How to fertilize cacti properly
The editor answers questions for netizens about the content of succulent plants like cacti, such as how to fertilize cacti properly. Next, the editor will introduce.
Types of fertilizers suitable for cacti flowers: First, fully decomposed; second, not containing too much salt; third, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, with nitrogen fertilizers as a supplement.
We can choose the appropriate type based on availability and habits. Currently, the more commonly used ones are:
1. Cake fertilizer: The oil cake after extracting edible oil is commonly known as cake fertilizer, commonly used ones include soybean cake and peanut cake. Sesame oil cake is more suitable for cacti. Cake fertilizer decomposes slowly, can be crushed first and then soaked in water to rot, and then the clear liquid is diluted for application. Generally used for faster-growing types, such as Hylocereus undatus, Cereus peruvianus, and Echinopsis.
2. Pigeon droppings or chicken droppings: Suitable for all types. Also soaked in water to decompose and then take the clear liquid for use.
3. Hoof and horn meal and bone meal: This type of fertilizer contains more phosphorus and has a long-lasting effect, suitable for all types. Hoof should be sliced first and then soaked in water to decompose, while bone meal can be soaked directly, also taking the clear liquid after dilution for application.
4. Fish meal: Including fish intestines, shellfish, and snails, it must be completely decomposed before use, and the concentration should be low.
5. Human waste: Contains complete nutrients and is abundant in supply. Generally used more by professional flower growers.
6. Cow dung: Fully decomposed and mixed into the potting soil as a base fertilizer, not only supplies nutrients but also loosens the soil.
7. Wood ash: A commonly used potassium fertilizer, can be mixed into the potting soil.
8. Various commercial flower fertilizers: Mostly inorganic compound fertilizers, quick-acting, and non-polluting. Can be dissolved in water for use, or applied in holes in larger pots, about 10 particles per hole, 3-4 holes per pot.
How to fertilize properly: Proper fertilization means that fertilization should be timely, moderate, and the type and concentration of fertilizers should be used appropriately. Timely means fertilizing when the plant needs it the most, most types have their growth peak in spring and autumn, so fertilization is usually done in these seasons. Generally, fertilize once every half month, 4-5 times in spring, and 2-3 times in autumn. However, for types that rest in summer, more should be applied in autumn. In the high summer temperatures, fertilization should generally be stopped. In late autumn, most types grow well, but if there is no good heating equipment in winter, it is better to limit fertilization. Of course, some types that maintain growth and flowering in winter usually must have special equipment to maintain sufficient growth temperature, in which case fertilization can be appropriate.
The amount of fertilizer applied each time can be equivalent to the amount of water used for watering each time. The potting soil should be basically dry before fertilizing. Loosening the soil before fertilizing yields better results. The type of fertilizer should be chosen based on the type of plant and its growth stage, generally using nitrogen fertilizers in the seedling stage, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the flowering and fruiting stages. Nitrogen fertilizers can be more in spring, and less before winter. Leafy succulents can have slightly more nitrogen, while stem succulents and globose cacti should mainly use phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Since the root osmotic pressure of these plants is low, the fertilizer concentration should be as low as possible, it's better to apply more times than to risk applying a concentrated fertilizer. However, for field-grown Hylocereus undatus and Echinopsis, a slightly higher fertilizer concentration is acceptable. For some soft ball types, such as high sand balls, white stars, and bright palaces, the fertilizer concentration should be particularly low.
Issues to note when fertilizing:
First, do not fertilize newly potted plants, plants with poor growth, damaged roots, plants with wounds on the rootstock, or plants that have turned completely锈-colored after being attacked by red spider mites.
Second, do not fertilize young seedlings that have just emerged from the soil within one month.
Third, do not use organic fertilizers that are not fully decomposed.
Fourth, do not use smelly fertilizers in the city.
Fifth, do not use salty broths, vegetable juices, and fresh milk or soy milk as fertilizers.
Sixth, do not place fresh eggshells on the potting soil as fertilizer.
Seventh, fertilization should be done in the morning or evening on sunny days.
The detailed content introduced above about how to fertilize cacti properly, hoping it can be helpful to you!