What issues should be considered when fertilizing the蟹爪兰 (Disocactus ackermannii)?
The following are some experiences in the aspect of green plant maintenance regarding the issues that should be considered when fertilizing the蟹爪兰. Let's introduce them to you by the editor.
Improper fertilization includes three aspects. First, excessive base fertilizer; second, excessive and concentrated fertilization during normal times; and third, fertilizing during the plant's dormant period. These three situations can all lead to adverse consequences, and may even cause the entire plant to die.
Excessive base fertilizer refers to the situation where too much organic and inorganic fertilizer is mixed into the potting soil when the flowers are potted. In the early stages of cultivation, due to the relatively low temperature after potting, the plant may not show obvious abnormalities. However, over time, with the increase in temperature, the accumulated absorption by the roots will gradually reveal the problem. For grafted蟹爪兰, when using cacti as the rootstock, the initial manifestation is that the scion does not grow and becomes soft, the surface of the rootstock shows wrinkles, the flesh loses water, and the epidermis gradually turns yellow. This is because a reverse water absorption phenomenon occurs, where the water stored in the rootstock is also absorbed by the scion, leading to a significant loss of water in the rootstock due to the dual competition between the roots and the scion. Once this situation occurs, it is necessary to replace the potting soil as soon as possible, remove some of the stem segments of the scion, replant it, and place it in a cool area with scattered light to allow the rootstock to regenerate roots and recover.
When using triangular cacti and leaf cacti as the rootstock, it is also necessary to change the soil and replant.
Excessive fertilization during normal times can also lead to the aforementioned situations, but it happens gradually. Once obvious symptoms appear, it is too late to regret. When the situation is not too severe, you can use the method of watering generously to wash away the excessive fertilizer.
Cacti plants are very sensitive to chemical fertilizers. Therefore, fertilizing the蟹爪兰 must be done according to the requirements. When the growing medium is good, it is better not to fertilize. For larger plants that need fertilization, it is better to keep it dilute rather than increase the concentration, and increase the frequency of fertilization during the vigorous growth season.
In summary, to avoid fertilizer damage, it is necessary to be good at observing the growth state of the plant. Since cacti plants store a certain amount of water in their bodies, when there are obvious changes in the plant, the problem has already become serious, and may even be irreversible. The following three points should be observed: First, check whether the stem segments of the scion have lost their luster or show wilting due to water loss. Second, observe whether the rootstock has any abnormal changes, and shake the rootstock to see if there is any looseness. When there are abnormal signs in the plant, analyze the causes of the problem. Third, take decisive measures without delay to avoid losing the best time for rescue, which could ultimately lead to cultivation failure.
The above is a detailed explanation of the issues that should be considered when fertilizing the蟹爪兰, hoping it can be helpful to you!