How to Grow Night-Blooming Cereus? Detailed Explanation of Planting Methods and Technical Key Points
Night-blooming cereus is a type of specialty vegetable, also known as sword flower, and some people call it dragon bone flower. It is a plant in the Cactaceae family, suitable for growing in tropical and subtropical climates. The main producing areas of night-blooming cereus in China are Guangdong and Guangxi. Night-blooming cereus has a unique taste, with the effects of clearing heat and relieving cough, and strengthening the body, while also having high ornamental value. So how is this special vegetable grown? Below, the editor will introduce the cultivation methods of night-blooming cereus to everyone.
1. Soil and Fertilizer Preparation
Night-blooming cereus has strong adaptability to the environment and does not have strict requirements for soil. However, in order to improve the economic benefits and yield of night-blooming cereus, the planting site is generally chosen in yellow loam or sandy loam with convenient drainage and irrigation, fertile soil, loose soil texture, sufficient sunlight, climbing supports, and convenient transportation. Land preparation for planting night-blooming cereus is also very simple. There is no need for full reclamation or deep plowing. It is only necessary to dig planting holes at a row spacing of 2.5 m and a plant spacing of 2 m, and loosen the surrounding soil. Finally, pour compost or decomposed manure into the planting holes and cover with a layer of fine soil about 3 cm thick.
2. Cutting Propagation
Night-blooming cereus is a plant that reproduces asexually. When we grow night-blooming cereus, we generally use the cutting propagation method. Because night-blooming cereus in many areas is now gradually on the verge of extinction, the seedlings are very expensive, so extra care is needed during cutting to increase the survival rate as much as possible and reduce losses. Cutting is best done in spring and autumn each year. When cutting, it is best to insert about 10 cm into the soil, water it, and maintain field moisture. At the same time, an appropriate amount of fertilizer is also needed to promote root growth.
3. Field Management
After cutting, it can survive in about half a month, so we need to check the survival status of the seedlings in the field and replant in time. About one week after planting and survival, we need to apply an appropriate amount of farmyard manure, ternary compound fertilizer, etc., and water the soil thoroughly to keep the soil moist. At the same time, drainage should be carried out in time during the rainy season. Field moisture should not be too much, especially standing water, which can cause root rot and plant death. In the first year after planting, night-blooming cereus does not bloom much, and the flowers and fruits are also relatively small, so no topdressing is needed. However, starting from the second year, topdressing is needed at least 4 to 5 times each year, mainly with ternary compound fertilizer, applied by broadcasting. After broadcasting, soil should be covered to prevent loss of fertility.
4. Trellising and Pruning
When night-blooming cereus grows to about 1 m, in order to avoid lodging and the main stem being unable to bear too much weight, a support frame needs to be built in time to support the growth of the night-blooming cereus branches, which can also help avoid damage from pests and diseases. In addition, branches and leaves should be pruned reasonably. When the seedlings grow to about 1 m, remove the terminal buds to promote the growth of side branches. Next, cut off old branches, diseased branches, and weak branches to concentrate nutrient supply for the growth of terminal buds, improving the yield and quality of night-blooming cereus.
The above are the cultivation methods of night-blooming cereus. In fact, this is only a relatively simple one among the cultivation techniques for night-blooming cereus. There are also some more refined cultivation techniques, which the editor will continue to update in more detail later. If everyone is interested, you can continue to follow us.