The Growing Environment and Characteristics of Cacti
If you want to understand the growing environment and characteristics of cacti, here is a detailed introduction:
The Growing Environment and Characteristics of Cacti
Cacti are highly drought-resistant and can withstand high temperatures, but this does not mean that they do not need water for growth. Proper watering is necessary for them to thrive. Cacti thrive in sunlight and prefer neutral soil with a pH of 7-7.5 for optimal growth. When cultivating cacti at home, place them on a sunny balcony and make sure to mix sand into the soil.
Morphological Characteristics and Appearance of Cacti
Cacti are a variety of Opuntia ficus-indica in the Cactaceae family. They are shrubby, succulent plants that can grow to a height of 1.5-3 meters. The flower column is pale yellow, and the stigma is yellowish-white. The fruit is an obovate berry with a concave top, smooth surface, and purple-red color, with bristly spines and spines. The seeds are mostly flat and round, with slightly irregular edges, hairless, and light yellow-brown. The flowering period is from June to October (-December).Optimal Growing Environment and Conditions for Cacti
Cacti are native to the eastern coast of Mexico, the southern and southeastern coasts of the United States, the West Indies, the Bermuda Islands, and the northern part of South America. They can also be found in the Canary Islands, India, and the eastern part of Australia. In China, they were introduced during the late Ming Dynasty and are commonly cultivated in coastal areas of southern China. They are believed to be wild in the coastal areas of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. Cacti can withstand drought and high temperatures, but they still require water for growth. They prefer sunlight and dislike acidic soil, with a pH of 7-7.5 being the best for growth. When cultivating them at home, place them on a sunny balcony and make sure to mix sand into the soil. Cacti generally thrive in temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. Below 20°C, their growth slows down, and below 10°C, they basically stop growing. Below 0°C, there is a possibility of freezing. In the peak summer heat above 35°C, cacti grow slowly and enter a semi-dormant state. They will resume growth when the weather cools in autumn. If you want to promote their growth during this period, you should use a shading net to block strong sunlight and achieve cooling. In southern China, cacti can be planted throughout the year, while in northern China, spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons for planting. April to May and October to November are their most vigorous growth periods.The Growth Process of Cacti
Some cacti can grow up to 10 meters tall and weigh around 20,000 to 30,000 pounds, standing majestically. Some cacti with spines have a lifespan of over 500 years and can grow into giant balls with a diameter of 2 to 3 meters. People often cut open the top part and dig out the tender and juicy stem meat to quench their thirst and hunger. Cacti have a special ability to enter a dormant state without food or water during dry seasons, minimizing the consumption of nutrients and water in their bodies. When the rainy season arrives, they "wake up" sensitively, and their roots become active, absorbing a large amount of water to promote rapid growth and flowering. Some cacti have carrot-shaped roots that can store 70 to 80 pounds of water.Planting Time and Methods for Cacti
In the process of caring for cacti and other succulent plants, they can be divided into two types: terrestrial and epiphytic based on their origin and morphology. Terrestrial cacti are native to the arid deserts or semi-deserts of tropical and subtropical America. Their stems are transformed into spherical or cylindrical shapes, and their leaves are transformed into spines. From April to October, which is the rainy season, they are in the water absorption growth period. From October to March of the following year, they enter the water control dormant period. Epiphytic cacti are native to tropical rainforests. Their stems are flat, with fewer spines, and they have no dormant period or it is not obvious. They require semi-shade, warm and humid conditions throughout the year, with high air humidity.Disclaimer: This article, "The Growing Environment and Characteristics of Cacti," was compiled by a flower enthusiast. If there are any inaccuracies in the content, please contact us for modifications. If this content unintentionally infringes upon your rights, please contact QQ: 58589584 for immediate removal.
Knowledge Expansion
What Type of Fertilizer is Best for Cacti?
In the daily care of cacti, you can use fertilizers such as cake fertilizer, animal manure, bone meal, hoof and horn, fish meal, and plant ash. During the seedling stage, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly used, while during the flower bud differentiation and flowering and fruiting stages, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are mainly used. Fertilization for cacti should be stopped by early October, and when fertilizing, be careful not to let the fertilizer splash onto the plant. If it does, it should be promptly salvaged.
Fertilizing Time for Cacti
Cacti enter their vigorous growth period in spring and autumn. Fertilize once every 15 days in spring, for a total of 4-5 times. In autumn, fertilize once a month. In summer, fertilize once every 10 days.
What Type of Fertilizer to Use for Cacti
In the daily care of cacti, you can use fertilizers such as cake fertilizer, animal manure, bone meal, hoof and horn, fish meal, and plant ash. It is important to note that the concentration used should be low and the decomposition should be sufficient. You can also purchase some compound fertilizers.
Fertilizing Methods for Cacti
1. During the vigorous growth season of cacti, fertilization should be timely. The amount of fertilizer should be equivalent to the amount of water used for each watering. The soil should be kept dry before fertilizing. Loosen the soil first, then fertilize. During the seedling stage, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly used, while during the flower bud differentiation and flowering and fruiting stages, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are mainly used.
2. In spring, nitrogen fertilizer should be used for fertilizing cacti, and the concentration should be as low as possible. It is better to fertilize more times than to use concentrated fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the dormant period.
Precautions for Fertilizing Cacti
Fertilization for cacti should be stopped by early October, and when fertilizing, be careful not to let the fertilizer splash onto the plant. If it does, promptly use a spray bottle to water it.
Do Cacti Like Sunlight?
Cacti like sunlight. They are plants that prefer high temperatures and have strong drought resistance. Generally, they require more than 6 hours of sunlight per day during their growth process to ensure normal flowering. Cacti love to bask in the sun and are suitable for direct sunlight. If they do not receive sufficient sunlight during their growth, it can easily lead to delayed flowering or even the inability to flower.
Do Cacti Like Sunlight?
Cacti like sunlight. They are plants that prefer high temperatures and have strong drought resistance. Generally, they require more than 6 hours of sunlight per day during their growth process to ensure normal flowering.
Cacti require sunlight and are not suitable for long-term care in shaded areas. If they do not receive sunlight for several days, it can affect the time of flowering.
Basking in the Sun for Cacti
Cacti love to bask in the sun and are suitable for direct sunlight. If they do not receive sufficient sunlight during their growth, it can easily lead to delayed flowering or even the inability to flower.
Cacti can also bask in the sun during the summer because they have strong heat resistance and generally do not get sunburned. They can grow normally in desert areas, so they usually do not need to be shaded.
Remedial Measures for Sunburned Cacti
After being sunburned, the flowers of cacti will wither, and some branches and leaves will turn yellow. At this time, it is necessary to promptly supplement water for them, water the soil until it is completely moist, prune some bad flowers, and slowly care for a few days to recover.
Should Cacti Be Grown in Deep or Shallow Pots?
The roots of cacti are relatively developed, so it is recommended to use deeper pots such as ceramic pots, earthenware pots, and purple sand pots. The flower pot should preferably be white or red because cacti are green, and this combination looks very nice. The size of the flower pot should have a diameter of about 40 cm and a height of about 45 cm. If the pot is too shallow, it can affect the growth of the roots. Choosing a ceramic pot to plant cacti has another significant advantage, which is good air permeability, which is also beneficial for the growth of cacti.
Deep or Shallow Pots for Cacti
The roots of cacti are relatively developed, so it is recommended to use deeper pots for cultivation. If the pot is too shallow, it can affect the growth of the roots, limiting the growth of the cacti.
Should Cacti Be Grown in Large or Small Pots?
The size of the pot for cacti should be selected according to the size of the cactus. Try to choose a pot that is slightly larger than the plant. Their roots need sufficient growing space.
If the pot is too small, it can affect the growth of the roots. As the cactus grows, you can gradually change to a larger pot.
What Depth of Pot Should Be Used for Planting Cacti?
Cacti have developed roots and can be planted in deep pots. The pot specifications should have a diameter of 30cm-50cm and a depth of 35cm-55cm.
What Type of Pot Looks Good with Cacti?
Using ceramic pots to plant cacti is more suitable. Since cacti are green, pairing them with white or red ceramic pots will look very cute. Choosing a ceramic pot also has another significant advantage, which is good air permeability, which is also beneficial for the growth of cacti.
Repotting Cacti
Repotting Time: The best time to repot cacti is in early spring, after the dormancy period of the plant and before entering the growing period.
Repotting Interval: The repotting interval for cacti depends on the growth and development needs of the plant. Usually, if there are pests, root rot, or excessive fertilizer in the potting soil, it should be repotted promptly. If the pot is not repotted for a long time and the soil surface is covered with moss, becomes hard and compacted, and has poor air permeability, it should be repotted.
Deep or Shallow Planting for Cacti?
Deep planting is better for cacti because they have developed roots. Deep planting is beneficial for them to take root and make the overall growth of the cacti better and more aesthetically pleasing.
What Type of Pot Should Be Used for Repotting Cacti?
When repotting cacti, it is best to use pots with good drainage and air permeability, such as earthenware pots, clay pots, and purple sand pots. These pots have excellent drainage.
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The comprehensive knowledge shared above about the growing environment and characteristics of cacti aims to help you.