Cactus care
The birthplace of this thorny but such an unusual plant is Mexico. The sun there is bright and warm all year round, so it is better to choose southern windows for living. He will be happy with direct sunlight. In the summer, the plant can even be taken outside under the hot sun. A lack of sunlight and light will cause the needles to fall off. In winter, it is better to put the plant in the warmest and most illuminated place; experts also recommend using phytolamps.
Temperature regime of the cactus
If you want the plant to grow, the ideal temperature is +25 degrees. At +30 degrees, growth will stop, but this is not harmful to the plant. In winter, there is usually a dormant period. The minimum temperature for a cactus is +12 degrees.
How to water a cactus?
Water for irrigation must be prepared in advance and defended for several days. The temperature of the water for irrigation should be about the same as the air in the room where the plant is standing. The plant needs watering only when the soil is completely dry. If the cactus is in a cool room, no watering is needed. But if he hibernates in a warm place, you need to water it with warm water once a month.
How to choose a pot for a cactus
The ideal container would be plastic or ceramic pots covered with glaze. The diameter of the pot is chosen a couple of centimeters wider than the plant itself. The flowerpot must be stable and not high, otherwise the heavy top of the cactus can knock it over.
Flowering and color
Some varieties of cactus are grown with dyes, which is why they are sometimes so bright with colored needles. Bringing home over time, the plant takes on its natural look. The cactus blooms once a year, in the period May-June, and only if it is already about 20 years old. At the top of the plant, a bud appears on a long stem from which the bud opens. The flower itself pleases with its beauty for 5-7 days.
Breeding cactus
Children may already appear in adult plants. It is necessary that the small process grow a little. Then, carefully separating it, we leave it for several hours so that the root dries up and can be transplanted into a prepared pot. The capacity should be matched to the size of the plant. Drainage is laid on the bottom of the pot and then river sand is specially heated in the oven and cooled down. The place of the cut on the baby and the large plant is well treated with charcoal powder and placed on the sand. Watering is not required; spraying with water is the best option.
See also: How to care for cut flowers?