文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The look of a cactus can be quite deceiving. Spiny, leafless desert cacti, mostly native to North and South America, transform into some of the most dazzling plants when in bloom. Belonging to the Cactaceae plant family, more than 1,000 different species of cacti exist, including those of the tropical variety that are indigenous to Brazil.
Desert Cultivars
Following a period of about five years, bright yellow blossoms with red throats -- the flowers' tubular organs -- appear on small sea urchin cacti (A. asterias). Compass barrel cacti (F. cylindraceus) boast bell-shaped, orange and yellow flowers. Buds on the Claret Cup Hedgehog (E. triglochidiatus) burst open into vivid scarlet hues. The Rose Pincushion cactus (M. zeilmanniana) produces reddish-violet blossoms and, on the small, Snowball Pincushion variety (M. candida), rings of cream-colored flowers turn to pink.
Tropical Holiday Cacti
Christmas cacti bloom on the stem tips.
Blooming in white and a multitude of colors including red, lavender, orange, pink and yellow, Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti (S. truncata and S. bridgesii), as well as the Easter cactus (R. gaertneri), create showy holiday displays. These tropical cacti bloom in abundance and sport wide, flat, leaf-like stems. Thanksgiving cacti flower through the holiday and well into January. Christmas cactus blossoms open on the stem tips and bloom for long periods in cooler temperatures. Blooming mainly in spring, Easter cacti may flower at other times during the year.
Night-blooming Cacti
Cactus flowers grow from the area of the plant known as the cephalium. Column cacti (C. uruguayanus) bloom at night in white with petal tips of diverse colors. The night-flowering orchid cactus of the Epiphyllum species produces blossoms in multiple hues during late summer and early autumn. The sweetly scented flowers of the orchid cactus can reach a length of 6 inches or more.
Pollination
In daytime, brightly colored cactus blossoms attract bees and hummingbirds.
The brilliant hues of cactus blossoms attract daytime pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Dim light reflecting from the soft colors of night-blooming cacti, along with the plants' heady scent, draw moths and bats for pollination. In southwestern North America's Sonoran Desert, the fragrant blossoms of saguaro (C. gigantea) and organ pipe cacti (S. thurberi) lure bats to their sweet nectar. The bats emerge from their nectar feast covered in pollen, contributing to the pollination process as they fly from flower to flower.
Desert Cultivars
Following a period of about five years, bright yellow blossoms with red throats -- the flowers' tubular organs -- appear on small sea urchin cacti (A. asterias). Compass barrel cacti (F. cylindraceus) boast bell-shaped, orange and yellow flowers. Buds on the Claret Cup Hedgehog (E. triglochidiatus) burst open into vivid scarlet hues. The Rose Pincushion cactus (M. zeilmanniana) produces reddish-violet blossoms and, on the small, Snowball Pincushion variety (M. candida), rings of cream-colored flowers turn to pink.
Tropical Holiday Cacti
Christmas cacti bloom on the stem tips.
Blooming in white and a multitude of colors including red, lavender, orange, pink and yellow, Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti (S. truncata and S. bridgesii), as well as the Easter cactus (R. gaertneri), create showy holiday displays. These tropical cacti bloom in abundance and sport wide, flat, leaf-like stems. Thanksgiving cacti flower through the holiday and well into January. Christmas cactus blossoms open on the stem tips and bloom for long periods in cooler temperatures. Blooming mainly in spring, Easter cacti may flower at other times during the year.
Night-blooming Cacti
Cactus flowers grow from the area of the plant known as the cephalium. Column cacti (C. uruguayanus) bloom at night in white with petal tips of diverse colors. The night-flowering orchid cactus of the Epiphyllum species produces blossoms in multiple hues during late summer and early autumn. The sweetly scented flowers of the orchid cactus can reach a length of 6 inches or more.
Pollination
In daytime, brightly colored cactus blossoms attract bees and hummingbirds.
The brilliant hues of cactus blossoms attract daytime pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Dim light reflecting from the soft colors of night-blooming cacti, along with the plants' heady scent, draw moths and bats for pollination. In southwestern North America's Sonoran Desert, the fragrant blossoms of saguaro (C. gigantea) and organ pipe cacti (S. thurberi) lure bats to their sweet nectar. The bats emerge from their nectar feast covered in pollen, contributing to the pollination process as they fly from flower to flower.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Christmas cactus (Schumbergera bridgesi) is a departure from the stereotypical prickly, sun-loving, dry weather, desert plant, as Christmas cactus is tropical and has different growing requirements. Although Christmas cactus appreciates bright sunlight, it blooms best with moist soil and cooler temperatures. Christmas cactus isn't a demanding plant, and with proper care, it will reward you with colorful blooms in time for the winter holidays. Propagate Christmas cactus by rooting sections of stem in May or June.
Step 1
Select a joint between stem segments, and pinch it with your fingernails or cut it with a clean, sharp knife. The cut stem must have at least three to five stem segments.
Step 2
Place the stem on a paper plate or paper towel, then set it aside to dry for about a day, but possibly as long as two weeks. The amount of drying time needed will depend on the size of the cut surface. Once the cut end has formed a callus, which will prevent the stem from rotting, the stem will be ready for planting. Because the Christmas cactus stores water, drying won't hurt the stem, but don't wait so long that it becomes shriveled.
Step 3
Fill a planting container with moistened perlite. Use a container with a drainage hole, as Christmas cactus rots in poorly drained, soggy soil.
Step 4
Plant the stem about an inch deep in the perlite. Water lightly to settle the perlite around the stem, then cover the container with a clear plastic bag. Seal the bag with a rubber band or twist tie.
Step 5
Place the container where the Christmas cactus cutting is exposed to bright, indirect light. Check the container two or three times every week, and add a small amount of water if the perlite feels dry. If condensation forms inside the bag, open the bag for an hour or two to provide ventilation. The stem should root in approximately six to eight weeks.
Step 6
Lift the Christmas cactus cutting from the soil using an old spoon. If the roots are at least an inch long, re-pot the stem in a fresh pot filled with a commercial potting soil for cactus or succulents. If the roots are less than an inch, replace the stem in the original container, and allow the roots to grow for a few more days before re-potting.
Step 7
Place your new Christmas cactus in bright, indirect light away from drafty doors or windows, air conditioners, heat vents or fireplaces. Water your Christmas cactus whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry, adding water until it drips through the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain thoroughly before replacing the plant on the drainage saucer.
Step 8
Fertilize your Christmas cactus once every month during the summer, using a soluble fertilizer.
Step 1
Select a joint between stem segments, and pinch it with your fingernails or cut it with a clean, sharp knife. The cut stem must have at least three to five stem segments.
Step 2
Place the stem on a paper plate or paper towel, then set it aside to dry for about a day, but possibly as long as two weeks. The amount of drying time needed will depend on the size of the cut surface. Once the cut end has formed a callus, which will prevent the stem from rotting, the stem will be ready for planting. Because the Christmas cactus stores water, drying won't hurt the stem, but don't wait so long that it becomes shriveled.
Step 3
Fill a planting container with moistened perlite. Use a container with a drainage hole, as Christmas cactus rots in poorly drained, soggy soil.
Step 4
Plant the stem about an inch deep in the perlite. Water lightly to settle the perlite around the stem, then cover the container with a clear plastic bag. Seal the bag with a rubber band or twist tie.
Step 5
Place the container where the Christmas cactus cutting is exposed to bright, indirect light. Check the container two or three times every week, and add a small amount of water if the perlite feels dry. If condensation forms inside the bag, open the bag for an hour or two to provide ventilation. The stem should root in approximately six to eight weeks.
Step 6
Lift the Christmas cactus cutting from the soil using an old spoon. If the roots are at least an inch long, re-pot the stem in a fresh pot filled with a commercial potting soil for cactus or succulents. If the roots are less than an inch, replace the stem in the original container, and allow the roots to grow for a few more days before re-potting.
Step 7
Place your new Christmas cactus in bright, indirect light away from drafty doors or windows, air conditioners, heat vents or fireplaces. Water your Christmas cactus whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry, adding water until it drips through the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain thoroughly before replacing the plant on the drainage saucer.
Step 8
Fertilize your Christmas cactus once every month during the summer, using a soluble fertilizer.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
While most cacti are very heat and drought tolerant, Christmas cacti are a little different. They are more like tropical plants than desert plants, so they're not as drought tolerant as the typical cactus. They also keep their beautiful blooms much longer in cooler temperatures. Many gardeners enjoy the challenge of keeping their Christmas cactus healthy throughout the year so they can enjoy their blossoms each Christmas season. This is harder than most would think, but with proper watering and maintenance it's entirely possible to enjoy your Christmas cactus for many Christmases.
There are not strict guidelines as to how often you should water your cactus. Instead, monitor the plant to determine when watering is necessary. According to Purdue University Extension's newsletter, you should, "water thoroughly when the top inch or so of soil feels dry to the touch." You may also notice the plant beginning to wilt if it goes too long without water. Purdue's Extension Service also notes that, "the length of time between waterings will vary with the air temperature, amount of light, rate of growth and relative humidity."
Transplant
If your cactus dries out often or the flowers seem to wilt frequently, you may need to transplant it into a bigger container, rather than continually water it. To survive and thrive, Christmas cacti must have soil that drains easily. Purdue's newsletter recommends either purchasing potting soil mix for succulents or making your own by, "combining two parts plain potting soil with one part clean sand or vermiculite."
Provide Correct Environment
While properly watering your Christmas cactus is important, it's also important for it to live in the correct environment. For example, keep it away from drafts from fireplaces and heat vents, and place it in a well-lit location. These two things are particularly important if you want your cactus to bloom. Extreme temperature change or drafts can make flower buds fall off the plant before they've even had a chance to open.
Fertilize
In addition to proper watering, to further the likelihood that your Christmas cactus survives throughout the year, you should periodically fertilize it. Purdue's Extension Service recommends to simply use a fertilizer made for blooming houseplants and to follow the directions on the label for how and when to apply it. There is no need to fertilize the plant while it's in bloom.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Dragon fruit, or pitaya, grows on a cactus plant. Unlike desert cacti, the pitaya cactus requires regular watering for healthiest growth and best fruit production. Dragon fruit is native to tropical and subtropical areas where high rainfall and moist soil is common. Regular watering encourages the cactus to produce flavorful, well-formed fruits. The cactus requires 25 to 50 inches of rainfall or supplemental irrigation a year.
Step 1
Irrigate dragon fruit plants one to two times weekly. Water at the base of the plants so the moisture soaks deeply into the soil.
Step 2
Provide approximately 1 inch of water at each irrigation. An inch of water typically moistens the top 6 inches of soil. Dragon fruit plants cannot tolerate overly wet soil.
Step 3
Stop watering in early spring before the cacti flower. The plants require dry soil to flower successfully. Resume watering once the flowers open to ensure healthy fruit set.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Most people think of a cactus as a plant that does not require any water. Images of cacti littering the desert abound in media and reinforce this perception. In reality, cacti require plenty of water. However, they require less water than many other plants. In fact, watering a cactus often requires the gardener to strike a very difficult balance. Like other plants, cacti will die if they don't receive enough water. The problem is that cacti also quickly die if overwatered.
Step 1
Plan a general watering schedule for your cactus. If you have a cactus growing outside, you might need to water the plant every few days. If the plant is inside, you might only need to water it once a month. The difference is that plants in pots retain moisture in the soil surrounding the root system of the cactus. Outside, the sun leaches moisture from the soil, it dissipates through more ground and other plants and weeds compete for it.
Step 2
Test the cactus before you water it. Stick your finger into the soil at a depth of 1/2 inch or slightly deeper. If your finger is wet, the plant does not need to be watered. If your finger is dry, water the cactus.
Step 3
Use non-softened water when you water a cactus. The salt used in the softening process can damage the plants. Use rain water if you have a system of gathering it.
Step 4
Water the cactus until water runs out of the bottom of the pot, or until outdoor plants have been deeply watered. Shallow watering causes root tips to die off and weaken the plant. Less frequent, deep watering is more effective than constant surface watering.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The coral cactus (Euphorbia lactea f. cristata), a crested form of mottled spurge (Euphorbia lactea), offers convoluted, fan-shaped green growth marked with silver. Recently, plant sellers have begun to graft coral cactus fans in a variety of colors onto the stems of other succulents or cacti. The resulting plants are called variegated coral cactus (Euphorbia lactea f. cristata variegata). All these euphorbias are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11. They also are poisonous and their white sap can inflame the eyes, mucous membranes and skin.
Outdoor Care
If you wish to try the original ungrafted green form of coral cactus outdoors, plant it in a sunny or partly sunny position in well-drained soil and mulch it with gravel. Unless your climate is very dry, it's a good idea to place cacti in a raised bed ringed by rocks and filled with a combination of 1 part garden soil and 1 part sand or decomposed granite.
During spring through autumn, water an outdoor coral cactus about once a week when there is no rain. Don't water it at all during the winter. Since cacti in the ground don't need much fertilizer, feed the plant only once in midsummer.
For a liquid chemical fertilizer such as 10-10-5, combine 1 tablespoon of the solution with 1 gallon of water, or use 4 tablespoons of solution per gallon of water for a liquid organic type such as 3-3-3. Mix the fertilizer in a watering can and pour it into the soil around the cactus.
Indoor Potting
The grafted types of coral cactus often are planted in a pot which has been mulched with glued-down gravel. Although the gravel prevents soil from splashing onto the plant, it also may prevent testing the moisture of the soil. If such is the case, try to remove the gravel without harming the cactus.
Use barbecue tongs and/or a strap made from folded newspaper to lift the plant, to protect your hands from its sap and spines. Replant it in a pot with drainage holes, either in cactus potting soil or in a mix of 1 part general-purpose potting soil and 1 part sand. You can mulch the soil with fine gravel again, but make that loose gravel, so you can feel beneath it.
Indoor Care
Place a coral cactus on a warm windowsill where temperatures remain between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the original green, non-grafted type can take full sun, grafted cultivars should receive sunlight only for several hours in the morning or afternoon, but not during the brightest midday hours.
During spring through summer, water the plant once a week or once every two weeks, whenever its soil feels dry 1 inch down. Reduce that watering to once a month during autumn and winter, as cacti can rot during those seasons if kept too wet, and resume the weekly or biweekly watering in early spring.
Fertilize your indoor cactus once every two weeks during spring and summer with a liquid 10-10-10 plant food at one quarter strength. That would be about 3 to 4 drops of the plant food in 1 quart of water. Refrain from feeding the plant during autumn and winter.
Cactus Pests
If pests such as furry white mealy-bugs or bumpy brown scale appear on your cactus, clean them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Don't use insecticidal soap, which can be damaging to euphorbias.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The best way to keep your cactus from turning brown is to ensure that its environment is one that's conducive to growing a healthy plant. Quarantine new plants and inspect them for pests and disease before exposing them to your other plants. Provide loose, clean, well-drained soil. Underwater, don't overwater, your plants.
Root Rot
If the base of your cactus is turning brown and the stems are soft and yellow, it could be a sign of root rot. Plants with root rot can be hard to save because the rot starts inside the cactus and works its way out, so symptoms aren't usually noticed until the rot is advanced. Stop watering plants with early rot, and try repotting them in well-draining soil. You can try saving a plant with advanced root rot by cutting away all signs of rot along with some of the healthy tissue surrounding it to ensure that it doesn't spread. Use a clean knife and wipe it with alcohol in between cuts. Apply sulfur powder to the wounds. Overwatering or damaged roots can cause root rot.
Scales
Scales are small insects that appear like brown spots on cacti because of their hard brown shell coverings. The scales feed on plant juices, weakening cacti and making them look yellow. Spray your cactus with a stream of water to remove scales, or wash your plant with a weak solution of detergent. Use malathion insecticide for large infestations. You can also kill scales by using a cotton swab to dab horticultural oil on each scale. This cuts off the scale's air supply so it suffocates.
Mites
Red spider mites are small reddish insects. They're so small that it's easier to look for their webs rather than the bugs themselves. Symptoms include white spots that turn rusty brown and usually appear at the top of the plant. If left untreated, mites kill your cactus by eating the entire outer layer of tissue off your plant. Water cacti from overhead with a strong stream of water to remove mites. Miticides can be used for large infestations.
Corking
The appearance of firm, brown, barklike tissue just above the soil of an otherwise healthy plant is a sign of corking and is part of the natural aging process of cacti. Corking always starts from the base of the cactus and moves upward. If a cactus turns brown from the top down, it's a sign of sunburn or some other problem.
Sunburn
Mild sunburn problems appear as a whitish discoloring, usually at the top and side facing the sun. Severe burns show up as hard brown scars on the burned surface. Cacti with brown scars have permanent damage. If your plant only has whitish discoloring, you can heal it by moving it into the shade. Cacti that aren't used to being in the sun have to be acclimated to it by providing full sun for a short time each day and then increasing exposure over a period of several weeks. Some species should never have full sun all day.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The prickly pear cactus guards its fruit well with long, sharp spines. The fruit itself also has smaller spines, called glochids. Once you manage to harvest your fruit, you must remove the glochids and the skin prior to using or freezing it. You can also juice prickly pear fruit, or freeze the juice in ice cube trays. Before juicing your prickly pear fruit, allow it to freeze and then thaw, which will soften the fruit and encourage the juice to emerge from the fruit.
Step 1
Hold the cactus fruit with a pair of tongs and use a knife to scrape away the spines. Peel the skin off with the knife.
Step 2
Rinse each fruit and shake off the excess water.
Step 3
Place the fruit in a freezer bag and seal the bag.
Step 4
Place the bag in your freezer for two to three days.
Step 5
Place a colander on top of a bowl and place the prickly pear fruit inside the colander. Allow the fruit to thaw.
Step 6
Press the fruit gently with a potato masher so that the juice flows into the bowl.
Step 7
Drink your prickly pear juice right away, or pour it into ice cube trays and refreeze the fruit. Use frozen prickly pear ice cubes in your cold beverages.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Cacti are slow-growing succulent plants with well-developed vascular systems, or systems that transport food and water through the system. Thanks to this system, if a piece breaks off the cactus, there are several options to salvage it, whether it is grafting or planting the piece as a new specimen.
Grafting
Broken pieces often have jagged edges and damaged tissues, so if you were to simply put the broken piece back onto the cactus and bind it in place, chances for success are low. If the wounded end on the broken piece and the stub were cut evenly with a sharp knife and you bind the broken piece into place on the stub, the chances of the cactus healing are much greater. This is because of the ease of grafting cactus plants and the very high probability of cacti of the same species grafting successfully. Alternately, you may graft the broken piece onto another cactus, preferably of the same species.
Planting Pieces
You can also plant broken pieces to create new cacti. It is best, however, to let the broken piece scab over for a few days in a warm, dry area with good circulation to prevent problems with fungal disease entering along the broken edge. Alternately, you may dip the broken edge in an anti-fungal sulfur solution. If the piece broke off because of disease or infection of the main plant, remove the diseased parts with a sharp, disinfected knife first, or the disease will claim the broken piece as well.
Aesthetics
Grafting leaves scars. This isn't a big problem if you have a sectioned cactus and it was a whole section that broke off. For many cacti, however, a broken section grafted back into place looks wounded, even if the graft heals. It may be better to trim the stub back to a section further down or closer to the main section of the cactus, depending on the type of cactus, and then re-attach the broken piece. If you will plant the broken piece for a new cactus or simply dispose of it altogether, it helps to trim the cactus, if possible, to remove jagged edges or odd-looking stumps.
Considerations
If the break is next to or on the base of the cactus, it is usually easier to simply allow the broken cactus piece to scab over and then re-plant it rather than try to get a graft to take. The wound is susceptible to fungal infection, especially if the soil is moist or comes into contact with the grafting joint.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Growing a cactus indoors or out can create visual interest and a feel reminiscent of a dry, rugged landscape. While many cacti grow well when planted in the ground in a preferred climate, container grown cacti can sometimes begin to wilt as a sign they are either receiving too much water or not enough. Luckily, you can fix a wilting cactus by improving your soil and making changes to your watering schedule.
Step 1
Feel the soil around the base of your cactus for wetness. If the soil is powdery and dry, then water quantity or frequency is the issue. Proceed to Step 2.
Step 2
If the soil is overly wet, then an excess of water is the cause of the wilting and you'll need to follow steps 3 to 5.
Step 3
Water dry soil using 1/2 cup of water for every 4 inches in diameter of your cactus' pot. For example, an 8-inch pot would require a cup of water. Supply this quantity of water weekly from spring to fall, but provide this amount of water every two to three weeks during the winter.
Step 4
Ease the cactus out of the soggy soil container and knock off any excess soil to expose the roots. Inspect the roots of the plant to see if they appear firm and white or if they have turned brown and mushy. Cut off any bad, mushy roots using a clean knife.
Step 5
Rinse out and wash the old pot your plant was in or use a new pot no more than 1 to 2 inches larger in size. Fill the pot with succulent soil or an equal mix of potting soil and builder's sand.
Step 6
Plant the wilting cactus into the center of the prepared pot at an equal depth to how it was previously planted. Leave the plant unwatered for one week. Resume watering according to Step 2 for quantity and frequency during the year.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The starfish cactus is also called carrion flower due to the strong unpleasant odor of its fleshlike flowers. The plant is a succulent from South Africa with starfish-shaped flowers and long, slender, spiked branches. The flower attracts flies not only with its potent smell but also with the soft white fur that covers the flower and resembles mold covering rotting flesh. There are about 100 species in the plant's family, Asclepiadaceae, which includes several other fly-attracting blooms.
The Cactus
Several varieties of the starfish cactus exist. They all have the green branching arms that are tinged red in high-sun situations. The arms are barbed with thick white spines. The stems have four angles arrayed up the length and are an inch thick on average. The plant itself reaches 9 inches tall and has a wider spreading habit. Some of the varieties of cactus are considered rare in South Africa, a condition caused by loss of habitat.
Carrion Flowers
The flowers of the starfish plant may extend 10 inches across. The flowers are five-pointed and flesh-colored, although some have a grayish cast and others have a rosy glow. The larger species bear flowers at the base of the plant and smaller blooming species may have flowers scattered over the cactus. Each flower only lasts a few days but may die out and become replaced by another bloom. The petals have a grainy texture and pores that resemble skin.
Bloom Time
The blooming time of starfish cacti depends on where they are being raised, the amount of sun and water they receive, the fertility of the soil and the variety. On average, you can expect a baby plant to bloom in two years with just one or two flowers. When it is mature, the plant will bloom successively in July to September in North America. They flower in November through March in South Africa where they are native. Blooms are rare and rely upon prime growing conditions.
Pollination and Fruit
The stench is the attracting part of the flower, but its resemblance to flesh actually confuses flies into laying their eggs on the interior. The interior structure of the flower is webbed, which traps the legs of the flies. As they struggle, a pollen packet is attached to the insect's leg and they move on to the next flower. After the flower has finished, it sheds the petals and the ovary swells. Eventually, it bears a number of slightly hairy seeds. Seed is easy to start, but the plant will not bear flowers for many years.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Taking cuttings from a cactus plant is an easy method of propagation, as long as you're careful around the spines! Pad-forming, columnar, or segmented cacti can all be cloned in this way. Since cacti are drought-tolerant, cuttings will not suffer when exposed to the air, and actually prefer to dry out in order to propagate. Ideally, plant in the springtime when cacti are beginning to initiate new growth. Cuttings will only propagate successfully during certain months. When nighttime temperatures are 60 degrees F and above, its a good time to take cuttings.
Step 1
Cut a cactus segment using a sharp, clean knife -- ideally, serrated. If cloning a pad cactus, cut between the pads. Cut a columnar cactus anywhere along the stem at a 45-degree angle. Cuttings can vary greatly in size, from immature globes to meter-long stem pieces.
Step 2
Square off the base of the cutting and let it sit in a warm, dry place until it dries. If it is not allowed to dry, the tip may rot. Wait until a callus forms, which will protect it from soil-borne diseases. This can take one to 14 days.
Step 3
Fill growing containers with a propagation mix of 1/2 organic and 1/2 inorganic material, ideally peat or compost and pumice or perlite. Place cuttings deeply into the mix, ensuring they will not topple over. Columnar cacti may need to be placed especially deep.
Step 4
Provide plenty of sunshine and cool temperatures for the first few months as the cutting is taking hold. Avoid over-watering in these early stages, as it may lead to rot. Gallon-size containers can sustain the cuttings for the first year.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
Cacti are suited to dry, arid environments, and nearly all their problems are related to water. Even most diseases that affect cactus plants attack when moisture levels are wrong. Although some cacti will shrivel during the winter months as part of their life cycle, most causes of shriveling are related to improper watering or moisture levels.
Water
By far, most problems with cactus are caused by overwatering, but the opposite extreme of not enough water will cause shriveling. A cactus that is too dry to sustain its flesh will begin to shrink, causing the skin to crinkle and the entire plant to appear shriveled.
Proper Amount of Water
The proper amount of water for a cactus depends on the time of year and weather conditions. Generally, provide a good watering that soaks into the soil several inches for the cactus plant once per month. The soil should be allowed to drain and become completely dry between watering. When the cactus is in a fast growth phase or is blooming, generally in spring, water may be needed more often, up to twice per month.
Proper Soil
In addition to the right amount of water, a cactus plant also requires the proper type of soil. Heavy, moist soils will cause problems. The soil should be sandy and drain quickly. Most varieties of cactus prefer a mixture of sand and small pebbles. The right soil will keep moisture at the right level for the cactus and prevent shriveling.
Dormancy
Even with the best care, some varieties of cactus will shrivel once per year as they go into a dormant state for several months. This typically occurs during the winter months when temperatures drop. If an otherwise healthy cactus that normally does well on the amount of water received begins to shrivel, it is probably going into a dormant period. When the weather warms up, it will return to its normal state.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
If a cactus breaks off, don't throw the broken piece away. Put it into cactus soil and start a new plant. Cacti, also known as succulents, are slow-
growing plants native to the Americas, and grow well without needing water. By following a few steps, it is possible to plant the broken section of the cactus that will take root and grow for years to come.
Step 1
Check the broken end of the cactus. If the break is crooked or uneven, make a fresh cut to even it out.
Step 2
Set the cactus piece aside allowing the cut end to callous over. The end must be dry and sealed over. The length of time it takes for the end to be calloused over varies. It depends on the humidity in the air and the thickness of the cut.
Step 3
Fill a pot with cactus mix. Leave the drainage holes uncovered -- because you want the water to drain through the soil quickly. The size of the pot depends on the type of cactus you are trying to root. If the cactus is tall, then you will need a bigger pot than if it is just a small button-type cactus.
Step 4
Insert the calloused end into the soil approximately 1 to 2 inches deep. Firm the soil down with your fingers to hold the cutting in place.
Step 5
Place the pot in a warm, sunny window.
Step 6
Water the soil thoroughly, two to four weeks later. Wait another two to four weeks before watering again. It takes two to six weeks for the roots to form.
growing plants native to the Americas, and grow well without needing water. By following a few steps, it is possible to plant the broken section of the cactus that will take root and grow for years to come.
Step 1
Check the broken end of the cactus. If the break is crooked or uneven, make a fresh cut to even it out.
Step 2
Set the cactus piece aside allowing the cut end to callous over. The end must be dry and sealed over. The length of time it takes for the end to be calloused over varies. It depends on the humidity in the air and the thickness of the cut.
Step 3
Fill a pot with cactus mix. Leave the drainage holes uncovered -- because you want the water to drain through the soil quickly. The size of the pot depends on the type of cactus you are trying to root. If the cactus is tall, then you will need a bigger pot than if it is just a small button-type cactus.
Step 4
Insert the calloused end into the soil approximately 1 to 2 inches deep. Firm the soil down with your fingers to hold the cutting in place.
Step 5
Place the pot in a warm, sunny window.
Step 6
Water the soil thoroughly, two to four weeks later. Wait another two to four weeks before watering again. It takes two to six weeks for the roots to form.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月08日
The Christmas cactus (Schumbergera bridgesii) is a member of the holiday cactus family. The bloom time of the plant is dependent on short periods of daylight and cool temperatures customary in late fall. The combination of cool temperatures and reduced sunlight causes the cactus to bloom in December. In October or November, encourage the cactus to set buds for a December bloom by setting the plant near a sunlit window in a room with temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Christmas cactus is easy to propagate from a broken piece of a stem.
Step 1
Break or cut the stem to include two to three sections connected end to end. Each section has one flat end and one pointed end that connects to the previous section of the stem. Collect the stem sections about six months after the plant blooms, which could be May or June. During that six-month time frame, the plant will replenish nutrients depleted during the bloom cycle. A stem piece accidentally broken from the Christmas cactus can be rooted anytime, but it may not bloom the first year.
Step 2
Keep the sections connected. Each section should be whole. If the break occurred through a section, disconnect the torn section at a joint. The section can be disconnected at a joint by grasping a section in each hand with your thumbs close to the joint. Gently pinch and pull the sections apart. Place the sections on a saucer to dry overnight.
Step 3
Place perlite in a container at least 2 inches deep. Moisten the perlite.
Step 4
Examine the joint of the Christmas cactus section. The end should be dry and firm. If the joint is not dry, allow the sections to rest for a few more hours. If the joint is dry, insert the end into the moist perlite to a depth of about 1 inch. Multiple cuttings can be rooted in the same container. Space the cuttings about 1 inch apart.
Step 5
Cover the container with a plastic bag to hold in moisture. Secure the bag around the container. A small container may be placed inside a food storage bag that can be sealed from the top.
Step 6
Place the container in indirect sunlight. Keep the perlite moist. Minimal moisture inside the bag is expected. If moisture is dense, covering one-third of the bag, then open the bag to allow the excess moisture to escape.
Step 7
Examine the roots of one of the cuttings after six weeks in the perlite. If the roots are at least 1 inch long, the cutting is ready for transplanting into potting soil. Return the cutting to the perlite if roots are too short. Reseal the bag and check the roots again in about two weeks.
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