How to grow Pelecyphora strobiliformis? Master these cultivation methods

SummaryFirst, place the cultivated Pelecyphora strobiliformis seedlings together with their pots into a plastic bag, maintain 100% humidity, and expose them to fluorescent light. Then prepare the potting soil; place one third lightweight pumice at the bottom of the pot. Seedlings can be fertilized by the soaking method. During the growth process, avoid direct strong light and keep them indoors in a well-lit and well-ventilated spot. Water only when the soil is dry, in the evening. When the temperature falls below 5°C, the plant enters dormancy and must not be watered.

I. Introduction to Pelecyphora strobiliformis

1. Pelecyphora strobiliformis is a small species, spherical or cylindrical in shape. Its leaves range from light green or emerald green to dark red, depending mainly on the intensity of sunlight. Older plants of Pelecyphora strobiliformis easily produce side shoots and eventually form multi-headed clusters.

2. Seed-grown Pelecyphora strobiliformis has a tuberous root. On the tips of the club-shaped tubercles of mature plants there are many tiny soft spines. The club-shaped tubercles grow in a spiral arrangement.

3. Pelecyphora strobiliformis generally blooms from spring to autumn. Its flower buds emerge from between the tubercles. The base of the petals is white and the tips are peach-red. Cross-pollination is required. After the seed pods mature, they remain hidden in the stem and only release the seeds when the right time comes.

II. Cultivation methods for Pelecyphora strobiliformis

1. Pelecyphora strobiliformis has a relatively low germination rate and generally is difficult to keep alive. For the seedlings that are cultivated, in the first year they should be placed together with their pots into a plastic bag, keeping the interior at 100% humidity, and simply exposed to fluorescent light.

2. First place one third lightweight pumice at the bottom of the pot, then mix the soil. Use bark, organic matter composted from fish and slaughterhouse waste, crushed lightweight pumice, granite sand, and the remaining lightweight pumice, mixed evenly. Note that a 3mm sieve can be used to sift out overly large gravel, keeping only the 3mm material.

3. Seedlings are generally fertilized by the soaking method, soaking in a relatively dilute solution containing phosphorus and urea. Mature plants can be given Osmocote, watered directly mixed with water, with a fertilizer effect lasting about 9 months.

4. During the growth process, Pelecyphora strobiliformis needs shading under full sun and is not suited to direct strong light, so it should be placed in a well-ventilated sunroom with appropriate shading.

5. Summer is the growing season for Pelecyphora strobiliformis. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry, generally in the evening. Do not overwater, to prevent water accumulating at the bottom of the pot and causing root rot. Seed-grown plants generally have a thick, large tuberous root; the skin of the tuberous root is not hard but rather soft, and becomes even softer during dormancy, so watering must be done sensibly.

6. In winter, if the temperature is below 10°C, water sparingly. If the temperature falls below 5°C, the plant enters dormancy and no watering is needed. Generally, just drip a few drops of water at the edge of the pot at noon on sunny days, about once a month. After about 3 months, when the temperature rises back above 5°C, watering can be resumed appropriately.