Cactus, a unique plant that is loved by plant lovers for its drought-tolerant and varied morphology. They are like green elves coming from the desert, bringing a touch of style to our interior spaces. However, it is not an easy task to get a cactus to thrive at home. Next, let's take a look at the maintenance of cactus.
1. Light requirements
Cacti are typical light-loving plants, and they need plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis. When maintaining it at home, it should be placed in a well-lit location, such as a balcony, window sill, etc. However, please note that strong direct sunlight in summer can burn cacti, so it can be properly shaded during the middle of the summer period.
2. Watering strategy
Cacti are known for their strong drought tolerance, but that doesn't mean they don't need water. In fact, proper watering is the key to the healthy growth of cacti. Before watering, you can tell if a cactus needs water by touching its fleshy parts: if it feels soft, it's time to hydrate it. When watering, make sure the soil is adequately moist but avoid standing water. In addition, winter is the dormant period for cacti, so the frequency of watering should be reduced at this time.
3. Soil selection
Cacti prefer well-drained and well-breathable soils. Therefore, when choosing soil, you can consider adding perlite, vermiculite and other breathable materials to improve the aeration of the soil. At the same time, avoid using soil that is too fertile, so as not to cause the cactus to overgrow and lose its unique morphology.
4. Temperature and humidity
Cacti are native to tropical and ** zone regions and have certain temperature requirements. When maintaining at home, you should try to keep the indoor temperature stable and avoid excessive temperature changes. In addition, although cacti are drought tolerant, they do not prefer excessively dry environments. Therefore, in the season when the air is dry, you can increase the indoor humidity appropriately, such as using a humidifier or placing a basin of water around the cactus.
5. Pest control
Although cacti are highly resistant to stress, they can still be attacked by pests and diseases. Common diseases include rot, rust, etc., while common insect pests include scale insects, red spiders, etc. Once signs of pests and diseases are found, measures should be taken in time to prevent and control them, such as spraying pesticides and removing diseased leaves. At the same time, keeping the cactus growing environment clean and hygienic is also an effective way to prevent pests and diseases.
6. Fertilization and pruning
Cacti need the right amount of nutrients during their growth. During the growing period, a thin fertilizer can be applied to it at regular intervals to meet its growth needs. In addition, regular pruning of the cactus is also an important step in maintaining its beautiful shape. When pruning, excessively long shoots and excess side buds can be removed, giving the cactus a compact and unique appearance.
In conclusion, although cacti have unique growth habits and strong vitality, it still requires a certain amount of effort and patience for them to thrive and bloom in their homes. By mastering the above conservation techniques and putting them into practice, you will be able to successfully introduce these desert stars into your home and bring them to their most beautiful glory.