How to grow Schlumbergera truncata? Cultivation methods and precautions
The flowers are like elves in the plant kingdom, with rich and varied colors, beautiful and elegant. Orchids are one of the more popular flowers. Today, the editor will introduce Schlumbergera truncata, and see how it should be grown at home.
Cultivation methods for Schlumbergera truncata
1. Schlumbergera truncata usually blooms downward, but cultivated Schlumbergera truncata blooms upward, making it appear even more "pretty" and "cool." First choose a green plastic wastepaper basket about 22-30 cm high (other basket-shaped items such as root carvings, as well as basket-shaped objects woven from bamboo, rattan, or packaging bags, can all be used) for later use. Then choose a shallow flower pot (other substitutes such as those made from coconut shells or gourds, plastic flower pots, and flower pots made by cutting off the bottom of a salad oil bucket can all be used). The diameter of the flower pot should be based on the bottom of the basket.
2. As long as the flower pot can fit properly into the basket. The height of the flower pot depends on the height of the basket. The basket opening should be 13-14 cm higher than the pot opening (for plants only 2 years old) or 16-17 cm (for plants older than 2 years). Coconut coir or Clivia soil is better for the potting soil. Plant 4-6 plants per pot, arranged in a circle along the edge of the pot. Cultivate according to usual practices.
3. From July to August, apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate fertilizer. At this time, carry out heavy pruning on Schlumbergera truncata - cut uniformly at the joints between two segments into lengths of 13-14 cm or 16-17 cm (that is, the same length as the basket opening). In early August, when buds appear, thin the buds. If what appears is a bright red but fan-shaped bud, it is definitely a leaf bud and should be picked off immediately. Flower buds are darker in color and round. Leave only one flower bud at the top of each leaf segment and remove the rest.
4. The flower buds should be uniform in size, and small buds should not be kept. This is because Schlumbergera truncata looks good only when dozens or even hundreds of flowers bloom in a concentrated mass at one time, and it is most undesirable for large and small buds to open intermittently without forming a grand display. After pruning, place the flower pot into the basket and grow it in shade, and then you can enjoy the flowers in the near future.
Precautions for growing Schlumbergera truncata
1. Reasonable fertilization. Although Schlumbergera truncata likes fertilizer, attention should be paid to a reasonable combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Usually apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Especially when flower buds have already formed and there are many of them, the amount of fertilizer should be continuously increased to prevent bud drop caused by unbalanced fertilization or fertilizer deficiency.
2. Reasonable watering. After the flower buds of Schlumbergera truncata have formed, do not water heavily. The amount of watering should be controlled at about 80% of the usual amount, and only after the buds open should the amount of water be increased. Otherwise, excessive moisture during the bud stage will not only cause bud drop, but also cause root rot and even cause stem segments to fall off.
3. Reasonable light. Apart from being afraid of sunburn in summer and needing to be kept under a shade shed, Schlumbergera truncata should receive as much sunlight as possible in spring and autumn. In winter, sufficient sunlight must be maintained to ensure the accumulation of nutrients in the plant itself. If the above conditions cannot be met, it can also cause bud drop.
Suitable temperature. The most suitable temperature for Schlumbergera truncata is 15°C-25°C. If it exceeds 28°C in summer, the plant enters a dormant or semi-dormant state. In winter, the indoor temperature should preferably be 15°C-18°C. If the temperature is lower than 15°C, there is a possibility of bud drop.
Schlumbergera truncata is not easy to grow. It needs people's careful care and is also affected by the environment, so when growing Schlumbergera truncata, you must follow its cultivation methods. If abnormal conditions appear, ask experts as soon as possible and solve them, so as to avoid its decline. Also, the precautions for growing Schlumbergera truncata must be kept firmly in mind. A slight negligence may cause it to fail to bloom or to drop buds. Schlumbergera truncata is also a great decorative orchid, and many people use it for holiday decorations, so it is usually controlled by people to bloom in October.
The above is an introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions for Schlumbergera truncata. Plant flowers are also life in nature and constitute the organic living things that make our world exist. Everyone should treat plant cultivation with a responsible and patient attitude.