What are the cultivation methods and precautions for the yellow snow cactus (Parodia)?
Cacti are a type of plant that people relatively like to grow, because they can grow well on their own without much care, but some people still find them very monotonous and difficult to bloom, so is there a cactus species that combines both? The yellow snow cactus (Parodia) we introduce today is a type in the Cactaceae family, its shape is very similar to a cactus ball, but its surface has yellow fuzzy spines, very cute. The yellow snow cactus is easy to cultivate and care for, has a long flowering period, and often blooms small yellow flowers on top of its head. As a potted plant, it is suitable for placement on indoor windowsills, coffee tables and desks, with excellent decorative effect. So let us learn about the cultivation methods and precautions for the yellow snow cactus.
1. Growing environment
The yellow snow cactus likes a warm environment with plenty of sunlight. In spring and autumn, it can be placed in a courtyard where there is often sunlight. Those living in buildings can place it on a windowsill or balcony. In summer, avoid strong sunlight exposure and provide appropriate shading. Normally, the potting soil can be kept slightly dry. The white snow cactus can tolerate a low temperature of 5°C. In winter, it needs to be placed indoors to overwinter. If the room temperature is kept above 5°C, the ball body can safely overwinter.
2. Soil selection
It is actually not difficult to grow a healthy plant. As long as you care for it attentively, it is actually very easy. The care conditions are crucial, and the most basic and most important is to choose soil suitable for the plant's growth. The yellow snow cactus likes nutrient-rich soil, so leaf mold is an excellent choice. This kind of flower soil not only drains well, but is also rich in a large amount of humus, making it more suitable than anything else for cultivating the succulent yellow snow cactus. Besides this kind of flower soil, an appropriate amount of coarse sand plus peat soil is also a very good choice
3. Grafting propagation
The yellow snow cactus ball is generally propagated by the flat grafting method in grafting propagation. The rootstock can be three-ribbed arrow cactus or a healthy and vigorous flat pad cactus. The specific method: first cut off the top of the rootstock, cut the base of the scion horizontally, join the two together, and then tie them with string. After two weeks, remove the string.
4. Fertilizing
When changing the potting soil for the yellow snow cactus ball, apply a small amount of base fertilizer at the bottom of the pot, such as horseshoe slices, soybean cake or sesame paste residue. During the growing period, water once every 15 days with fermented organic fertilizer liquid (a concentration of 20% is suitable). Absolutely do not let the fertilizer concentration be too high. During the growing season, apply a thin organic fertilizer liquid once every half month, and be careful not to splash the fertilizer water onto the ball body and dirty the yellow hairs, which would damage the ornamental effect.
5. Watering
The yellow snow cactus ball requires a dry environment and is afraid of water accumulating in the potting soil. Usually, the potting soil should be kept “dry when it should be dry and wet when it should be wet”; it is better to be a bit drier than too moist. It is best to use water that has been left to stand for watering.
6. Pest and disease control
In a high-temperature environment with poor ventilation, pests and diseases are likely to occur. For diseases, spray carbendazim or thiophanate; for pests, spray dimethoate to kill them. No matter which medicinal liquid is sprayed, it must be done outdoors.