Is the Golden Tiger cactus easy to care for?
Answering whether the Golden Tiger cactus is easy to care for and the precautions for outdoor care of the Golden Tiger cactus, here are some gardening tips for you. Let's delve into the details.
Care and management of the Golden Tiger cactus
1. Temperature
Temperature plays a crucial role in the growth cycle of the Golden Tiger cactus. In winter, the cactus enters a dormant state. By April, it wakes up and starts growing. In May and June, when the temperature reaches the optimal growth range of 25-30°C, the cactus enters its vigorous growth period. From July to August, when the temperature exceeds 35°C, the cactus enters summer dormancy. In September, when the temperature drops to 30°C, the cactus wakes up again and resumes growth.
If well managed in autumn, its growth rate may even exceed that of spring. By mid-to-late November, as the temperature drops, the cactus gradually enters a dormant period, marking the end of its annual growth cycle.
2. Light
When cultivating the Golden Tiger cactus, it is important to meet its sunlight requirements. Besides winter indoor care, it should be placed in a sunny spot throughout the day in spring, summer, and autumn. Keeping the cactus indoors for long periods can affect its color and spine growth, causing the ball to become deformed and lose its ornamental value.
In winter, place the cactus near a sunny windowsill, rotating the pot occasionally to ensure even light exposure. During the intense summer sun, provide some shade. One method is to cover the top half of the cactus with a colored plastic bag to protect the downy top from rain, then cover the entire pot with a large plastic bag and place it where it receives the most sunlight. During the high summer temperatures, remove the large plastic bag to prevent moisture buildup that could cause the ball to rot. After removing the bag, the cactus should be in a well-ventilated environment for healthy growth.
3. Watering
Although the Golden Tiger cactus is drought-resistant, it still needs water. Some cacti may not grow or even shrink if not watered regularly. During the growing seasons of spring and autumn, the cactus should be provided with ample water, while watering should be restricted during the dormant periods of winter and summer.
① During the early growth stage, water every 4-5 days or once a week, pouring water from the edge of the pot, preferably in the morning around 9-10 am or in the afternoon around 4-5 pm. It is best to let tap water sit for 2 days before watering.
② From late April to June, the cactus requires more water, so water twice a day, making sure to water thoroughly.
③ During the plum rain season in June, be cautious of overly wet soil to prevent root rot.
④ In July and August, when the cactus enters summer dormancy, water should be restricted.
⑤ From late September to October, the cactus enters the growth period again, water every 3-4 days.
⑥ In November, the growth of the cactus tends to slow down, water once every 10 days.
⑦ In December, the cactus enters dormancy and can be watered less frequently to enhance its cold resistance.
4. Fertilization
Fertilize frequently and thinly in spring, once a week. In May and June, fertilize every 4-5 days, with a slightly higher concentration. Do not fertilize during the high summer temperatures. In September and October, fertilize once a week, and do not fertilize from November to the following spring.
Fertilizers made from decomposed animal remains or manure should be diluted in water and applied in the morning around 9-10 am or in the afternoon after 5 pm. Water the cactus the day after fertilizing.
5. Repotting
Repotting time is the same as planting, once a year or every other year. Prepare a larger pot and new potting soil, remove the cactus from the old pot, remove some of the old soil, and剪除枯根、烂根, then let it dry before repotting.
If the ball is too large to repot easily, remove some of the old soil and add new potting soil. Press the soil down and add a layer of coarse gravel on top, without watering.
6. Cold protection
The Golden Tiger cactus is not cold-resistant. When the temperature drops to around 5°C, move the cactus to a sunny spot indoors and keep the soil dry, avoiding cold wind exposure.
The Golden Tiger cactus prefers a sunny and well-ventilated environment. Do not place it in a dark area of the house, as this can cause the ball to elongate, the spines to become dull, or even lose its ornamental value. However, some shading is needed during the high summer temperatures to prevent sunburn. The cactus prefers a warm and humid environment, with the optimal growth temperature being 20-25°C. In winter, it should be kept above 5°C to prevent ugly yellow spots and maintain a dry soil state.
Spring and autumn are the suitable periods for the Golden Tiger cactus to grow. Apply fertilizers like cake fertilizer, chicken manure, bone meal, or pigeon droppings moderately. Avoid using chemical fertilizers like urea or potassium sulfate, which can stain the stem. After fertilizing, spray water to prevent damage to the ball. Stop fertilizing during winter, summer, and for newly potted plants.
The Golden Tiger cactus grows quickly and needs to be repotted annually, with the best time being after the dormant period ends and before the vigorous growth period begins. The potting soil should be rich in nutrients and lime, and some of the old roots should be cut off. Although the Golden Tiger cactus is large, it takes many years to grow, with a diameter of 15 cm taking about 10 years and 70-80 cm taking 20-40 years. Proper care must be taken to avoid losses.
7. Nursing
It prefers a warm and humid, shady environment, with the optimal growth temperature being 25-35°C. It is not cold-resistant and can easily become brown and rot at temperatures below 5°C. Do not spray water on the cactus surface and avoid excessive light or shade, as too much light can burn the plant and too much shade can cause it to become pointed and lose its bright color.
Golden Tiger cactus care precautions
1. Likes dryness and dislikes waterlogging: The cactus originates from arid tropical deserts and therefore prefers dryness and dislikes waterlogging. During the growing season, water only when dry and thoroughly, and during the dormant period, water should be restricted.
2. Likes light and dislikes shade: The cactus needs ample sunlight for growth and will not flower if kept in the shade for too long. However, it also dislikes direct sunlight and needs some shading during the hot summer months to prevent burning.
3. Likes sand and dislikes clay: The cactus grows well in well-drained, aerated sandy soil rich in lime and dislikes clay and waterlogging, which can cause poor development and root rot. The potting soil can be mixed with 3 parts loam, 3 parts leaf mold, 3 parts coarse sand, and 1 part wood ash.
4. Likes alkaline and dislikes acidic: The cactus prefers to grow in neutral or slightly alkaline soil, with the optimal pH between 7.0 and 7.5. Acidic soil can cause it to not flower or rot. After long-term cultivation, the potting soil can become compact and acidic. Changing the pot and updating the soil every year can help the cactus grow well without additional fertilization.
The above information answers whether the Golden Tiger cactus is easy to care for and the precautions for outdoor care of the Golden Tiger cactus. I hope it brings some help to your life!