How to plant蟹爪兰 (Disocactus ackermannii) in winter
This article provides an introduction to the cultivation and winter care knowledge of蟹爪兰, a type of green plant in the cactus family. Next, the editor of this site will introduce the relevant information to everyone.
蟹爪兰 is a plant belonging to the cactus family. Its stem is composed of small leaves. When winter comes, it is its blooming season, and it will produce flower buds. How should we care for our蟹爪兰 in winter? How should we fertilize to ensure it blooms?
After蟹爪兰 enters winter, it is important to choose the right fertilizer. The first step is to pinch its small leaves and then select a fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium elements. However, it is not recommended to use monopotassium phosphate directly, as it contains only phosphorus and potassium without other elements, which can lead to weak leaves after blooming. It is best to choose a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium elements without lacking other elements, such as "Flower More 2". Ensure feeding it 2-3 times a month to provide sufficient nutrients for rapid differentiation of flower buds and blooming. Pinching the small leaves allows the older, larger, and thicker leaves to bloom, preventing them from becoming weak after flowering. When should the fertilizer be used? Continue until most of the flower buds are about to open, and then stop fertilizing.
The second point is to ensure appropriate lighting, as蟹爪兰 is a short-day plant. Insufficient or excessive lighting can prevent it from blooming. Generally, provide 6-8 hours of lighting and keep it in darkness for the rest of the time to promote bud differentiation. This treatment for about a month will allow the flower buds to grow gradually.
The third point is to ensure adequate water supply. Some enthusiasts say that you should not water蟹爪兰 in winter and let it dry out to produce flower buds. This is incorrect.蟹爪兰 does not tolerate drought well, and its root system is not very developed. If it dries out, the roots will certainly dry, and even after the flower buds appear, the leaves will be weak. We should ensure adequate watering, usually watering when the soil is completely dry and then watering thoroughly. This does not hurt the roots and the leaves will not be weak.
In winter, if you take these steps to care for your蟹爪兰, it will not have problems and will be able to grow flower buds normally. After blooming, the leaves will not become weak either. After flowering, pinch off the small or slightly soft leaves, then follow this procedure, supplement with a few multi-element fertilizers to help it recover, and then use phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as described by Xiaoqi. This will allow for a second bloom, which is very simple and can continue until spring without issues, but you must try the method described by Xiaoqi.
The above information on how to plant蟹爪兰 in winter and the related knowledge of winter care for蟹爪兰 is provided for your reference and hope it is helpful to you!