Caring for the 'King Kong' cactus
Comprehensive explanation of the knowledge topics about the 'King Kong' succulent plant, the experience of caring for 'King Kong', detailed information is as follows:
The original species of 'King Kong' is Gymnocalycium denudatum, known as 'Sekiryu丸' in Japan. The original 'King Kong' species is widely distributed in the southern region of Brazil and the northern region of Uruguay, and there are also reports of its discovery in Argentina and Paraguay. The distribution is as shown by the red circle in the figure below.
'Sekiryu丸' Gymnocalycium denudatum itself is a highly variable species and has been cultivated for many years as one of the earliest discovered Gymnocalycium species. 'King Kong' is a horticultural variety of 'Sekiryu丸', G.denudatum var.paraguayensis. The name 'King Kong' was coined by the Japanese, which I find very appealing and full of character. The current horticultural variety of 'King Kong' has largely lost its original genes and state after many generations of uncertain breeding and selection, presenting a different kind of charm. Japan has done a great job with this, and I've heard that KP's horticultural 'King Kong' is also excellent (I've also found some seeds this year to try sowing).
At the same time, G.denudatum is also a very unique species, growing slowly in the wild, with a glossy, dark green spherical body that can reach 6-8 cm in width and generally 2-3 cm in height. Horticultural varieties may not be as flat. They usually have fewer ridges, 5 to 8 ridges, with smooth, flat tubercles, radially arranged spines that are ivory white or cream yellow, usually 3-5 spines, 1.5 to 2 cm long, looking like long-legged spiders crawling on the spherical body, hence the name 'spider cactus'. They usually bloom in spring and summer with bright pure white flowers, about 5 cm long and 7 cm wide. Now many 'King Kong' plants have pink flowers, or pink buds that open white, or petals that show various changes, which should all be the result of hybrid breeding.
A commonly recognized hybrid variety is usually marked as G. denudatum cv. Jan Suba, which was obtained by Frantisek Pazout in Czechoslovakia through crossing G.denudatum var. backebergii with G.baldianum. The flowers are large and bright pink, not the red commonly associated with the 'red-flowered King Kong'. Because it is hybridized with G.baldianum, strong-spined red 'King Kong' is very rare, and if found, it would be quite precious. Here is a photo of my Jan Suba:
Understanding some basic information about 'King Kong' is also very helpful in its cultivation. For example, by looking at this photo of 'King Kong' from its native habitat, you can get a basic understanding of how it grows in the grass, which is also very meaningful for our grasp of watering and light intensity (感谢图片原作者).
I also quite like to raise 'King Kong' and fish, as they are both robust species and are not difficult to cultivate. Most beginners can grow them alive, and I am just at the stage of keeping them alive, with many doubts and experiments ongoing. I've just raised one complete growth-dormancy season, providing some support for hobbyists who are new to 'King Kong'.
The first sowing of 'King Kong': I sowed 10 precious 'King Kong' seeds, and because I was particularly attentive mentally, I had good luck and all 10 seeds survived, and three of them even produced variegation, which was very satisfying. So everyone doesn't need to worry about their sowing ability. In fact, sowing 'King Kong' is not much different from sowing most other varieties. Here's what I do:
1. Soil preparation: I sieve the soil for the cactus to remove powder and use the smallest particles, about 1-2 mm in size like sesame seeds. The ratio of peat and rice husk ash is higher. When sowing, do not cover the soil, as most cacti are photoblastic, so covering the soil will have a counterproductive effect, especially deep covering, which can easily fail. Topsoil, from my own experience, I currently prefer to use a layer of fine red jade soil, which is good for seeing the dryness of the soil, does not easily grow moss, and helps seedlings root easily. The soil is sterilized in a microwave before sowing.
2. Sowing containers: I quite like to use oil bottles, beverage bottles, and mineral water bottles. For larger scales, a storage box is also very good. The principle is to have convenient sealing during sowing, while being very transparent, allowing for ventilation after germination, and convenient for re-sealing at the right time. Because it is relatively sealed, moisture does not easily escape, making management very convenient and time-saving. Use whatever is comfortable for everyone, with the basic principle of ease of management.
3. Watering during the sowing period: I water the soil when it looks dry, using a spray bottle or immersion pot, very casual. The principle is to ensure the moisture of the seedling pot. Be careful not to seal immediately after watering, and pay attention to light and temperature when sealing, as enclosed spaces are prone to accidents.
4. Lighting during the sowing period: Personally, I think that 'King Kong' seedlings need fairly strong lighting to prevent them from growing tall and columnar, helping to build a good shape from a young age. The seedlings are also more robust. Morning light from 6 to 11 am is suitable. In the hot summer, I expose them to the sun until 10 am. A bit red, round shape is good.
5. Transplanting: From sowing to now, two years have passed, and I have transplanted twice. I sowed in the summer, transplanted in the autumn, and then transplanted again in the spring of the following year. When transplanting, be careful to dry the roots, otherwise they are easily rotting. In fact, if energy and technique are sufficient, transplanting more times at the appropriate time should grow better. The seedlings are prone to rot within two months after germination, but after two months, they become very sturdy and easy to care for, especially in the hot summer. During the day, I close the storage box lid and seal it, and open it at night, and it grows very fast.
Personal experience: Growing seedlings with heating in winter has a significant effect. I use a storage box in a south-facing window and keep the temperature under the seedling pot with a reptile mat. After a winter, without dormancy, they have grown significantly. Interested friends can also try it, but be careful with electricity safety.
The above sharing of the specific introduction of the experience of caring for 'King Kong' (G.denudatum var.paraguayensis) hopes to bring some knowledge of flowers to flower enthusiasts.