Methods and Precautions for Cultivating Echinocactus in Pots
Do you know these? Let's take a detailed look at the topic of caring for Echinocactus and the precautions for growing them in pots.
Methods and Precautions for Cultivating Echinocactus in Pots
Echinocactus is a type of cactus that is easy to care for. Just pay attention to issues of low temperature and soil waterlogging. Basically, it can be maintained in very good health. For friends who grow Echinocactus indoors, it's important to focus on fertilizing and watering. Always remember to fertilize and water when the weather is clear and the ventilation is good outdoors.
First, Soil Preparation and Planting
Echinocactus prefers neutral soil, as slightly acidic soil can become moist during the plum rain season, easily leading to root rot or rotting at the base of the succulent stem where it connects to the soil.
Neutral soil can reduce such occurrences. It is recommended to use earthenware pots for planting Echinocactus to increase breathability and water permeability.
The planting material for Echinocactus can be a sandy soil mixed with 1/3珍珠岩 and 1/3 decomposed organic matter. To adjust the soil to a neutral pH, you can add some bone meal, mix well, and let it sit for about a month before planting.
When planting, it should not be too deep, as the root system is not well-developed and requires good breathing. Shallow planting is sufficient, and then use bricks to support the Echinocactus initially, which can be removed after it takes root.
Second, Care Environment
Echinocactus is a plant that adapts well to various environments, capable of thriving in both well-lit and bright areas.
It is not afraid of direct sunlight and has good shade tolerance. The only drawback is that when temperatures drop to zero, it needs to be protected from the cold and brought indoors for the winter.
When Echinocactus is kept in a well-lit position, it is important to supplement water during the summer. Even in places like Xiamen where temperatures often exceed 38 degrees Celsius, as long as water is supplemented, there is no need for shading. Try to maintain good ventilation in the care area.
Friends who grow Echinocactus indoors should also pay attention to watering. However, it is recommended to keep the soil dry for long periods. Watering outdoors once a month in sunny weather, and placing Echinocactus in a well-ventilated area to thoroughly water it.
Other times, you can use a spray to moisten the main stem for watering. This means that Echinocactus only needs to be watered about 15 times a year.
Third, Fertilizing Echinocactus
Echinocactus is very drought and贫瘠-tolerant and does not require frequent fertilizing.
For Echinocactus grown outdoors, it is recommended to water a little "organic fertilizer" every month during spring and autumn. Use ripe rice water diluted 1:3 with water and apply it to the soil during the watering period.
For Echinocactus grown indoors, you can move it outdoors during spring and autumn, let it adapt for about a week, and then fertilize. After fertilizing, wait 15 days before placing it back in a position with scattered light indoors.
Fourth, Pruning
The beauty of Echinocactus lies in its columnar succulent stems that grow like uneven mountain ranges.
In its natural growth, the succulent stems often press against each other and deform, so it is necessary to prune the columnar stems regularly.
You can refer to the pruning methods of landscape bonsai to make the succulent stems together have some hidden and exposed, some虚 and some实, some far and some near, some high and some low.
The above green plant flowering experiences about the methods and precautions for cultivating Echinocactus in pots may bring you some help in life!