How to Grow a Ball Cactus? Detailed Care Methods and Tips
Growing a ball cactus is actually a very complex subject, so let's find the answer to how to care for a ball cactus in the following article!
Seed-grown cacti are indeed very easy to grow; neither watering nor soil needs to be very particular. However, some people buy cacti grown from cuttings, which look fine on the surface but actually have no roots. This mainly applies to the small potted plants bought at the roadside, as well as the small potted plants bought at flower markets.
Although cacti are succulent plants and fairly drought-tolerant, they will not completely die even if not watered for a month. But to keep them growing healthily, they must be watered. Winter: water about once every 20 days or so, and it is best to choose the warmer afternoon hours for watering. If the room is relatively dry, you can spray water on the leaf surface to keep the stem segments emerald green. Once the whole plant enters its dormant period, watering can be stopped.
Spring: as temperatures rise, the frequency of watering can be appropriately increased. The principle of watering is not to water when dry, and to water thoroughly when watering; do not overwater, and do not go without watering for a long time. When the temperature rises to around 20°C, watering once every 7-10 days is generally suitable.
Summer: high temperatures, high evaporation, and vigorous growth make this the season when edible cacti need the most water. Generally, watering is needed once every 3-5 days. When the temperature rises above 30°C, in order to maintain stem segment turgor and enhance ornamental value, it is best to spray water on the cactus stem segments 1-2 times every morning and evening.
Autumn: gradually reduce watering. When watering 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, the water temperature should preferably be close to the room temperature; potted edible cacti in cold northern regions need even more attention to this.
How to Grow Cacti - Watering and Spraying
Terrestrial cacti have distinct growth and dormant periods. They need watering during the growth period, and less or even no watering during the dormant period. For epiphytic types, if the winter temperature is kept above 12°C, they can be watered and sprayed year-round; if the winter temperature is kept below 12°C, watering can be reduced as appropriate and spraying stopped. When watering, follow this principle: "water thoroughly when completely dry, do not water when not dry". The water temperature should be as close as possible to the soil temperature. In summer, water in the early morning (before sunrise) and evening (after sunset); in winter, water from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Also, pour the water directly onto the potting soil, otherwise it will affect the appearance of the spines. In addition, in summer, sprinkle water on the ground to increase air humidity.
How to Grow Cacti - Fertilizing
Follow this principle when fertilizing: timely, appropriate in amount, and suited to the plant. Fertilize in spring and autumn, once every 20 days, and choose a clear morning or evening. If the potting soil is relatively dry, sprinkle a little water on the potting soil before fertilizing. A concentration of 0.05%-0.2% is suitable. Water thoroughly once the next morning for even better results. Terrestrial types require fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus and low in nitrogen, while epiphytic types require more nitrogen fertilizer.
How to Grow Cacti - Light
Terrestrial types prefer plenty of sunlight, especially in winter when full sun exposure is even more important. Generally, tall columnar and flat cacti are more tolerant of strong light and can be placed outdoors in summer without shading; smaller spherical types mostly prefer semi-shade in summer. During the hot summer months of June-August, cover the top growth point and surrounding area of golden barrel cacti with a round plastic film so that all parts of the globe grow evenly. Epiphytic cacti require semi-shade conditions year-round.
How to Grow Cacti - Temperature
The suitable growing temperature for cacti is between 20-35°C. Terrestrial types do not require very high temperatures during winter dormancy; as long as the potting soil is kept dry, maintaining a temperature of 4-7°C is sufficient. Epiphytic types, however, require higher winter temperatures, preferably maintaining 10-13°C or higher. When summer temperatures reach 30-35°C, most cacti slow their growth, and sometimes the stems of certain species turn yellow or get scorched. At this point, shading must be provided and more water sprinkled on the ground to lower the temperature.
How to Grow Cacti - Air
Most cacti and succulents originate from open desert areas with good ventilation and fresh air. Therefore, during the hot midsummer weather, good ventilation and cooling of the growing area should be ensured. Cultivation greenhouses should be located in a well-ventilated environment, with more ventilation openings such as windows and skylights installed, so as to allow ventilation and air exchange during hot weather. If necessary, equipment such as exhaust fans, blowers, or electric fans can be installed to strengthen air circulation in the environment, helping cacti and succulents safely get through the summer.
The above is the complete content I have summarized for you on how to care for ball cacti. I hope this article can help everyone. Please also continue to follow us.
to help cacti and succulents safely get through the summer.The above is the complete content I have summarized for you on how to care for ball cacti. I hope this article can help everyone. Please also continue to follow us.