How to cultivate potted fishbone cactus
This article provides an introduction to the cultivation and maintenance methods of potted fishbone cactus. The editor will introduce the following methods.
Fishbone cactus is a very unique ornamental flower, with leaf-like stems resembling fish bones. It is a cactus plant native to Mexico, usually blooming in autumn, and the flowers have a pleasant fragrance.
Above is the white fishbone cactus (Scientific name: Disocactus anguliger)
Above is the purple fishbone cactus (Scientific name: Selenicereus anthonyanus)
Fishbone cactus is an epiphytic cactus plant with smooth leaf-like stems and woody bases at the bottom of the stem, which can continuously produce new branches. It has different varieties, which can produce white and light yellow flowers (blooming at night), with strong sweet fragrance. If pollination is successful, it can even bear fruit, with green flesh and tiny black seeds.
1. Temperature and Light
Fishbone cactus is relatively easy to cultivate and grows rapidly. To grow this plant, a large amount of humus is required, and it is important to water frequently when the weather is warm. During the growing season, apply a thin layer of fertilizer regularly (once every one or two weeks), with a temperature range of 16-25 degrees Celsius being ideal for growth. At night, a temperature drop to 10-15 degrees Celsius is more suitable.
While fishbone cactus enjoys sunlight, it is sensitive to strong sunlight, especially in high temperatures. If the temperature rises above 30 degrees Celsius, shading is necessary, especially during noon and afternoon. Morning and evening soft scattered light is sufficient.
2. Fertilizer
Fishbone cactus is suitable for growing in semi-shaded areas. In cool weather during winter and spring, when sunlight is not intense, gradually increase exposure to sunlight.
How to cultivate potted fishbone cactus
In autumn, when the weather cools down, especially when the temperature drops below 25 degrees Celsius, it is possible to increase sunlight exposure, ensuring that the leaves are not sunburned and gradually returning to normal fertilization. Apply fertilizer once a week, alternating between general-purpose fertilizer and flowering boost fertilizers (such as alternating between "Flower More No. 1" and potassium dihydrogen phosphate sprays). When flower buds form, supplement with high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizers every other week, such as "Flower More No. 2" or potassium dihydrogen phosphate.
3. Soil
Use well-draining sandy soil for potted fishbone cactus, avoiding sticky soil, including yellow soil. Indoor cultivation should also avoid garden soil.
If growing indoors, choose loose and breathable soil, adding some granular soil, such as mixing peat, perlite, and pine bark in a 5:3:2 ratio. You can also use fine coconut bran, coarse coconut shell, and granular soil (such as akadama, diatomaceous earth, or volcanic rock) in a 5:3:2 ratio. Both soil mixture methods can be supplemented with slow-release fertilizers.
4. Watering
Cultivating potted fishbone cactus is easy to manage, but many gardening enthusiasts find it difficult to determine when to water. In hot seasons, slightly increase watering frequency, avoiding letting the potting soil become too dry. Water thoroughly when the surface soil feels dry.
In spring and autumn, when the weather is cool and the temperature is suitable, with adequate sunlight, maintain the potting soil to be moist but not wet. When the soil 3 to 5 centimeters below the surface is dry, water thoroughly.
In winter, when the weather gets cold, it is important to control watering, especially when the highest temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius, maintaining the potting soil slightly dry.
5. Stem Cutting Propagation
If you want to propagate fishbone cactus through stem cuttings, you can choose to do so in spring or autumn, preferably in spring, as it blooms in late autumn and early winter.
Select stems about 12 centimeters long and use pure vermiculite or perlite for propagation. Keep the propagation medium slightly moist, maintain humidity, and maintain a temperature of 18-24 degrees Celsius in a well-ventilated and light environment.
The above shares on how to cultivate potted fishbone cactus and specific introductions to the maintenance methods, for reference by netizens.