What are the uses of the cactus, this desert hero flower, and is it easy to grow?
“Evergreen through all four seasons, yet hard to bloom; open one hand and the sharp spines have already filled it.” Seeing this riddle, I believe many people have already guessed who our “protagonist” today is. That's right, it is the cactus, of which there are many varieties. Common ones in daily life include segment-shaped, fan-shaped and spherical types; they have peculiar appearances and grow many small spines, like a sturdy coat resisting the arid environment. Cacti do bloom too, but it takes a very long time, and the flowers are mostly yellow. Nowadays potted cacti mostly appear as home balcony plantings and office potted plants; regardless of age or gender, everyone likes to grow them. Cacti can not only decorate the environment but also purify the air. Today let's learn together what the uses of the cactus are? Is it hard to grow?
1. Uses of the cactus
1. Uses of the cactus
(1) Absorbing dust: Compared with soil cultivation, hydroponic cacti are better able to absorb dust from the air. Placing them indoors is not only easy to grow but also invisibly absorbs dust; placing them in the bedroom is very suitable.
(2) Nighttime air purifier: Cacti generally carry out respiration at night, when the temperature is relatively low, so placing them in a room plays a role in purifying the air; the leaves absorb CO2 and release O2, making them ideal indoor potted plants.
(3) High edible and medicinal value: The tender stems of edible cacti are not only sweet and tasty but also very nutritious. Because they are rich in minerals and vitamins, they have a certain effect on lowering blood lipids, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
2. Can cacti really protect against radiation?
Many people's first reaction to cacti is “radiation protection”; we can see that many colleagues in offices always place a pot of cactus or ball cactus beside their computers, so do cacti really protect against radiation?
The so-called “radiation protection” claim is actually a misunderstanding. It can indeed resist strong energy waves, that is, radiation rays, but this is very different from the concept of radiation; there is no basis for the claim that cacti can protect against radiation.
However, placing a cactus beside a computer still has benefits: it can purify the air and inhibit bacteria in the air, which is still good for the human body; at the same time, when your eyes are tired, you can also look at the green plant to relieve fatigue.
2. Are cacti hard to grow?
Cacti can be considered a relatively easy plant to grow, especially suitable for “lazy people.” As long as you master the relevant details, growing a pot of cactus well is not difficult. The main key points are as follows:
1. Soil
Cacti can basically be said to have no requirements for soil; generally clay soil is enough for them to grow well, and you can plant them however is convenient. Of course, hydroponics can also be used, placing part of the root system in water.
2. Water
Cacti are not suitable for too much watering; in spring and autumn, generally about once a week. In summer and winter, if indoor ventilation is poor, it is fine not to water for a long time, so as to avoid too much accumulated water causing rot.
3. Light
As a light-loving plant, cacti still cannot handle intense sunlight, which can damage the lateral buds and top leaves. Therefore, in summer when sunlight is relatively strong, proper shading is needed to avoid sunburn, while in winter when there is little sunlight, keep them in the light.
4. Temperature
Cacti grow better in a warm environment, so in the cold winter it is still necessary to take insulation measures. Usually keep them at indoor temperature, trying to maintain it above 10 degrees Celsius at room temperature.
5. Fertilizing
Potted cacti do not need much fertilizer; specifically it depends on their growth condition. For hydroponics, you can appropriately add some nutrient solution, which is sold in ordinary flower shops.
In summary, cacti have many uses: they can purify the air and also have certain medicinal value, but there is no relevant scientific basis for the radiation protection claim. Still, they are indeed good green plants, easy to grow and easy to care for.