A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Methods and Key Techniques for the Chichuasan Cactus
SummaryChoose to grow the Chichuasan cactus in loose, well-aerated soil. During the growing period, water it once every 7 days; the suitable growing temperature is 20-30°C, and it can overwinter safely as long as the winter temperature does not drop below 5°C; the Chichuasan cactus is a full-sun plant, so it should be given plenty of light; during cultivation, apply soybean cake fertilizer once every 15 days; generally, after 1-2 years of cultivation, it should be repotted once, and the repotting time can be chosen in April-May or September.
I. Cultivation Methods for the Chichuasan Cactus
1. Choosing the Soil
Most of the nutrients and water the Chichuasan cactus needs are absorbed from the soil, so the soil used for cultivation must be high-quality nutrient soil, and it must be loose with good aeration.
2. Regular Watering
The Chichuasan cactus is a succulent, so it is relatively drought-tolerant. During cultivation, water it once every 7 days; on rainy days you can skip watering, and when watering, also avoid water accumulating in the pot.
3. Suitable Temperature
(1) The suitable temperature for the growth of the Chichuasan cactus is 20-30°C. When the temperature is high in summer, appropriate shading is needed to prevent the plant from getting sunburned. In winter, as long as the temperature does not drop below 5°C, it can overwinter safely.
(2) When cultivating it in the north, it can be moved to an air-conditioned room to escape the cold during the coldest period.
4. Plenty of Light
The Chichuasan cactus is a full-sun plant, so during cultivation it should be given plenty of light. The cultivation site should preferably be an open courtyard or rooftop; of course, a windowsill can also be used for growing it.
5. Reasonable Fertilization
During the growth period of the Chichuasan cactus, appropriate fertilization should be carried out; during this time, apply soybean cake fertilizer once every 15 days. To avoid acidification of the potting soil, mix 50 grams of quicklime with 2 jin of water, stir it, then remove the sediment and use the liquid to water the Chichuasan cactus.
6. Timely Repotting
The Chichuasan cactus grows relatively quickly, so generally after 1-2 years of cultivation it should be repotted once; the time can be chosen in April-May or September. Do not water it for 3 days before repotting; 3 days after repotting it can be watered, and you must wait 15 days before fertilizing.
II. Introduction to the Chichuasan Cactus
1. The scientific name of the Chichuasan cactus is Shanyin; it belongs to the Cactaceae family as a perennial succulent plant, and it is also a plant that grows in arid deserts, native to Mexico.
2. The Chichuasan cactus raises the height of the plant through buds that grow continuously on the stem; the stem is round or oval, varies in size, and has yellow fuzz, with yellow fine spines growing from the center of each cluster of fuzz.
3. It is suitable for household pot cultivation, mainly for viewing its stem; generally it only blooms when it has grown for many years, with sufficient light and sufficient organic phosphorus fertilizer, and the flowering period of the Chichuasan cactus lasts only 1 day.
4. The climatic conditions in southern China are relatively suitable for the growth of the Chichuasan cactus, and in recent years cultivation in the Northeast region has also gradually increased. The Chichuasan cactus likes to grow in a dry environment; during cultivation, normal watering is sufficient, and it should not be given too much fertilizer.