How to care for the deer antler cactus
This article provides an in-depth explanation for netizens on caring for the succulent plant, the deer antler cactus. The following details how to care for this plant:
The deer antler cactus prefers a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight. It is drought-resistant and dislikes high temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -3 degrees Celsius, provided the potting soil is dry. The soil should be fertile and loose sandy loam. A mixture of coal slag and peat can be used, with a layer of coarse river sand on top. After potting, you can water it or keep the soil slightly moist. It will root in a shaded, well-ventilated area without much attention. Only water when the soil is very dry. The leaves may wither and shrink before rooting, but there's no need to worry about it dying; a little dryness won't hurt, and it will root well when wrinkled. Once signs of growth are seen, you can gradually start watering normally.
The deer antler cactus does not have a distinct dormant period in summer and can safely survive with shade and good ventilation. The cooler seasons are its peak growing times. Begin reducing watering when temperatures drop below 2 degrees Celsius. Keeping the potting soil dry will help it survive winter. In the coldest season, the temperature in the sunroom was -3 degrees Celsius, a sustained temperature, and it reached as low as -10 degrees Celsius without any frost damage. This indicates that it is relatively frost-resistant, provided the potting soil is dry.
As the deer antler cactus grows normally, it will gradually develop tall branches. Select older, woody branches that are higher up; new branches are too tender and difficult to propagate. After cutting the old branches, let them dry for a few days before planting them directly into the growing medium. The author once planted them directly in the soil and they didn't develop roots for an entire winter, only starting to grow in the spring. Once the soil is slightly loose, you can propagate by cutting. The soil requirements are not strict. The plant becomes more beautiful when it forms a clump. The growth rate of the deer antler cactus is not fast, as it is a variegated variety, and they generally don't grow quickly.
Recommended reading:
1. The cultivation and planting methods of the deer antler cactus
2. Images of the deer antler cactus
The above-mentioned content on how to care for the deer antler cactus is provided for your comprehensive understanding and reference.