How to raise the newly purchased cactus
The newly purchased cactus always makes people look forward to and uneasy. Although this desert plant is known for its tenacity, it needs special care during its fragile period of new environment. As a new favorite of indoor green plants, the maintenance of cactus may seem simple but has hidden secrets. Mastering the following five key elements can allow your green plants to successfully pass the adaptation period. Environmental adaptation period management, watering amount control, it is recommended to use the immersion method for initial watering: immerse the flowerpot in water for 10 seconds, remove and drain to ensure that the substrate is completely moist. Pay special attention to no water accumulation on the bottom of the basin. Use chopsticks to promote drainage through the hole in the basin soil. In the first three months, the principle of "better dry than wet" will be maintained, and the surface 3 cm soil will be completely dried before replenishing water. The light intensity is adjusted using a progressive lighting method: placed on the north-facing sill for the first week, turned to the east for the second week, and exposed to the west after the third week. Full sunshine can be accepted in winter, and gauze curtains are needed to filter strong light in summer. If the ball is found to be yellow or atrophied, the light position should be adjusted immediately. Nutrient supply strategy The fertilizer ratio plan recommends the use of special slow-release fertilizer for cactus, and the amount specified is halved. It is advisable to control the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at 5 - 10 - 5, and supplement trace amounts of calcium and magnesium every quarter. Remember to avoid fertilization in the rainy season, and spray foliar fertilizer instead of root topdressing before new roots are stable. The key points of temperature control are to maintain the temperature difference between day and night to stimulate growth: 25 - 32 ℃ during the day and 18 - 22 ℃ at night are the best. When the temperature is lower than 15 ℃ in winter, the insulation cover is used, and when the temperature exceeds 38 ℃ in summer, ventilation needs to be strengthened. A thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature of the basin soil, and the temperature change in the root area should be ≤ 5 ℃/hour.
After three months of careful maintenance, the cactus will gradually show its strong vitality. Remember to rotate the flowerpot every month to ensure uniform light exposure and regularly check the health of the roots. With these maintenance tips, your desert spirit will surely thrive and become the most eye-catching green decoration in your home.