What should be done with the flower stem of a cactus after the flower has withered? Does it need to be cut off?
Here are some experiences related to how to deal with the flower stem of a cactus after the flower has withered. Does it need to be cut off? Please see the detailed introduction below.
Cacti can bloom throughout the year, usually blooming for the first time in May during spring and a second time in autumn. If seed collection is not required, pruning can be done after the flowers have withered.
Cacti generally refer to the plant species of cacti, which can bloom and bear fruit when cultivated for 3 to 4 years. It is also a general term for spherical plants such as the cactus genus,裸萼球属,星球属, and 金琥属 in the cactus family.
Some cacti are easy to bloom and can bloom within 1 to 2 years, such as 绯花玉, 星兜, 栾凤玉, and 世界图锦. Some, however, require many years to bloom, such as 金琥. I will explain the reasons why the withered flowers of a cactus can be cut off after blooming.
Some cacti can naturally produce seeds after blooming, which can usually be achieved through artificial pollination. If there is no need to collect seeds for propagating new plants, pruning should be done promptly after the flowers have withered to avoid consuming too much nourishment. Proper care can lead to reblooming.
Pruning should be done with a sharp tool that has been disinfected to cut off all the withered flowers, or wait for the flowers to dry up and gently remove the withered flowers.
After pruning, attention should be paid to maintenance. Cacti prefer dry conditions, and daily watering should keep the soil slightly moist and not allow excessive moisture to prevent root rot. Watering should be done only when the potting soil is completely dry.
If it is early summer after the flowers have withered, the watering frequency can be slightly increased, and from June to July, during the rainy season, watering should be reduced. In winter, after the flowers have withered, watering should be minimized or stopped to keep the soil dry.
Cacti prefer warmth and should maintain a suitable temperature after the flowers have withered. The optimal growing temperature for cacti is between 20 to 35℃. In summer, appropriate shading and cooling are necessary, and in winter, they should be cared for in a warm environment.
Cacti enjoy plenty of sunlight, slightly tolerate semi-shade, and are afraid of direct sunlight. If it is summer after the flowers have withered, attention should be paid to shading, and a 3-needle sunshade net can be used for shading. There is no need for shading in other seasons.
For cacti that bloom in spring, after pruning, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied to promote blooming again in autumn. Especially during the rapid growth period in summer, a solution of monopotassium phosphate can be sprayed every 7 days, for a total of 4 times.
【Summary】
After the cactus flowers have withered, it is necessary to remove the withered flowers from the plant because they consume extra nutrients from the plant, are prone to diseases and pests, and are not aesthetically pleasing.
Subsequently, water should be controlled because it is a relatively drought-tolerant plant. Watering should be based on the dryness and moisture of the soil, and it is best to keep the soil slightly moist.
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