Short. The purpose of ND filters is to reduce the amount of light entering the...
The homeland of thorny plants is the arid regions of the desert. Cacti have adapted to adverse conditions: during rare rainfall, moisture accumulates inside the leaves and trunk, and then economically spent for a long time. For growing at home, it is important to properly care for the plant, to know how to water the cactus so that this does not lead to rotting of the roots.
Features of watering cacti
Frequent and abundant soil moisture is harmful to succulents: water displaces air and prevents the roots from breathing. Excess moisture, lack of oxygen in the earth provokes the appearance and reproduction of putrefactive infections. An exception to this rule is the Schlumberger cactus (zygocactus), which loves abundant watering and does not grow in dark room. Conditions of detention, weather, variety, season, affect the amount of water needed by the plant. So, if a small pot is in a sunny room, then the soil dries quickly, and the flower needs abundant watering.
In summer, the cactus actively grows and develops, so the soil must be watered every morning, and on sunny days it must also be sprayed. It is important at the same time to direct the flow not to the plant itself, but on top of it. Exceptions are prickly pear and epiphytic cacti, the leaves of which can be washed under running water. In cloudy and rainy weather, the air is humidified, so from water procedures better to refuse. On cold autumn days, the frequency of watering should be gradually reduced.
In winter, it is important to provide home flower peace: take care of sufficient lighting of the cactus, fresh air and minimal watering. The pot is best placed in a cool place with optimal temperature– 5–10°С. Watering cacti in winter should be kept to a minimum: large varieties during these months, moisturize 1-2 times, small ones - 1 time in 2 weeks.
Watering cacti at home
The key to the successful growth of any plant - proper care. Regular watering of cacti at home is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. There are many nuances that need to be taken into account when moistening the substrate: what water to water, how often, in what way, what to do during the flowering period of the cactus, how and in what volume to feed.
Ways
Flower growers distinguish several methods of watering houseplant: through the pallet or from above. A comparison of these methods is presented in the table:
rules
Melt water or rain water is suitable for watering thorny plants. For those who do not have the opportunity to collect it, it is recommended to use settled (at least a day) or warm boiled. The use of hard water is undesirable: it is better to soften it with peat or pass it through a filter to remove chlorine. Otherwise, at the base of the stem will appear white coating- calcium salts are deposited. This will not only ruin appearance thorns, but will also harm the plant.
Remember the basic rules:
- the moisturizing procedure should be carried out in the morning or in the evening, the main thing is not on a hot day;
- use warm water (not lower than 12 ° C);
- take care of drainage to avoid stagnant water;
- pour water in a thin stream along the edge of the pot to wet only the soil, but not on the plant itself;
- it is better to underfill than overfill;
- when flowering, do not over-moisten the plant: the buds will grow into shoots;
- at low temperature and high humidity is required rare watering(water from the earth evaporates slowly), and vice versa;
- when flowers appear, do not move the pot, do not turn it over, otherwise the buds will fall off;
- some varieties, such as cereus, should be sprayed with warm water when flowering.
top dressing
There is no single point of view about fertilizing cacti. These peculiar plants require special feeding. So, the essential components of nutrition include:
- Nitrogen. For ordinary plants chemical element necessary for growth. Desert flowers grow slowly. If the soil is highly enriched with nitrogen, this will negatively affect the plant: the stems will become watery and loose, the skin will burst, scars and wounds will form, and cactus babies will not be able to fully develop. You should not use a lot of this organic element as a top dressing, but you should not completely exclude it, so that nitrogen starvation does not occur. The exception is fast-growing, epiphytic cacti.
- Potassium. Vital necessary element regulates growth, forms a dense skin, stimulates maturation and flowering. Its deficiency can give the succulent a bronze hue.
- Calcium. Indispensable construction material for spines, hairs and bristles. With its lack, the root system becomes weak, the spines become soft, and the plant itself becomes fragile.
- Phosphorus stimulates root growth, affects seed viability and fruit ripening.
Florists rarely use organic fertilizers. Liquid solutions are suitable for top dressing, which are easier to dose. It is important to observe the concentration - 1 g of salts per 1 liter of water. Fertilize the soil 2 times a month from March to September, in the rest of the period, cacti are not fed. If the weather is rainy for a long time in the summer, then the amount of top dressing should be reduced. Metabolism slows down and the plant no longer needs much nutrients. When transplanting, fertilize the soil no earlier than after 20 days.
How often to water a cactus
The regularity of water procedures also depends on the location and material. flower pot. So, if the window faces the sunny south or east side, then more frequent watering is required than if it is oriented to the north or west. When using a ceramic container, they moisten the earth more abundantly than when plastic utensils. Age also affects the regime: young cacti require more frequent watering than adults.
in winter
AT winter time year, the cactus has a dormant time, the growth rate slows down, so the amount of watering should be reduced, and feeding should not be used. To control the frequency, it is recommended to keep a calendar. In some species, flowering is not associated with the growth period, so the plant can bloom at any time. This is not a reason to increase the amount of watering. You can moisten the earth a little more often or more, but not in the same volumes as in summer and spring.
Watering in the cultivation of cacti is the most crucial moment. Their homeland is located in very arid regions of the Earth, therefore, during rare precipitation, cacti accumulate moisture and spend it during long period. Excessive and too frequent watering is harmful to them, as it leads to rotting of the roots. But this does not mean that it is better not to water cacti at all.
Definitely answer the question "How to properly water a cactus?" impossible. AT different time year, at various conditions content identical plants need different amounts of water. If the room is sunny, dry, and the pot is small, then the soil dries quickly and watering is needed more abundantly. In the summer months, the plant begins to develop and grow rapidly, so daily watering is desirable, preferably in the morning. By evening, when the air temperature drops, all the moisture from the pallet will be absorbed into the earthen ball and the water will not stagnate. Small varieties are grown in tiny pots, they should still be moistened by spraying. On rainy, cloudy days, watering is not needed, there is enough moisture in the air, otherwise the thorn may rot.
In winter, almost all varieties of cacti stop growing, rest, they must be kept in a cold, dry room. On warm, sunny days - ventilate. Cacti that bloom in autumn and winter need regular watering. For example, Schlumberger ("Decembrist") with the appearance of buds is regularly watered.
Who first came up with the stereotype that cacti do not need to be watered? Now we are unlikely to know. On what basis did this invention come about? Unless, on knowledge of winter care. In principle, now it doesn’t matter who let this bike out to the people. Much more important is proper care, in which water occupies, perhaps, a central place.
Despite a certain drought resistance, for the normal development and growth of the plant, you should know a few seasonal rules. And follow the recommendations for watering. Otherwise, your cacti will grow very poorly, and you won’t wait for flowers at all. By the way, absolutely all types and varieties bloom. Let's find out how to water a cactus at home?
Each season has its own irrigation system. It is based on the natural vegetative cycle of the cactus. At different times, the plant requires a different amount of water for drinking, normal growth and good flowering. Therefore, we draw up a watering schedule using the natural cycle of cactus development.
Spring
In natural natural conditions habitat this time of year - the rainy season. Therefore, the water should be soft, settled. Best filtered and room temperature. Cacti need to be watered every day. Little by little, but often.
Do not be afraid of stagnation of excess fluid. If your pet is planted in correct soil with a good drainage layer, then all the excess will flow out. And nothing threatens the roots.
Summer
In nature, it is hot during the day and cool at night. Therefore, watering comes mainly from the dew that accumulates on the surface of the cactus. This is due to the difference between day and night temperatures. We do this: in the early morning and late evening we spray the cactus with a spray gun every day. Spray well. We stop when water begins to flow down the plant in large drops.As a rule, the cactus sits in a small pot. And in summer heat the earth in it quickly dries up. Therefore, do not be afraid to destroy the cactus with such frequent watering. Everything that he does not have time to drink will safely evaporate or drain through the drainage.
And further. Do not spray the cactus during the day. He, too, can get severe burns. Especially if it grows in direct sunlight.
Autumn
Gradually, the temperature difference decreases, the thermometer slowly slides down. In nature, there is almost no dew, sometimes it rains a little. Maybe once every 5 days.
So we water the cactus in a similar way. Water the cactus well every 5-7 days. Again, keep an eye on the water temperature. It should be 2-3°C below room temperature. Accordingly, we lower the air temperature.
Winter
In nature, this season is dry and cool. Day and night temperatures are approximately the same, which rarely rise above +16°C. There is practically no rain. Sometimes, maybe once a month, a crazy cloud will fly in and water the cactus.
Our actions must be identical. We water our prickly pet no more than once a month. Keep at a temperature of about + 16-17 ° C.
In order not to pour the cactus in the cold season, be sure to make notes on the calendar or diary. Better not rely on your memory, write down the date of the next watering. Or set an alarm with a note on your phone. At the right time, he will notify you that it is time to water the cactus.
With the advent of spring, we gradually increase the watering of cacti. Then we repeat the annual cycle.
General requirements
Water for watering cacti should not be too hard. If you use a well, it is better to boil it. So you will definitely be sure that you will not water the plant badly. The same goes for tap water if, after settling, a hard salt coating or a thin layer of rust remains on the walls of the dishes.
We do not recommend using acid to reduce water hardness. It is very easy to overdo it with the number of drops. And in nature, cacti rarely water acid rain. No, of course, if you are a certified chemist, you may well try. It is better for mere mortals to boil in the old fashioned way.
Some breeders prefer to water the cactus at home with rainwater only. Or even bring snow from the street, then melt it. All this would be great if not for the current state of the environment.
Are you sure that with this natural water bring pathogenic bacteria or half of the periodic table into the house? It is unlikely that the cactus will like such supplements in the diet. It is desirable to clean any water for irrigation as much as possible. You need to feed the cactus with special fertilizer, instead of a chemical poison that is incomprehensible in composition.
If you still can’t wait to pamper your prickly pet with melt water, then do this:
- filter prepared water for irrigation
- let it sit for at least a day
- pour into a suitable container (tight bag or plastic container)
- place in the freezer
- Take the ice out of the freezer after 3 days.
- let it melt completely and cool to room temperature
- carefully pour into another container, being careful not to shake the sediment
Everything, now you have clean melt water, which you can safely water the cactus. It is important not to boil this wonderful liquid at any stage of preparation. Otherwise, the structure will change completely. Then why all the preparations?
After each watering, carefully monitor the presence of excess liquid in the pan. Even in spring and summer, when you water cacti abundantly and regularly, the pan should remain dry. Be sure to drain everything from it to the last drop. Otherwise, the roots of the plant will begin to rot, and you will have to treat it stubbornly for a long time.
For the same reason, it is not recommended to plant a cactus in a clay or ceramic pot. This material perfectly absorbs moisture, gradually giving it away when the earthen coma dries up. You can't see it from the outside, so you'll be watering your prickly friend more than you need to. And moisture will accumulate. Then rotting of the roots or disease of the plant itself will begin. And you will puzzle for a long time about where it came from.
Use plastic pots. So you will definitely be sure that all excess liquid is glass in the pan.
In summer and spring, when keeping cacti outdoors, pay attention to humidity. environment. After rain or in cloudy weather, you can skip watering. The cactus will have enough of the liquid that is in the air.
At extremely high temperatures, on the contrary, watering is more frequent. After all, dry air is just as detrimental to a cactus as it is to other plants. Undoubtedly, the cactus easily tolerates the drying of an earthen coma. But still, the supply of his vitality is not infinite.
With special attention observe the watering regime if the cactus began to produce buds. It is strictly forbidden to change something when the first buds of flowers appear. The slightest deviation from the usual conditions of detention - and instead of flowers, young shoots will begin to grow from the buds. Wait for the end of flowering. And only then change the watering mode to a more suitable one, according to the time of year.
How to water a cactus at home? As you can see, this is a whole science. But your plants will be as close as possible to natural conditions. Accordingly, they will begin to grow well and delight you.
Video: watering and feeding cacti in spring
Cacti are the original evergreens, their feature is the trunk unusual shape with sharp leaves-needles. They belong to the carnation family. America is the birthplace of cacti, more than 3 thousand specimens are known, which, according to their habitat, are divided into desert and forest.
These plants can be found in the deserts of Africa, Argentina, Mexico, Chile. Representatives of forest species grow in the tropical jungle. In nature, cacti can grow up to several meters in height, and varieties intended for home growing bred by scientists-breeders, therefore they are small in size.
Some of exotic plants possess healing properties, others may bloom very beautiful flowers and are used for decorative design premises.
Besides caring for a cactus at home is not difficult, so prickly pets have long been widely recognized by almost all flora lovers.
Varieties of cacti
Some of the most popular types for growing indoors include:
How to care for a cactus - basic rules
Caring for cacti is very simple, as they are quite unpretentious and drought-resistant. H about certain rules when keeping these plants, it is necessary to observe that prickly pets grow up healthy and delight you with their chic flowering.
All cacti are divided into 2 groups:
- Desert. Such plants need sunlight, in winter they need to be watered very rarely.
- Forest. These specimens in the summer must be protected from direct sun rays and with the onset of cold weather, reduce watering.
Desert and forest species differ not only in external data, but also in the conditions of detention. After acquiring a plant, you need to find out exactly what species it belongs to, depending on this, decide how to care for the cactus that you have.
Features of keeping home cacti
Exotic plants are very sensitive to seasonal temperature changes. Their vital activity is divided into a period of active growth and a resting stage. Depending on the change in temperature in the room, the cactus can go from one state to another. For its full existence, it is necessary that in spring and summer the temperature in the room be 25–27 degrees, and in winter, when the cacti “fall asleep” no higher than 10–12 degrees.
Thorny plants should be comfortable and cozy in your home, so you must adhere to the following rules while caring for them:
Cactus: care and cultivation
Planting and reproduction
First of all, you need to choose a suitable pot for a prickly pet. root system these plants are quite powerful and branched, so it is better to choose a tall pot for planting, given that its height is greater than its width. Clay or plastic containers of any shape are ideal.
For planting, you need soil that contains leafy soil, turf, and coarse sand. All useful ingredients must be selected depending on the type, variety and age of the plant. Often flower growers simply buy ready-made substrate, designed specifically for cacti, in a special store. Properly selected soil and competent care at home will help to grow a healthy and beautiful plant.
Landing should be done in the spring. At the bottom of the container where the plant will be located, as a drainage layer, it is necessary to put not a large number of coarse sand or pebbles. Then you need to fill the pot with soil and place the cactus there. After that, at the very top, you need to pour some river sand and small pebbles so that the soil does not retain water when you water the plant.
Cacti propagate using seeds or cuttings.. Growing a plant from seeds is a rather complicated and time-consuming process; the vegetative method is often used for this.
In order to grow exotic flower from seeds, the following steps will be required:
The most common way to propagate exotic flowers is by cuttings., it is the most efficient, convenient and simple. Many cacti often grow lateral shoots or "babies" from which a new cactus can be grown. To do this, you just need to separate the overgrown part, plant it in a pot with soil, water it and take care of it, like the rest of the cacti.
Cacti that do not have shoots can also be propagated. To do this, cut off a healthy shoot or part of the stem, then dry the cut and plant it in a moist substrate.
When caring for exotic flowers, it is necessary to replant them periodically. For young plants, transplantation should be carried out once a year, and adult cacti need to renew the ground once every 3-4 years. The best time for this - from the beginning of March to the end of May.
How to water a cactus at home
Plants must be watered regularly.. Water for this should be soft and settled. You can use rain or melt, room temperature. In summer, flowers must be watered daily, every morning. If the room is cool and pretty high humidity, watering is optional, as the plants can take moisture from the air. In winter, you need to water in small doses so that the soil does not dry out. It is best to moisten the soil in two ways - from above near the plant and pour water into the pan.
The basic rules for watering are:
Fertilization
For full growth, development and flowering, exotic flowers must be fed. organic fertilizers with phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Top dressing is necessary once a week from the end of March to the beginning of autumn. In winter, when the plant is at rest, it is not necessary to fertilize the soil.
Possible problems with the content of the flower
If the cactus does not grow, looks bad or, in general, dies, the reasons for this may be the following:
- Wrong care.
- Pests and diseases.
- Bad mode.
- Changing conditions of detention, stress.
- Mechanical damage.
Cacti suffer the most from different kind rot, which occurs due to waterlogging of the soil. To cure the plant, you need to remove it from the pot, rinse all the roots in running water, then dry and cut off all damaged roots and parts of the plant. After that, sprinkle these places antiseptic and transplant the cactus into a new container and put a lighted place, but do not water until you notice that the flower has begun to grow.
Often the plant can be affected: mealybug, shield aphid, spider mite. Here, the main thing is to start pest control in time, for this you need to treat cacti with insecticides - chemicals that destroy insects.
With proper care for prickly pets, you can achieve excellent results - an exotic garden will appear on your window, consisting of original cacti blooming with lush and bright colors.
Features of growing cacti at home:
- In summer, the cactus grows at temperatures up to 24 ° C. In winter, most species need a decrease in temperature. If you keep them at temperatures above 20 ° C, they will not bloom.
- Cacti need a lot of light. If it is not enough, the top of the trunk is pulled out, and the plant loses its attractiveness.
- In summer, cacti can be taken out into the street. It is only necessary to take into account that they are very afraid of drafts. Plants must be protected from rain and wind with a film. First, the cacti are taken out for several hours. Gradually increase the time spent outside. After a couple of weeks, they can be left overnight. Changes in temperature at different times of the day harden the cactus, its spines become shiny. Such hardening strengthens the plant, helps it to endure winter more easily.
- In winter, plants are installed closer to the glass. But you can't get close to him. It must be remembered that the cactus does not like to travel around the apartment. He does not tolerate well not only the movement from one window to another. The cactus should not be rotated around its axis. Feed once every 2 weeks from April to the end of August.
- If you water the cactus with hard water, which contains a large amount of salts, the soil dries long time, the lower part of the stem is covered with a brown salt coating. It spoils the appearance of the cactus, but will not bring much harm.
- Pests common to most plants: mealybug, spider mite. You need to deal with them by treating them with insecticides. But it is better to avoid infection.
Repot the cactus in the spring. Only young plants are transplanted annually. Those who have reached 4 years - after 2 or 3 years. Dishes for transplanting a cactus can be of any shape. But flowerpots-cubes made of white polystyrene have become popular for growing cacti. If they have a retractable bottom, then removing the cactus from such a pot is much easier.
The size of the pot is taken a little more than the diameter of the cactus. A layer of gravel is laid at the bottom, which will allow moisture to easily pass through the soil. The base of the cactus should be at the level of the pot. Spread the roots in different sides. Sprinkle with mixture. It is advisable to put a layer of sand or gravel on top. It will protect the soil from compaction and drying out. You can pick up beautiful decorative stones that will decorate the pot.
After transplanting, the cactus is not watered for 4 days, but exposed to the sun after it takes root.
The land mixture consists of washed river sand, finely broken bricks, peat, turf and leaf ground. They make the composition loose and breathable. Peat is taken 2 times less than sand. It will help make the soil slightly acidic. The prepared soil is steamed to disinfect it.
Mixtures for young and adult cacti differ in composition. For young people, you need to add sod land, for adults - clay. Can buy ready mix in a flower shop.
Cacti that grow quickly need humus. Prickly species are sprinkled with eggshells in the soil.
Cacti do not require frequent watering with a small amount of water. It displaces the air and prevents the roots from breathing. Most species require watering only when the earth ball is completely dry. The exception is cacti. moist forests. For each apartment or room, the drying time of the soil can vary significantly.
When and how to water a cactus:
- To determine how dry the soil is, you need to make a recess in the corner of the pot and check the moisture manually.
- Water for watering cacti should be soft. It can be obtained using filters. Can be boiled running water from the tap and then stand up. Cactus does not absorb cold water, the temperature of which is below 12°C.
- Shed an earthen lump completely. Excess water drains into the tray. It is drained from there in half an hour. The disadvantage of this method is that useful material quickly move to the lower part and are washed out. There is a risk of water getting on the stem.
- You can pour water into the tray. Thus, it does not fall on the cactus stem. The main part of the roots is in the bottom of the pot, so they will be able to absorb moisture. In this case, it is difficult to determine right amount water. This requires some experience.
- The cactus absorbs a lot of water. It will take him a long time to digest it. The substrate dries out between waterings, saturated with air. The roots breathe, the cactus grows.
How many times should a cactus be watered?
- In winter, adult plants are watered according to the requirements of the species, approximately once a month. Small ones - once every 2-3 weeks, a couple of tablespoons of water is enough for them. You can spray the plants with warm water once a month and water them once. During the formation and growth of buds, cacti are only sprayed.
- In the spring, from March, increase the amount of watering. In March, it is enough to do this once every 2 weeks, in April - once a decade, in May - once a week. Sprayed every 2-3 weeks.
- In summer, in the heat, the soil dries out very quickly. Therefore, most species are watered every day or every other day.
- In autumn, the number of waterings is gradually reduced: in September once a week, in October - once every 2 weeks. From November to March, a period of rest and wintering begins again.
When watering cacti, some restrictions must be observed. Do not water in the heat when the sun is at its zenith. This may cause burns. Do not water on a rainy day. It is best to do this in the evening. Some types of cacti in the hottest period cease to function, do not grow. Therefore, watering them at this time is not necessary. After all, they cannot absorb water in this state. When caring for cacti, you need to remember that it is better to add too little water than pour it too much.
More information can be found in the video:
