How to Promote the Blooming of Cacti and Succulents
The editor brings you knowledge about succulent plants, specifically how to promote the blooming of cacti and succulents. Let's take a look together.
There are many reasons why cacti and succulents cannot bloom early, which can be divided into two aspects. One is related to the germplasm, meaning that different species require varying years to reach the blooming stage, with some needing only 2 to 3 years after sowing, and others taking 20 to 30 years or even longer. The second aspect is related to sunlight, temperature, fertilizer, and propagation methods. To promote earlier blooming, you can start with the following aspects.
1. Temperature. The general optimal growing temperature is between 20°C to 30°C, and it's important to maintain a significant day-night temperature difference, such as keeping it at 30°C during the day and below 25°C at night. Avoid continuous hot and humid conditions in summer, as when the temperature is between 30°C to 35°C, most species grow slowly, and above 38°C, they enter a forced dormancy. In winter, the room temperature should be kept at no less than 5°C to avoid cold damage.
2. Light. As long as the temperature conditions allow and it's not the rainy season, it's best to place the cacti outdoors for care, as outdoor ventilation is good and the ultraviolet light is higher, which is beneficial for the plant's growth and reaching reproductive maturity early.
3. Potting Soil. For terrestrial cacti, a mixture of 2 parts loam, 2 parts decomposed leaf soil, 3 parts river sand, and 1 part old lime wall debris can be used.
4. Water. Watering must follow the natural rainfall patterns of their native habitats and be done reasonably. For most terrestrial varieties, during the dormant period, watering should be strictly controlled to keep the soil slightly moist but not overly dry. When the room temperature is above 15°C in winter, normal watering can be done. When the room temperature is between 5°C to 10°C, water every half month, and below 5°C, watering can be stopped completely. From April to June, water every 1 to 2 days. From July to August, when the temperature exceeds 38°C to 40°C, the plant enters forced dormancy, and ventilation should be enhanced, and watering should be reduced, resuming normal watering when it cools down in autumn.
5. Fertilizer. Increasing fertilization during the growing season can promote plant growth and early blooming. Generally, fertilization should be stopped when the temperature is above 32°C or below 20°C to avoid root damage from fertilizer burns, which can lead to plant death. Fertilizers such as chicken manure, cow dung, cake fertilizer, and bone meal can be used after thorough decomposition and diluted for application. Care should be taken not to splash fertilizer solution on the plant, as this can easily cause the pads or balls to rot. Additionally, a 0.3% solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate or heavy superphosphate can be applied. Special emphasis should be placed on not fertilizing newly potted plants, those with poor growth, or those with underdeveloped roots. Unfermented organic fertilizer should not be used, nor should meat or vegetable broths containing salt.
This article shares detailed explanations on how to promote the blooming of cacti and succulents, hoping it can bring you help in green plant management!