How to grow cacti well
Answer questions for netizens on how to grow cacti well and the precautions for planting cacti, let's take a look together!
The first time I saw the Asparagus cactus, I felt it didn't look like a cactus plant at all. It is a plant that originally grows in the tropical rainforests of Central America, and it grows together with ornamental pineapples or other orchids.
Here is the wild Asparagus cactus growing wildly outdoors.
The Asparagus cactus is a type of epiphytic plant, also known as "mistletoe cactus" or "cactus stick". Its shape is particularly strange, usually cylindrical, with some flat shapes, which are less common.
It grows by attaching to rock cliffs or tree trunks, with its roots attaching to some humus. In nutrient-poor environments with proper sunlight and higher humidity, they can also bloom and bear fruit. However, the flowers and fruits are very small and need to be observed carefully to be noticed.
In Asia and Africa, a small number of fertilized cacti can be found, but most Asparagus cacti grow in Central America.
1. Soil mixture
To grow Asparagus cacti well, it's best to use peat soil, decomposed leaf soil, or a mixture of ordinary coarse coconut bran and some decomposed leaf soil to ensure the soil has an appropriate amount of organic matter, which is crucial for its growth. It prefers soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic, and it's essential to ensure good drainage and breathability of the soil, or the roots can easily rot.
If you must use garden soil, it must be sterilized and disinfected, and the amount used should not exceed 1/3 of the potting soil, with about 1/3 of coarse sand or other granular stones added, and about 1/3 of decomposed leaf soil. It can be said that decomposed leaf soil or peat soil is a better soil for planting Asparagus cacti, such as mixing peat soil, decomposed leaf soil, and other coarse granular stones in a 3:3:4 ratio, resulting in a loose and breathable soil.
How to grow cacti well
When planting Asparagus cacti, do not use too large a container. Choose a container with special bottom holes for cultivation, add more granular stones to the bottom of the pot to ensure loose soil and an appropriate amount of organic matter, which is very beneficial for the growth of Asparagus cacti.
2. Moderate scattered light
Asparagus cacti are very afraid of direct sunlight. They originally grow in warm, humid, and semi-shaded environments. Providing 3 hours of scattered light in the morning or evening is sufficient for growth and blooming, and it's important to avoid direct sunlight at noon and in the afternoon.
3. Suitable temperature
Also, note that it is sensitive to excessive low and high temperatures. If the temperature drops below 10 degrees, move it indoors promptly to avoid frost. Additionally, in the summer, the temperature should not exceed 35 degrees. When the temperature is too high, a bit of shading is necessary. Don't assume that plants growing in tropical rainforests are particularly heat-tolerant. In reality, temperatures in tropical rainforests are relatively stable and usually do not exceed 28 degrees.
4. Watering precautions