How to Grow Cacti? Keep This Summary of Care Essentials
Cacti have the function of reducing air pollution and purifying the air: the stomata on their fleshy stems close during the day and open at night, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which increases the concentration of negative ions in indoor air. So how do you grow cacti? Let's take a look below at an introduction to how to grow cacti; I hope it will be helpful to plant owners!
1. Plenty of sunlight: Cacti like a sunny environment, but scorching sun will slow their growth rate. Of course, a cactus ball will not be sunburned to death; if you want the cactus ball to grow a bit faster, it is best to find it some shade when the sun is too hot.
2. Do not overwater: The vast majority of cacti originate from the hot, arid desert wilderness areas of South and North America. Cactus roots have a very strong ability to absorb water, so if you water too much, the roots will rot. Some large cactus balls will not dry out and die even if they are not watered for one or two years.
3. Sand or soil: Cacti like sandy ground, so it is best to prepare some sand. However, water in sand evaporates very quickly. To help the cactus ball grow better, you can put a layer of soil under the sand, which can retain water to a certain extent so you do not have to water every day.
4. Fertilizing is mainly based on phosphorus fertilizer. Do not fertilize too much at one time, otherwise the concentration of the soil solution will be greater than the concentration of the cactus root cells, water will flow outward, and the cactus ball will become dehydrated.
5. Avoid being rained on: Cacti are not afraid of a lack of water, but they are afraid of too much water. Too much water can cause root cells to die from lack of oxygen, so be careful not to let cacti be rained on during rainy days.
6. Temperature: The optimal growing temperature for most cacti is 20-35°C. The vast majority of species like a relatively large day-night temperature difference. Under conditions of within 35°C during the day and around 15°C at night, it is favorable for the production and accumulation of organic matter, thereby promoting vigorous growth of the plant.
Seed-grown cacti are indeed very easy to grow; neither watering nor soil requires much fuss. However, some people buy cacti that are cuttings. They look fine on the surface, but in fact they have no roots. This mainly applies to small potted plants bought on the roadside, as well as small potted plants bought at flower markets.
Although cacti are succulent plants and relatively drought-tolerant, and will not completely die even if not watered for a month, they must be watered to grow healthily. Winter: water about once every 20 days or so, and it is best to choose the warmer afternoon for watering. If the room is relatively dry, you can spray water on the leaf surface to keep the stem segments emerald green. After the whole plant enters dormancy, it can go without watering.
Summer: The temperature is high, evaporation is large, and growth is vigorous. This is the season when edible cacti have the greatest water demand. Generally, they need to be watered once every 3-5 days. When the temperature rises above 30°C, in order to maintain stem segment turgor and increase ornamental value, it is best to spray water on the cactus stem segments 1-2 times every morning and evening.
Autumn: Gradually reduce watering. For potted plants, also pay attention to water temperature and water quality. The water should be neutral or slightly acidic in pH. If using tap water, it is best to let it sit for two days before use. In addition, when watering, the water temperature should preferably be close to the indoor temperature. In cold northern regions, extra attention should be paid when growing edible cacti in pots.
