TheNaturePlanet

Cacti, with their characteristics of being drought-tolerant and able to grow in barren soil, have become the favorites of many plant lovers. However, in the process of cultivating cacti, many beginners often fall into misunderstandings due to misunderstanding their growth habits. This article will analyze several common misunderstandings in cactus cultivation and provide correct maintenance methods to help your cacti grow healthily.
Common misunderstandings in cactus cultivation
Misunderstanding 1: Cacti don't need watering.
Although cacti are drought-tolerant, it doesn't mean they don't need water. Long-term lack of water will lead to slow growth of cacti and even withering and death. Especially during the vigorous growth period, sufficient water is the key to their healthy growth.
Correct approach: Adjust the watering frequency according to seasons and climatic conditions. Spring and autumn are the vigorous growth seasons of cacti. Water once every 2-3 weeks to keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. In summer when the temperature is high, the watering frequency can be appropriately increased, but avoid watering when the sun is directly shining at noon. In winter, watering should be reduced to keep the soil in a slightly dry state to prevent frost damage.
Misunderstanding 2: The more light, the better.
Although cacti need sufficient light for photosynthesis, too strong direct sunlight can cause damage to them, especially the scorching sun at noon in summer.
Correct approach: Place the cacti in a bright and well-ventilated place for maintenance. In spring and autumn, they can receive full sunlight. In summer, appropriate shading is needed to avoid direct sunlight at noon. In winter, due to the short daylight hours and weak intensity, cacti should be exposed to the sun as much as possible to promote their growth and flowering.
Soil selection and potting change skills for cacti
Cacti like a soil environment that is loose, breathable, and has good drainage. It is recommended to use a mixture of leaf mold, coarse sand or perlite in a certain proportion, which not only ensures the fertility of the soil but also avoids waterlogging problems.
Potting change is usually carried out in spring or autumn. At this time, cacti are in a vigorous growth period and are easy to recover after potting change. Gently tap the pot wall to loosen the soil and take the cactus out of the original pot. Check the root condition, cut off the rotten and aging roots, and rinse them with clean water.
Lay a layer of ceramsite or broken tiles at the bottom of the new pot to increase drainage, and then fill in an appropriate amount of prepared soil. Put the cactus into the pot, fill the surrounding gaps with soil and gently compact it. Finally, water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Fertilization skills and precautions for cacti
Cacti don't have high requirements for fertilizers, but proper fertilization during the vigorous growth period is helpful for their healthy growth and flowering. It is recommended to use diluted compound fertilizers or special fertilizers for cacti and apply them once every 2-3 months.
Precautions
Avoid fertilizing in winter or in hot summer to prevent burning the roots.
Water in time after fertilization to promote the absorption and utilization of fertilizers.
The amount of fertilization should not be too much to avoid fertilizer damage.
The secret of cactus flowering and ornamental value
Flowering secret
Adequate light: Ensure that cacti receive enough light time.
Reasonable watering: Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Appropriate fertilization: Apply proper amount of fertilizer during the vigorous growth period.
Appropriate temperature: Maintain an appropriate growth temperature to avoid the influence of too high or too low temperature on flowering.
Be patient and wait: Cactus flowering requires time and patience. Some varieties even need several years to flower.
Mastering the correct maintenance methods of cacti and avoiding common cultivation misunderstandings can make your cacti grow healthily. May every plant lover become an expert in cactus cultivation and enjoy the fun of living with these little green lives.