How to properly care for a cactus. How to care for a cactus: secrets of growing at home. How does a flower reproduce?

Whatever the methods of growing succulents, they are all based on the biological characteristics of the plants.

Cacti have a pronounced periodicity of cycles and slow growth. Therefore, to grow it you need patience and attention.

Temperature and location

Despite the fact that the cactus has an unusual appearance, it is not recommended to place it based on the design decision. The plant requires a lot of light. It is advisable to place the flower on sunny windowsills facing south or east, closer to the glass. In spring and summer, the cactus can be taken outside or onto the balcony. However, shade for the first couple of weeks until the tender stem of the plant gets used to ultraviolet radiation. It is important to ensure that dust and dirt do not settle in the thorns.

And if the pet has a smooth stem, then it is not advisable to leave it in direct sunlight; it is better to place it in partial shade. There is a misconception that cacti love heat. It all depends on the species, season and climatic conditions. Temperatures of +35°C and above will cause growth arrest. Ideal parameters in summer are +26-28°C, in winter +6-15°C.

Cacti calmly respond to sudden temperature changes, so they are advised to stay in the fresh air during the warm season. We talked in more detail about placing a cactus in an apartment in.

Spraying

Is it necessary to spray the plant and how to do it?

• Cacti should be sprayed only in hot weather and in the evening.
• It is preferable to choose a fine spray, the drops should be in the form of a mist.
• The cactus can be washed with a warm shower, removing dust and making the spines clean.
• Perform water procedures every 2 weeks.
• Can I spray with tap water? It is advisable to use clean, filtered water.

Top dressing

How should I water?

There is an opinion that if the conditions of the natural habitat of cacti are desert conditions, then at home it can also not be watered for months. But this is absolutely not true. If the plant does not die from drought, it will definitely endure the deepest stress. Cacti should be watered regularly in spring and autumn. when they grow. And this should be done as the soil dries. The exceptions are moments of sleep in the heat or winter. In the first case, you can spray moisture from a spray bottle over the flower to increase humidity and cool the plant a little.

In summer, on rainy days, you don’t need to moisten it; it will receive enough liquid from the atmosphere. For watering at home, use exclusively soft, salt-free water. And be sure to pay attention to the temperature; ideally it should be +30-40°C. When moisturizing succulents, it is better to add less water than for it to stagnate in the pan. We wrote in more detail about how and when to water this plant correctly.

Photo

Wintering

The life cycle of cacti is divided into two main periods: growing season and stagnation. The transition from one state to another occurs under the influence of ambient temperatures. For flowering and full development, the cactus needs winter sleep. which starts in October and lasts until March. During the cold season, it is worth keeping the plant in a house greenhouse, or building a mini-greenhouse on the balcony. The temperature should be +6-12°C. Of course, the plant will die from frost. Also, there should not be a lot of sunlight; you need to choose a dark place.

During wintering, metabolic processes are minimized. Therefore, the cactus does not need to be watered or fed at all. The succulent should be awakened in mid-March by sprinkling it with a little water. At first, once every 3-4 days is enough, and when the flower gets used to it, every day. Also, gradually the plant needs to be accustomed to light, and the duration of exposure to the sun should be increased every day.

Features of the conditions of keeping a small plant

The principles for growing young flowers are not very different from the rules for adult plants. It also needs bright lighting, special soil, and a small pot. Watering should be done about once a week. But the small cactus does not yet have enough juice to survive 5 months in the absence of water. Therefore, you need to moisturize a little every week. Or don’t send it for the winter at all, but leave it at room temperature, where it will slowly grow. The young plant is replanted every year.

On a note. If a cactus shrinks at a temperature of +10°C, it must be taken to a warm room and watered.

How should you care at home after purchase?

After purchasing a cactus in a store, it should be replanted. After all, the soil in which it is located mainly consists of peat, which is not suitable for home cultivation. After transplantation, do not water for some time, and do not feed for 3-4 months.

Features of growing in open ground

Garden cacti grow well in any soil, but prefer sandy loam and sandy soils. Drainage is never a bad idea; it is usually made from broken bricks and ash. Most types of cacti respond positively to slightly acidic or neutral soils. When growing succulents in open ground, fertilizers are completely excluded. Since they promote rapid growth, to the detriment of flowering, and also reduce the winter hardiness of the plant.

Watering is important only for rooted, young shoots. Adults have enough precipitation. Wintering is the most difficult time in the process of growing cacti in the garden. The more snow falls and the fewer thaws, the better the flowers will overwinter. As a rule, the appearance of a garden cactus is completely restored within a season, but there will be no flowering. As protection from precipitation, the plant is covered with a kind of greenhouse, on top of which there is a film or glass, and on the sides there is a brick stand. Also, for the winter, the cactus is covered with dry branches.

What don't they like?

I would like to note some points that cacti do not like in order to exclude them. And the acquired plant quickly adapted to new conditions.

1. Succulents do not tolerate drafts, so cracks in windows should be sealed.
2. Flowers do not like to be moved from place to place. They should always be turned to the light with one side.
3. Big pots.
4. There is stagnation of air, so it is worth ventilating the room daily.
5. Acidic substrate.
6. Fertilizers during the growing season.
7. Cacti do not like heat or cold.
8. You cannot feed plants immediately after transplanting.
9. Does not tolerate stagnation of liquid in the pot.

Briefly about diseases

Diseases in cacti can be practically asymptomatic, and only when the flower deteriorates severely does the question arise as to what was the cause. First of all, this is due to improper care of the plant. Also succulent diseases can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria.

The main diseases affecting cactus:

As for pests, spider mites and mealybugs cause the most trouble for indoor cacti. They are combated using acaricides and fungicides, respectively.

It turns out that even unpretentious and hardy plants require a rational approach. Uncomfortable maintenance conditions and improper care lead to the fact that the plant weakens and the immune system is unable to cope with the infection. And unfortunately, the flower dies. Therefore, to prevent this from happening Before purchasing a cactus, read the basic maintenance rules.

Video on the topic

More information about caring for cacti at home is described in this video:

Cactus is a prickly, but so cute, and most importantly, useful plant. Let's find out in more detail what benefits it can bring to our body and how to care for the prickly handsome man at home.

Reasons to grow cacti at home

Excellent sedative
We are all living in stressful times. Whatever you do, most likely you won’t be able to get by without delicate situations that hit your nervous system. Do not rush to calm your nerves with medications - it can help you. Yes, yes, these special plants are believed to be able to “absorb” negative energy and have a relaxing effect on those who are nearby. In addition, cacti cleanse the house of any kind of negativity. Do you want peace and quiet to reign at home or do you suffer from frequent irritability? Try getting a cactus.

Electromagnetic radiation protection
Cacti have been scientifically proven to soften electromagnetic waves, which are known to have a negative impact on our health. Therefore, it is advisable to place cacti near the TV, computer, telephone (especially if you spend a lot of time near them).

Amulet
Even in ancient times, people believed that cacti “knew” how to draw in evil energy, thereby protecting their owners from various troubles and misfortunes. According to this statement, it is best to place flowers in those places where you feel unprotected and experience a breakdown.

Activation of the brain
Cactus helps stimulate brain activity. Therefore, it is recommended to keep it near the workplace. And also, thanks to its positive energy, it neutralizes migraines.

Soul Helper
In addition, the miracle flower helps to cope with grievances. After all, it is known that when we are offended by someone, we torment ourselves and, to put it mildly, there is little pleasant in this. Cacti help us let go of the negativity that we experience when we are offended, and, accordingly, find inner harmony and calm.

Where in the house should I place the cactus?

It is worth choosing an apartment, given its variety. So, if you have a desert cactus that needs a lot of sun, it is better to place it on a window facing south or east. But types of forest flowers will feel great on western or northern windows.

In summer, it is recommended to take any cacti out into the fresh air (if you live in an apartment, onto the balcony). If your home is hot in winter, provide the cacti with high humidity. But it is also worth considering that in late autumn and winter, most cacti have a period of calm. Therefore, it is better to “relocate” them to a cooler place (ideal winter temperature + 15+17 C), placing them in the shade.

Watering

Despite the fact that cacti, in comparison with many other representatives of flora, are resistant to drought, it is undesirable to forget about watering. If you miss one or two, nothing critical will most likely happen. But if you regularly ignore hydration, problems with the development of the flower may arise: at a minimum, an offended “thorn” is unlikely to please you with its flowering.

The frequency of watering depends on what time of year it is. So, once every two days (and in hot weather - daily), cacti should be watered in spring and summer. In autumn, as a rule, one watering every 5-7 days is enough, and in winter – once every one and a half weeks. For watering cacti, it is best to use settled water at room temperature. Ideal if it is possible to water with melt or rain water.

Transfer

You need to put it in a new pot only if the old one has become too crowded. This procedure is most correctly carried out with the onset of spring, during the period of active plant growth. A few days before replanting, stop watering the cactus. This will help the soil to move freely from the roots, avoiding the risk of injury. To protect yourself from unnecessary injuries, before replanting, wrap the flower in thick paper or thick cloth in several layers.

Young plants usually require one replanting per year. And after three or four years of existence, one “move” every 2-3 years is enough. Choose a compact new pot - there should be enough space in the container for the roots of the cactus, but there should be no free space. At the bottom of the pot you need to place a layer of drainage and pour out a little suitable substrate. Next, supporting the plant with one hand, lower its root system into the pot. At the same time, using your free hand, gently pour in the soil until it fills the container. A good soil composition for cacti consists of peat, leaf soil, washed river sand and charcoal. It is important that it is sour and slightly loose. You can collect the soil yourself or purchase ready-made soil from a specialized store.

Reproduction

These plants can be propagated using shoots or seeds. The first is the simplest and most effective. That is why it is used by most gardeners. But true cactus growers often want to grow a “brainchild” from a seed with their own hands. In order to propagate a cactus vegetatively, you need to take a shoot from an adult specimen. These cuttings usually have small roots that help in a faster and easier rooting process.

If you want to grow from seeds, you first need to purchase seeds of these plants in the store. Then they should be disinfected, for which use a strong solution of potassium permanganate, in which you need to soak the seeds. After which the seeds are germinated by placing them in an environment with high humidity. Some seeds may sprout within a couple of days, while others may take weeks. So, if you want to try this method of propagating cacti, you will have to be patient.

An amazing cactus plant belongs to the Cactaceae family. There are two known types of culture - forest and desert. The former prefer a tropical climate. Desert ones can be found in certain regions of Mexico, America, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. For indoor growing, dwarf varieties are usually used. With the advent of personal computers, the popularity of cacti has increased dramatically. They are kept close to the device to protect them from harmful radiation. But often these drought-resistant and unpretentious plants begin to fade. Improper care can destroy decorative crops. Let's take a closer look at how to care for a cactus at home.

Features of caring for cacti depend on the varietal of the plant.

Indoors you can grow several types of desert plants - Chamecerus "Sylvestra", Cereus Peruvian, prickly pear, Echinopsis, Astrophytum "Capricorn", Echinocactus "Grusona", Echinopsis, Espola woolly, Reba dwarf and so on. Forest cactus species differ not only in their care rules, but also in their appearance. The most popular include rhipsalidopsis, zygocactus (Decembrist) and eppiphyllum.

Cactus care

At home, it is easy to follow the basic agrotechnical rules for cultivating flowers.

Lighting standard

In their natural habitat, cacti prefer bright sunlight. Therefore, indoors, it is advisable to prepare south-facing windows for cultivation. In low light conditions, the cactus slows down its development. The stem may appear underdeveloped and deformed. Often such changes can be observed during the cold season.

Desert species of cacti, especially those located on northern windows, are in dire need of additional lighting. Determining excess or deficiency of solar radiation is quite simple. In a shaded area of ​​the flower, you can see the stem thinning or stretching.

With the arrival of warmer weather, when there are no sudden changes in temperature, cacti can be taken out onto the terrace or balcony. During prolonged summer downpours, they need to be protected with transparent polyethylene.

You can find out information about the needs of a cactus from the video:

Air humidity

Despite their heat-loving nature, cacti cannot tolerate heat and dry air at home. This combination is often observed in winter, when heating appliances are running. Therefore, flowerpots should be placed away from radiators. It is enough to choose a warm place with high air humidity (from 50%). Perennial plants do not tolerate exposure to strong winds and drafts. Therefore, especially in winter, it is advisable to take them out of the room during ventilation.

Few gardeners know how to care for a cactus so that it blooms. Often the lack of flowering is due to constant movement. But other factors also have an adverse effect, for example, insufficient fresh air.

To harden, cacti should be kept outdoors until mid-October. During this time, the culture will get used to sudden temperature changes. This will help preserve the decorative appearance for subsequent wintering. In addition, the plant’s resistance to various diseases, decorativeness increases, and there is a possibility that the cactus will soon bloom.

Irrigation technology

For proper home care, the cactus needs to be watered regularly. Despite existing prejudices, the plant needs sufficient moisture. The rate and frequency of watering depend on the type of cactus.

Plants located in a room with high temperature and dry air need to be moistened abundantly. Especially if a small container is used for cultivation. In summer, cacti can be watered several times a week. Preferably early in the morning. Also, plants in small flowerpots can be sprayed periodically. On cloudy days there is no need to water the crop. The plant will take the required amount of moisture from the air.

For perennials at home, you should use boiled or filtered soft water. You can also increase softness using peat. Using hard water has a detrimental effect on plant development. Calcium salts can settle on the stem circle of the flower. And this significantly worsens the decorative properties of the cactus.

At the beginning of autumn, watering should be gradually reduced. In winter, the cactus is watered in small portions to prevent the substrate from completely drying out. The dormant stage of a plant indoors begins in the fall and lasts until early spring. Preservation of decorativeness, further development and fruiting depend on properly organized wintering. You can gradually return to standard watering and spraying in the spring.

Flowering cacti are particularly vulnerable. They cannot be moved to another place or rotated. Otherwise the buds will fall off.

Some species produce babies.

Organization of feeding

At home, even such an unpretentious plant needs periodic use of fertilizers. It is advisable to purchase liquid humic products for the culture. They contain a sufficient amount of nutrients. Feeding promotes development, full growth and further flowering.

Forest types of cacti indoors need to be fertilized twice a season. Nutrition will be needed during the formation of flower buds and during the flowering period. It is enough to dilute ten milliliters of the drug in one liter of water. The average frequency of use is once every 7-10 days. The procedure must be carried out from March to October. During the winter dormancy period, fertilizing should be stopped.

Desert varieties of cactus are fertilized according to the same principle. Only the concentration of the drug should be lower. You will need five milliliters of the component and two liters of water. Flowering cacti do not need to be fertilized in winter. It is enough to increase the frequency of watering.

Technology for transplanting adult cacti

To change the container and soil mixture, it is advisable to choose the time in the spring - April or May. Young representatives should be replanted once a year. Adult cacti do not need to be disturbed. It is enough to change the substrate and flowerpot once every three years.

Old representatives of the crop that have developed a massive and large stem must be replanted every two years. Take care of breathable, loose soil. Regular replanting is beneficial for the culture. It promotes rapid growth.

For planting, use a thick drainage layer. This will help prevent the accumulation of excess moisture and rotting of the root system. For drainage, you can add pebbles, crushed crushed stone or brick, as well as expanded clay into the container. You need to add crushed egg shells to the selected mixture. Then put everything in the pot in a layer of about 3 cm. When replanting, you should use a flowerpot whose diameter exceeds the size of the root system by several centimeters.

In large containers, cacti may experience slow growth. Varieties with a shallow root system should be planted in shallow, wide pots. Also, when choosing a container, take into account other specific characteristics of the plant. For example, cacti can produce a large number of children. This type of plant will need a much wider pot than the standard one.

The material used is not particularly important. The plant grows equally well in products made of clay, ceramics or plastic. You can choose a flowerpot according to your taste or depending on the style of the interior.

A few days before transplanting, you need to stop watering the cactus. The substrate will have time to dry. Unlike the standard change of container and soil, this will allow you to painlessly release the above-ground part of the plant. Please note that the substrate should not contain organic substances. Only minerals. A standard mixture with a neutral acidity level is suitable.

It is quite difficult to achieve flowering at home.

At home, you can prepare a mixture of peat, leaf soil, turf, peat and coarse river sand. All parts must be taken equally. Also add crushed wood ash to the resulting composition. Granular superphosphate must be added to the purchased substrate.

If you have a cactus with increased hairiness and large spines, add lime to the soil when changing containers. It is prohibited to use fresh material. Marble chips, remnants of old plaster or limestone are suitable.

Echinopsis and epiphytic varieties (a crop that is attached to another plant) can be supplemented with rotted manure. Columnar cereus responds well to turf soil and crushed stone. After the procedure, you need to cover the cactus with a transparent jar or plastic wrap. Watering should be done in small portions daily. After a week, the protection can be removed. It is strictly forbidden to replant cacti during the period of flowering and bud formation.

Problems in growing

Diseases and pests attack the plant as a result of improper care. As a rule, helminthosporiosis, late blight, dry, black rot, rhizoctory blight, brown spot, and anthracnose affect the flower. To get rid of the disease you will need fungicides and insecticides.

The plant may also die from fungal and viral infections. Saving a flower is quite simple. You need to buy an antifungal or antiviral agent.

Cactus is an amazing ornamental plant. Despite its unpretentiousness and resistance to adverse conditions, poor care can destroy the culture. Graceful flowers will appear only in a favorable environment.

Proper care of cacti ensures their rapid growth and harmonious development. It is possible to organize care for cacti at home only if all the natural characteristics of the crop and the specific variety of flower are taken into account. Caring for succulents is carried out in a similar way, with great importance given to watering, the process of choosing the appropriate one and replanting. You need to start by choosing a suitable location. This should be a warm and well-lit place on the windowsill, where direct sunlight does not penetrate. Soil temperature is more important than that of the surrounding air. Therefore, it is recommended to place pots on window sills, under which radiators are located.

See how cacti are cared for - the photo shows the main agrotechnical measures and techniques:

Caring for a cactus indoor plant and its growing conditions

When planning the care of an indoor cactus, it is worth knowing that cultivating most of these plants does not present any problems, which in itself is simply amazing. After all, cacti come from regions with completely different climatic conditions than in our latitudes: the climate in the natural habitats of cacti is characterized by a pronounced dry period and a rainy period; Moreover, the difference between summer and winter temperatures there is often less than between day and night.

It is easy to organize the care of cactus plants, since most of them are hardy, easily adaptable to various conditions and grateful flowers. When an amateur cactus grower learns the basic rules for cultivating cacti and follows them, he will be surprised at how little labor it takes to care for these plants when they grow and bloom. When caring for succulents at home, you should strictly adhere to the agricultural techniques of the species recommended by experts.

The cultivation conditions of any plant must always be considered as a whole. For example, there is a close relationship between the location of the plant, the dishes, the substrate, the frequency of watering and the amount of irrigation water. By choosing the right conditions for the cactus, care can be made very simple.

Therefore, a plant in a hot sunny window, in a small pot with a loose substrate that does not retain moisture well, should accordingly be watered more often.

See how to care for succulents at home in the photo, which demonstrates the basic techniques:

Flowers cacti and succulents: growing and care all year round

As a summary and at the same time as a kind of working calendar, the care of cactus flowers throughout the year is described below. The indicated seasons may vary slightly depending on whether the cacti grower lives in a mild or harsh climate, and whether the cacti are kept in warm and sunny or cooler conditions.

Growing and caring for cacti should be based on agricultural techniques that ensure stable growth and development of plants all year round.

Early spring (mid-February - late March).

This is the most favorable time to transplant them from dry to dry substrate while caring for them.

On spring-blooming species, buds appear. The first flowers appear on Notocactus haselbergii and early flowering mammillaria such as Marnmillaria bombyciana or M. microhelia. It is necessary to gradually accustom cacti to more humid conditions, for which at first the plants are only sprayed with water, and then very carefully, as they begin to grow, watering begins. Caution is required during the first unusually warm and sunny days of spring. If necessary, especially sensitive plants are shaded with thin tissue paper from direct sunlight during hot afternoon hours.

In areas with a milder climate, at the end of March, strong and hardy cacti, such as Echinocereus, which can withstand light frosts in a dry state, can be transferred to greenhouses. On a warm window in the room, especially if it is possible to heat the soil from below, you can start sowing cactus seeds.

Look at the proper care of succulents in the photo, which shows healthy and beautiful plants:

Spring (April mid-June).

For many cacti, spring is the peak of flowering. Most cacti of the genera Aporocactus, Echinocereus, and Echinofossulocactus bloom. Lobivia, Marnmillaria. Rebutia and Sulcorebutia, as well as phyllocacti. Now the plants are watered more abundantly, and starting in May, cacti can be fed with fertilizers. A favorable time for sowing seeds, cutting and rooting cuttings. Cacti that do not resume growth are likely to be diseased, so they should be removed from their pots and the root system checked.

From mid-May, you can move suitable cacti to external window sills or outside into the garden. In the first days after moving cacti into fresh air, special care is necessary, since the plants are not yet accustomed to bright sunlight outside.

Summer (mid-June - mid-August).

The peak of flowering of summer-blooming cacti from the genera Gymnocalycium, Notocactus, Parodia, Coryphantha, many species and hybrids of Astrophytum and Echinopsis is coming.

Spring-blooming species and hybrids have finished blooming and enter a short summer dormant period during hot weeks. During this time, they should be watered less frequently. Constant and careful monitoring of crops and, if possible, hardening them off as early as possible are necessary.

Autumn (mid-August - mid-November).

Autumn-flowering species such as Marnmillaria gracilis and M. rhodantha or Neoporteria proper bloom, as well as plants with a longer flowering period, such as some astrophytums, coryphanthus, telocactus or Ferocactus setispinus. For many cacti, the growth period is gradually coming to an end. Therefore, cacti are no longer fed, or, if necessary, final feeding is carried out with a weakly concentrated solution of potassium-phosphorus fertilizer. For better ripening of shoots and the formation of beautiful powerful spines, cacti need to be provided with a lot of fresh air and, if possible, direct sunlight, that is, under suitable weather conditions, open the greenhouse frames wide. From mid-September to October, watering of cacti is gradually reduced, and from October to November it is completely or almost completely stopped. Starting from about mid-October, cacti located in the summer on external window sills and in greenhouses must be moved back into the house.

Winter (mid-November - mid-February).

Only very few types of common cacti bloom. It's time for some types of rhipsalis or "Christmas" cacti to bloom. In accordance with their cultural needs, these naturally epiphytic plants are kept in slightly warmer and more humid conditions. The remaining cacti are kept in dry and cool conditions in their winter quarters. Winter is a good time to expand your knowledge by reading specialized literature, studying your notes, observations and transparencies made during the past growing season, and planning for the next growing season.

How to properly care for cacti and succulents in pots at home

The instructions on how to care for a cactus may seem quite confusing at first glance. However, most cacti can be cultivated in a specific pattern. And although there are always some exceptions to this basic scheme of how to do it at home, nevertheless, entire groups of cacti have to a certain extent specific requirements that can be considered similar. In order to avoid repeating the same care recommendations over and over again during the subsequent description of individual species and genera, it is advisable to combine cacti into groups depending on their requirements. Before caring for succulents, you need to determine whether they belong to one group or another.

Look at caring for cacti at home - the photo shows how to properly arrange plants in pots, replant and water them:

Group 1: how to standardly care for a succulent flower

Group 1 includes the vast majority of cacti presented in this book, for example, almost all cacti of the genera:

Marnmillaria

Notocactus

Parodia

Gymnocalycium

Echnofossulocactus

Before caring for succulents at home, you need to know that plants of this group need a bright, sunny location; Only cacti that look green and have few spines in the summer require light shading from the scorching rays of the sun during the midday hours. The temperature in summer should be from 25 to 35°C, in winter from 10 to 10°C. During the growing season, approximately from April to October, the plants are thoroughly watered every 8-14 days, but in winter these cacti must be kept dry or watered very sparingly.

Before caring for a succulent flower, it is important to understand that the cooler the place where the plants overwinter, the drier they need to be kept. South-eastern and south-western windows are especially suitable for growing cacti of this group; a very hot southern window can be used only with certain reservations.

You need to know exactly how to care for a cactus in a pot and apply this knowledge in practice.

Group 2: how to care for semi-desert cacti at home

Group 2 includes semi-desert cacti, which with their “white” appearance, their white felt specks (flakes) or waxy coating, and a large number of large white or colored spines show that they have adapted to strong solar radiation and high temperatures.

This includes many “white” mammillaria, most species from the genera:

Echinocereus

Astrophytum

Thelocactus

Ferocactus

Before you properly care for a cactus, you need to know that in summer these plants love a lot of sun and temperatures up to 45°C. Therefore, cacti of this group are suitable for south-facing window sills or closed flower windows. Another subtlety regarding how to care for a cactus at home is that some of these plants - for example, many Echinocereus - tolerate low temperatures in winter, while others, such as ferocacti, must be kept at a temperature of at least 12 ° WITH.

Group 3: how to care for a flowering cactus

Some cacti come from areas with relatively high rainfall and fertile soils. They cannot cope with poor soils and little moisture. This is why these cacti exhibit strong growth.

Group 3 includes many columnar cacti, including the famous:

Cereus peruvianus ( Cereus Peruvianus)

M many species of Cleistocactus ( Cleistocactus)

Pilozocereus ( Pilosocereus)

Some Echinopsis originating from lowland areas, as well as many phyllocacti and Selenicereus.

Before caring for a flowering cactus, you need to know that these plants prefer a bright, although not always sunny, location. The soil mixture for them may be more nutritious and contain more humus than for other cacti. By watering abundantly, the plants can be fed more frequently and more than is usually customary when growing other cacti. These cacti tolerate higher temperatures (up to 20°C) also in winter and in some cases even need it. Therefore, in winter, watering is not completely stopped, but only reduced.

Group 4: how to care for a small cactus

Before caring for a small cactus, you need to know that they differ from the cacti described in group 1 and requiring standard care in their origin from high mountain regions. That is why they prefer a location that is light, but not very hot; they love a large difference between day and night, summer and winter temperatures, and also require a lot of fresh air.

Group 4 includes:

Lobivia

Without following certain care rules, flowers with needles can quickly become sick and die. How to care for a cactus so that it pleases others with its exotic appearance?

House cacti are a large family of evergreen plants with original, unusually shaped trunks and sharp, prickly leaves. America is considered their homeland, and the small prickly pets standing on the windowsills of our apartments were artificially bred by scientific breeders.

Flowers, both natural and artificially bred, are divided into several hundred genera and species. The plants are classified as succulents, a characteristic feature of which is the ability to store water and thrive in dry weather conditions.

Many lovers of indoor plants prefer to see cacti in their green corners precisely for this reason - they do not need frequent watering and are easy to care for. However, the existence of these cute thorns cannot be completely left to chance.

The diverse world of flowers

Many varieties of cacti have been classified, which differ in the pace of development, shape, shades of the trunk, as well as the size and length of the needles.

Basically, all cacti are divided into 2 large groups:

• Group 1 - desert plants. They need sunlight and warm temperatures almost all year round. These are everyone’s favorite Aporocactus wattle, Opuntia, Mammillaria, Cereus, etc. By the way, desert Mammillaria is considered an excellent cactus for beginning gardeners;
• Group 2 - forest succulents. During the hot season, it is better to hide representatives of forest thorny pets from direct sunlight. They are distinguished by various leaf-shaped stems. Another characteristic feature of prickly beauties is their unusual flowering. Among forest cacti, the most common are Rhipsalis, Epiphyllum, Yubelmania, etc.

Content Rules

Plants of this needle family are quite unusual and require specific and careful care.

The secret of home succulents is that they prefer a warm and comfortable environment, otherwise they stop growing, and the owner of the cactus will never see such an amazing phenomenon as the appearance of buds and flowers of the plant.

What every novice gardener should know about and how to properly care for a flower:

• all succulents grow in periods - their growth and dormancy periods usually alternate between cold and warm seasons of the year;
• The vast majority react negatively to excess moisture in the soil. Excessive liquid threatens root rot and plant death;
• when a succulent begins its growth stage, it is better to move it to a warm and sunny place;
• flowers need air. In summer, pots with pets can be taken out onto the balcony or into the garden;
• In winter, the domestic thorn needs a slightly lower temperature (about 15-17 degrees Celsius), rest and slight darkness. This is how it gains strength before the warm season, when it can grow and even bloom.

Helpful advice: before purchasing a cactus, you should carefully examine it so as not to buy a diseased plant.

How to choose a pot

Other important aspects of plant care are choosing a pot and suitable soil. Even small flowers have a fairly branched root system, but they do not require overly large containers to live. Plants that have an above-ground elongated shape grow and develop better in the same elongated pot.

And small desert thorns fit perfectly and grow well in a flat pot . Flower growers advise paying attention to baked clay pots. Their walls allow moisture and air to pass through, so the plants receive enough oxygen and do not suffer from waterlogging of the soil.

Which soil to choose

As for the soil, it is better to purchase it for exotic flowers in specialized stores. You can also prepare soil for needle pets yourself at home.

Important: self-prepared soil should be disinfected in the oven.

You need to select leaf soil, some humus and turf, some sand (preferably river), as well as charcoal and brick chips. This composition makes the soil loose and guarantees excellent moisture conductivity.

Watering rules

Although needle plants are drought-tolerant, they still need watering. If possible, it is better to use warm rain or melt water. In winter, the soil should be moistened in small portions, approximately 1 irrigation every 7-10 days.

Watering more frequently will have a negative effect on the succulent. In spring and hot summer, daily watering or 1 moistening every 2 days is recommended. In autumn, the flower requires 1 watering per week.

Do cacti need replanting?

From time to time, flowers need replanting. Adults become cramped in pots, so larger containers should be selected for them. Adult specimens are usually replanted after 4-6 years; small cacti require replanting more often.

The procedure can be carried out in early spring before the cactus growth period. Approximately 3-4 days before the planned transplant, the succulent must stop watering. What to do to avoid injuring your hands during transplantation? Spiny specimens should be wrapped in thick cloth or thick gloves should be used.

Feeding and fertilizer

The full development of an exotic pet is impossible without additional feeding. How to properly fertilize a flower? To do this, you need to use only special compounds intended for succulents.

The fertilizing period is spring - early autumn. In the cold season, when the flower is “hibernating,” there is no need to fertilize the soil.

How does a flower reproduce?

Cacti reproduce by shoots and seeds. The first option is simple and effective and is popular among thorn lovers.

The seed propagation method for beginning gardeners will be difficult and, most likely, ineffective.

What needs to be done to make cacti bloom

Lovers of unusual prickly flowers strive to select plants in such a way that the windowsill is always decorated with blooming specimens. In order for a cactus to bloom, it must be cherished and the following conditions strictly met:

1. do not “overfeed” with fertilizers;
2. do not move the pot with the plant from place to place;
3. do not replant into a container that is too large;
4. observe the watering regime and temperature conditions.

With proper care, the cactus will definitely decorate itself with one or more buds, and then with unusual flowers.

Household succulents are a rather “motley” family, each member of which requires its own approach. How to care for a cactus to ensure a decent existence for it? Even if you follow all the care instructions, it can be noted that only love and care will help it bloom or live a long time to the delight of others.

Cactus - photos of beautiful specimens