What does it actually mean when a cactus blooms?
The cactus is a very easy plant to grow. Its native habitat is mostly desert regions, and it likes hot, dry climates. It is naturally robust, and even someone who has never grown a plant before can easily keep a cactus alive. Such an indomitable and tenacious cactus carries many meanings once it blooms. Let us take a look together below at what it means when a cactus blooms!
What does it mean when a cactus blooms?
The blooming of a cactus has a very good meaning: it represents the tenacity of life, the good fortune of life, and also good luck and wishes come true. The meaning of a cactus blooming differs from place to place. Some people say a cactus blooming represents forgiveness for mistakes, probably because the chance of a cactus blooming is very small and the blooming time is very brief. It is precisely because the cactus flower lasts such a short time that people cherish the period when the cactus blooms even more.
When does a cactus bloom?
A cactus generally blooms around May, and how long the bloom lasts varies by variety. Some, such as the Easter lily cactus, may last only a few hours to one day, while some, such as the Echinocactus and Echinopsis, can stay open for about two or three days. In general, to see a cactus bloom you need to grow it for at least 3 to 4 years and the ball diameter must reach at least 3 to 4 cm. However, how easy it is to bloom varies by cactus variety. Generally, those in the genus Gymnocalycium are easier to bloom, such as Echinopsis, while the golden barrel cactus is very hard to see bloom; it is said you have to wait ten or twenty years for it to bloom.
How can a cactus be made to bloom?
1. Soil: The soil for planting a cactus is best kept somewhat loose and also nutrient-rich. You can buy some nutrient soil specially for growing cacti, which helps the plant absorb water and air and can also prompt it to bloom sooner.
2. Light: The cactus likes ample sunlight and ultraviolet light. In seasons with little rain, try to place it outdoors, so it can get better light and ventilation conditions. This is very helpful for the plant's vigorous growth and can also prompt it to bloom sooner.
3. Temperature: The optimal growing temperature for a cactus is 20 to 30°C, and it is best if the temperature difference between day and night is somewhat large, as this benefits its growth. Note that in summer you should not let it stay in a hot, stuffy environment all the time, and in winter the temperature should not be lower than 5°C.
4. Water: From April to June, water the cactus once every 1 to 2 days. In July and August, when the temperature exceeds 38°C, ventilation should be strengthened and watering should be controlled. In winter, if the room temperature is above 15°C, water normally; if the room temperature is 5 to 10°C, water once every half month; if it is below 5°C, do not water.
5. Fertilizing: Proper fertilizing during the cactus's growing season can promote blooming. Do not fertilize when the temperature is above 32°C or below 20°C. Fertilizers should be chosen from things like chicken manure, bone meal and cake fertilizer, fully decomposed, diluted with water and then poured into the pot.