Cacti are one of the most popular indoor plants. They are unusual, have an original shape and many colors. Although these plants are considered unpretentious, but in order for them to feel great, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for them. What do cacti need and how to breed them?
Instruction manual
1
If you have just purchased a cactus, carefully inspect it for defects. If you find any disease or pests, treat with the appropriate drug. After this, the plant must be quarantined for about a month. To do this, cover the cactus with a piece of plastic film.
2
Most species of cacti love light, for example, white-haired and plentifully covered with thorns. Therefore, they must be located in the bright part of the room. In doing so, try to avoid direct sunlight. Prickly pears and green cacti feel great in moderate sun. For some, such as phyllocactus, penumbra is needed. And there are cacti that grow best in the shade - these are zygocactus, ripsalis and others.
3
Watering cacti depends on the time of year, plant age, room temperature. So, cacti need abundant watering in spring and summer. The larger the pot in which the cacti grow, the less often they need to be watered. Water for irrigation should be warm, 2-3 degrees above air temperature. In no case do not allow the soil to dry out, otherwise the roots may dry. It is very useful to spray cacti. Experts also advise occasionally to water them with a weak solution of manganese and citric acid.
4
In winter, cacti begin to rest. Therefore, at this time of the year it is necessary to limit the watering of plants. Once every 10 days will be enough. It is also desirable to maintain room temperature within 15-18 degrees. However, some types of cacti can withstand very low temperatures and can be kept in unheated rooms in winter.
5
Cacti are propagated by seeds and cuttings. When growing cactus seeds, sowing is best done in April or the first half of May. Shoots usually appear on the 5-7th day. A container with large drainage holes is best for sowing. Fill the pot with earth, plant the seeds and place it in warm water. Thus, water through the drainage holes will moisten the earth. When shoots appear, the sowing is transferred to a bright place. Pickling seedlings must be done after the appearance of the first thorns.
6
Cuttings of cacti are best done in spring or early summer. Shoots of the plant can serve as shoots, and leaf cactus - leaves. They must be cut with a sharp knife and dried thoroughly. Then plant in sand to a depth of about 1 cm and cover with a jar. As soon as the plant has taken root, start to water it slowly.
