How to Care for a Newly Purchased Cactus
Having trouble keeping your new cactus alive? As a survival expert among desert plants, cacti indeed possess extraordinary drought resistance, but newly acquired plants require special care to adapt smoothly to the home environment. This article will systematically analyze the five core points of care for beginners, from environmental adaptation to soil improvement.
Management During Environmental Adaptation Period
Precautions During the Seedling Slowdown Period
The first 7 days are the cactus's sensitive period to the environment, with 90% of care issues stemming from improper operations during this stage. Avoid watering and fertilizing immediately, as the roots are in a dormant state and their absorption capacity is only 30% of normal. It is recommended to place the plant in a shady and well-ventilated area, maintaining a day-night temperature difference within 8℃.
Watering Taboo Times
During the slowdown period, if the surface soil is dry, you can use a spray bottle to moisten it in a mist form, maintaining the air humidity between 40%-50%. Avoid direct watering that could cause root rot, and be especially cautious of black rot disease during this stage.
Light Management System
After the adaptation period, a scientific lighting plan needs to be established: 1. 4-6 hours of scattered light per day in spring and autumn 2. Using a shading net to filter strong ultraviolet light in summer 3. Supplemental lighting in winter should maintain a distance of over 30cm from the lamp. Pay special attention to the day-night rhythm; continuous lighting for more than 14 hours will affect the growth cycle.
Optimization of Planting Substrate
Techniques for Cleaning Decorative Items
How to Care for a Newly Purchased Cactus
Use a bent-tip tweezers to gradually remove the colored stones along the pot wall at a 45° angle, taking note of the following during operation: • Maintain the integrity of the original soil structure • Stop immediately if the roots are exposed • Let the plant sit for 24 hours after cleaning before rehydrating
Soil Improvement Plan
It is recommended to mix in a ratio of 3:2:1: • Akadama soil (moisture retaining and breathable) • Volcanic rock (trace elements) • Coconut bran (regulates pH) Soak the new soil in a solution of carbendazim for 20 minutes before potting to effectively kill 99% of pathogenic bacteria.
After mastering these care tips, you will find that cacti are not only tenacious desert plants but can also become green art pieces that adorn your life. Regularly observe the plant's condition, keep a record of maintenance, and after three months, you can gradually establish a personalized care plan.