Planting and Management of Cactus Flower
The following is an in-depth introduction for netizens about the planting and management of potted cactus flowers, along with tips on the cultivation of cactus flowers. Let's share the detailed content next.
Cactus flowers, also known as red peacocks, cactus arrows, and lotus cactus, belong to the cactus family and the cactus flower genus. They are a type of perennial ornamental succulent herbaceous plant. The main stem is cylindrical, with flat branches resembling arrows, and the flowers resemble lotus flowers, which are extremely beautiful, hence the name "cactus flower." They have high ornamental value. For home cultivation, you can use clay, ceramic, porcelain, or plastic pots with a diameter of 16 to 28 cm. The pots can be placed on a sunny balcony or in a room or bedroom for display.
Cactus flowers prefer rich, loose, fertile, and well-draining slightly acidic sandy soil. For home cultivation, you can use a mixture of 4 parts garden soil, 3 parts decomposed leaf soil, and 2 parts sand, or 4 parts peat soil, 2 parts decomposed leaf soil, 3 parts sand, and 1 part perlite. The prepared soil should be sterilized and disinfected at high temperatures before use.
Cactus flowers enjoy fertilizer but require frequent application of thin fertilizer. After new stems grow in spring, top-dress with decomposed liquid fertilizer diluted 10 times or 1000 times of the universal flower fertilizer once a month. Stop applying liquid fertilizer during the budding stage and apply 1000 times of potassium bicarbonate solution once. After the flowers fade, apply liquid fertilizer or 1000 times of universal flower fertilizer once a month. Stop fertilizing when the temperature is high in summer, and also stop fertilizing when the temperature drops in autumn and winter.
Cactus flowers prefer moist soil, dislike dampness, and are somewhat drought-tolerant. In late autumn, winter, and early spring when the temperature is low, cactus flowers are in a semi-dormant state, and the soil in the pot should be kept slightly dry. As the temperature rises in spring and growth resumes, gradually increase the watering amount to keep the soil moist. Watering should alternate between dry and wet to prevent root rot. Since cactus flowers require higher humidity, it is also necessary to sprinkle water around the pot frequently to increase the humidity in the air. In summer, when the temperature is high, the soil in the pot should be kept moist. Excessive watering can cause the stems to rot. At the same time, sprinkle water around the pot daily to increase the humidity. Indoor cultivation should also strengthen ventilation management. In autumn, watering is similar to spring, and as the temperature drops in late autumn, gradually reduce the watering amount to keep the soil in the pot slightly dry. Below, the editor will introduce the management methods for cactus flowers in different seasons:
I. Spring Management;
Young cactus plants should be repotted every year, while mature plants should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. This can be done when the temperature stabilizes above 10°C in spring or in September to October in autumn. Stop watering in advance, let the soil dry out, and gently remove the pot to avoid breaking the plant. Cut off the dead and broken roots, let them dry in the sun for 1 to 2 days, and then plant them after the wounds have dried. After planting, place the pot in a semi-shaded area to grow. Two to three days later, water slightly, keeping the soil slightly dry. After the plant has survived, gradually increase the watering amount to keep the soil moist and fertilize promptly.
In spring, potted cactus flowers should be placed in a well-lit area for cultivation. When the outdoor temperature stabilizes above 15°C, the pot can be placed on a sunny balcony or windowsill. Provide ample water during the growing season, but avoid overly damp soil. Water should alternate between dry and wet. In late spring, when the temperature is high,遮去中午前后的强光照, or move the pot to a brightly lit indoor area for cultivation.
Planting and Management of Potted Cactus Flowers
II. Summer Management;
In summer, when the temperature is hot, the pot should be placed in a semi-shaded area or in a brightly lit room or on a balcony to avoid yellowing and withering of the flat stems. The soil in the pot should be kept moist, and water should be sprayed around the pot several times a day to increase the humidity in the air.
When the temperature exceeds 35°C, cactus flowers grow poorly and the plants are in a state of growth arrest. At this time, stop top-dressing and water when the soil is dry and slightly wet to prevent stem base rot. In late summer, when the temperature is cool, you can resume top-dressing and gradually increase sunlight.
III. Autumn Management;
Autumn is another growing season for cactus flowers. The pot should be placed in a well-lit area for cultivation, and water and fertilizer supply should be strengthened. As the weather cools, gradually reduce the watering amount and stop fertilizing. The soil in the pot should be kept slightly dry. When the temperature drops to around 10°C, move the potted plant to a sunny enclosed balcony or room for cultivation.
IV. Winter Management;
Cactus flowers are not cold-tolerant. The indoor temperature in winter should be kept above 8°C. Place the plant in a sunny windowsill or enclosed balcony. The plant is in a semi-dormant state at this time, so water should be controlled, and the soil in the pot should be kept slightly dry. When the temperature is high at noon, sprinkle water around the pot several times to meet the humidity requirements of cactus flowers.
This article shares the complete introduction to the planting and management of potted cactus flowers and the cultivation tips, for everyone to learn and understand!