How to care for Golden Tiger cactus
Today, I will explain in detail how to care for Golden Tiger cactus and introduce the planting methods related to Golden Tiger cactus in the field of green plants and flowers. Next, the editor of this site will introduce it to everyone.
How to care for Golden Tiger cactus? The Golden Tiger cactus is native to the dry and hot desert areas from San Luis Potosi to Hidalgo in central Mexico. It is one of the most charming varieties of cacti, relatively easy to cultivate, and an ideal ornamental plant for urban and home greening. Let's take a look at how to care for Golden Tiger cactus together!
Golden Tiger Cactus Cultivation Conditions
Golden Tiger cactus prefers sufficient light, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. In summer, it should be properly shaded, but not overly shaded, otherwise the plant will become elongated and its ornamental value will decrease. The suitable growth temperature is 25°C during the day and 10-13°C at night, with a suitable day-night temperature difference that can accelerate the growth of the Golden Tiger cactus.
In winter, Golden Tiger cactus should be placed in a greenhouse or a sunny indoor area, maintaining a temperature of 8-10°C. If the temperature is too low in winter, ugly yellow spots will appear on the plant.
Golden Tiger Cactus Propagation Methods
Golden Tiger cactus is commonly propagated by seeding, grafting of young plants, and cutting propagation.
1. Seeding Method: Use seeds harvested in the same year for higher germination rates. In spring or autumn, select full Golden City seeds (black), soak and germinate for two days, then sow in pot soil. Germination occurs in about 7-10 days. When the seedlings grow to 1 centimeter, thin out the seedlings at a spacing of 5×5 centimeters. When they grow to 4 centimeters, they can be transplanted, with one plant per small pot. After 30-40 days of germination, the seedling cacti will be the size of a grain of rice or mung bean and can be transplanted or grafted on the rootstock for faster growth.
2. Grafting Method: Grafting 3-month-old seedlings onto soft and tender Selenicereus grandiflorus to promote growth. When the scion reaches a certain size or the rootstock can no longer support it, it can be cut off, dried for the wound, and then transplanted into a pot. In a fertile soil and well-ventilated environment, ungrafted seedlings also grow quickly. After potting the seedlings or grafted plants, they should be placed in a semi-shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight. After 7-10 days, if the cacti do not shrink, they have survived.
3. Cutting Method: This is the most common propagation method and can be done all year round. First, cut mature pieces from the mother plant and place them in the shade for half a day before planting. This is the key to survival. The cutting medium should be well-ventilated, capable of water retention, and good drainage, such as perlite, vermiculite, or river sand. After planting, do not water, only spray to slightly moisten the sand.
4. Grafting Method: Using the grafting method to propagate can promote growth and early flowering. Except for the high humidity period when the cut surfaces are prone to rot, grafting can be done at other times, with September being the most suitable. The rootstock should be the three-angled arrow, which has a strong affinity with the Golden Tiger cactus. When grafting, make a horizontal cut at an appropriate height on the rootstock, then make a horizontal cut on the lower part of the scion ball. After cutting, immediately place the scion on the cut surface of the rootstock (ensuring that at least a part of the vascular bundles of the scion and rootstock are in close contact), then tie them together with fine thread, keeping the upper and lower cut surfaces close. After grafting, place the pot in a slightly shaded area, cover with plastic film to maintain humidity, and the binding can be removed after 3 to 7 days.
Golden Tiger Cactus Cultivation Preparation
1. Potting Soil Selection: The soil should be loose, moderately fertile, neutral or slightly alkaline in pH, and rich in organic matter. Bagged soil is available in the market, or you can make your own.
① 3 parts loam, 2 parts decomposed leaf soil or peat, 1 part screened bone meal, 4 parts coarse sand,
② 3 parts coarse sand, 3 parts garden soil, 2 parts decomposed leaf soil, 1 part lime, 1 part broken bricks or tiles, with a little superphosphate, charcoal granules, or bone meal added.
2. Pot Selection: The best choice is a breathable clay pot, followed by ceramic or porcelain pots. The size of the pot should match the size of the Golden Tiger cactus, with a gap of 3-4 centimeters between the plant and the pot wall. For larger plants, the gap can be slightly larger.
3. Appropriate Light and Temperature: Golden Tiger cactus enjoys plenty of sunlight, and it should be placed in a sunny area during the growing season. In summer, it should be semi-shaded, as direct sunlight can cause burns. If kept in a low-light environment for a long time, the plant will become elongated and lack vitality, reducing its ornamental value. In winter, it should also be placed in a sunny indoor area, maintaining a temperature of 8-10°C. The minimum temperature should not be below 4°C.
4. Water and Fertilizer in Moderation: In spring and early summer, water can be given moderately, and a small amount of decomposed thin liquid fertilizer and compound fertilizer can be applied. When the temperature reaches above 38°C in midsummer, the plant enters a summer dormancy period, and watering should be controlled and fertilizing stopped. Normal water and fertilizer management can be resumed in autumn, and in winter, watering should be strictly controlled to keep the potting soil from becoming too dry.
The above is the content about how to care for Golden Tiger cactus and its planting methods, hope it helps you!