some questions about how to care for the Cardón cactus, such as its cold resistance. Below is a detailed explanation of the cultivation methods and cold resistance of the Cardón cactus.
Firstly, we need to understand some basic habits of the Cardón cactus. It is native to the arid regions of America and therefore has strong drought resistance, suitable for growing in a sunny environment. Additionally, it grows slowly, so there's no need to water frequently during maintenance.
I. Light
As mentioned earlier, the Cardón cactus prefers a sunny environment. Therefore, during maintenance, it should be placed in direct sunlight. However, in summer, especially in hot countries, the midday sun can be too intense and may cause light damage to the cactus. Therefore, in summer, it is recommended to expose it to sunlight in the morning and evening, avoiding direct midday sun.
II. Watering
The watering principle for the Cardón cactus is "better dry than wet," meaning the soil can be slightly dry but not too moist. Generally, the watering interval can be determined based on local climate and soil conditions, about once a week or every two weeks. In winter, the watering frequency should be reduced appropriately to avoid root rot caused by low temperatures.
III. Soil
The Cardón cactus does not have high requirements for soil but needs well-draining and breathable soil. Therefore, you can use cactus-specific soil or make a suitable soil mixture for cacti, usually a mix of garden soil, sand, and perlite.
IV. Fertilization
The Cardón cactus grows slowly and has low fertilizer requirements. During the growing season, you can apply cactus-specific fertilizer once a month or use diluted compound fertilizers. In winter, fertilization should be stopped.
V. Propagation
The propagation of the Cardón cactus usually uses the division method. In spring or autumn, mature cacti are divided into several parts, each containing some roots and growth points, and then replanted. During propagation, keep the soil moist to facilitate the growth of new plants.
VI. Cold Resistance
The Cardón cactus has poor cold resistance. When the temperature drops below 10°C, it may cause frost damage, leading to plant death. Therefore, in winter, especially in northern regions, certain cold protection measures should be taken, such as moving the plant indoors or using plastic film for cover protection.
In summary, the cultivation of the Cardón cactus is not complicated. As long as you master the key points of light, watering, soil, and fertilization, it can grow healthily. Although it has poor cold resistance, with proper cold protection measures, it can also survive the winter safely. Through the introduction above, I believe everyone has a basic understanding of how to care for the Cardón cactus and its cold resistance. I wish everyone's Cardón cactus grows healthily and beautifully!
The above is a specific introduction to how to cultivate a giant cactus and its cold resistance, for netizens to refer to and learn from.