In the process of maintaining cactus flowers, many people often go into the misunderstanding of cultivation: as long as the plants are exposed to the sun all the year round, they should be planted with coarse sand under high temperature and drought conditions. These flowers can be raised well. In fact, in order to cultivate and manage cactus flowers well, it is necessary to maintain them according to the origin, morphology and habits of different kinds and varieties.

According to the origin and morphology, cactus flowers can be divided into terrestrial and epiphytic types. Terrestrial cactus is native to arid desert or semi-desert areas in tropical and subtropical America. Its stems become spherical and columnar, and its leaves become needles. April ~ 10 is the rainy season every year, and the water absorption growth period is 10 to March of the following year. Epiphytic cactus is native to tropical rain forest, with flat stems, few thorns, no dormancy period or inconspicuousness, and requires semi-shade, warmth, humidity and high air humidity all the year round.

First, change pots.

(1) basin changing time

Turnover and soil replacement every year 1 time are generally carried out in spring (from mid-March to early April) or autumn (from September of 10 to early mid-October of 10), and watering should be stopped 3-5 days before changing pots. When changing pots, first take the plants out of the pots, shake off the soil at the roots, and cut off all the old roots, rotten roots and semi-withered roots. Be careful not to cut off the taproot, the so-called "radish root", leaving only 3-4 cm long healthy roots. Dry the cut plants in a cool and ventilated place for 5-6 days before replanting, so that the roots can grow quickly and well. If there are young plants next to the old plants, they can be broken, properly trimmed and planted separately to become new plants.

(2) Preparation, disinfection and planting of culture soil

For terrestrial species, 5 parts of loam, 3 parts of peat soil or humus soil, 2 parts of coarse sand and a small amount of slaked lime or old wall ash can be added to make calcareous sand or sandy loam with good drainage and permeability; Epiphytes can use 1 part compost soil, coarse sand and peat soil respectively, and add a little bone powder to make neutral or slightly acidic fertile culture soil with rich humus and good drainage and water retention. After the cultivation soil is prepared, spray 400~500ml of 50 times solution of 40% formaldehyde per cubic meter, sprinkle it on the cultivation soil 10 ~ 20 days before use, mix it evenly, cover it with plastic film, uncover the film before planting 1 week, and plant it after the medicinal flavor is exhausted. When planting new plants, put a layer of gauze on the drain hole at the bottom of the flowerpot to prevent pests, and then cover the gauze with tiles to facilitate drainage. Pot soil should be added 2 ~ 3 cm away from the mouth of the pot to facilitate later watering. Because the soil is wet, it is not necessary to water it immediately after planting, but only after 7 ~ 10/time. The planted plants should be kept in a bright place without direct sunlight. After about 10 days, new roots will germinate, and then water 1 time to restore normal management.

Second, the cultivation management technology

(1) Water and spray water

Terrestrial cactus has obvious growth period and dormancy period, so it needs watering in the growth period, and less or even no watering in the dormancy period. Epiphytic type, the temperature is kept above 65438 02℃ in winter, and it can be watered and sprayed all year round; When the temperature is kept below 12℃ in winter, watering can be reduced and water spraying can be stopped as appropriate. When watering, master the principle of "dry thoroughly, don't do it without watering"; The water temperature should be as close to the soil temperature as possible. Water should be done early (before sunrise) and late (after sunset) in summer and10am ~1/am in winter. And pour the water directly on the pot soil, otherwise it will affect the beauty of the thorn. In addition, water should be sprinkled on the ground in summer to increase air humidity.

(2) Fertilization

Fertilization should follow the following principles: timely, appropriate and targeted. Fertilization should be carried out in spring and autumn, every 20 days 1 time, and in the early morning or evening on sunny days. If the basin soil is dry, sprinkle some water on the basin soil and then fertilize it, with the concentration of 0.05% ~ 0.2%. Pour 1 time the next morning, and the effect will be better. Land fertilization needs fertilizers rich in potassium, phosphorus and less nitrogen, while epiphytic fertilization needs more nitrogen.

(3) Lighting

Lusheng prefers sunshine, especially in winter. Generally, tall, cylindrical and flat cactus is resistant to strong light and can be placed outdoors in summer without shading; Smaller spherical species prefer semi-cloudy environments in summer. In summer and high temperature season, from June to August, a round plastic film is covered around the growth point at the top of Jinhu, so that all parts of the sphere grow evenly. Epiphytic cactus needs semi-cloudy environment all year round.

(4) Temperature

The optimum temperature for cactus growth is between 20 ~ 35℃. Terrestrial land does not require high temperature in winter dormancy period, and the temperature can be maintained at 4 ~ 7℃ while keeping the basin soil dry. Epiphytic winter requires higher temperature, so it is appropriate to maintain 10 ~ 13℃ or higher. When the temperature reaches 30 ~ 35℃ in summer, the growth rate of most cacti will slow down, and sometimes some kinds of stems will turn yellow or be burned. At this time, it is necessary to shade the sun and sprinkle more water on the ground to reduce the temperature.

(5) Air

Most cactus flowers are native to desert open areas, with good ventilation and fresh air. Therefore, in the hot weather in midsummer, it is necessary to do a good job of ventilation and cooling in breeding places. The cultivation greenhouse should be in an air circulation environment, and more windows, skylights and other vents should be set up to facilitate ventilation in hot summer weather. When necessary, equipment such as exhaust fan, hair dryer or electric fan can be installed to enhance the air circulation effect of the environment and promote the safe summer of cactus flowers.

(6) Pests and diseases

There are bacteria and fungi that harm cactus flowers, but the problem is not very serious. As long as the cultivation conditions are improved, the management measures are appropriate, and the prevention and control of pests and diseases are two-pronged, it is easy to achieve good results. Common diseases and insect pests mainly include:

1. Rot. Its pathogens are bacteria and fungi. The occurrence of this disease is often related to improper watering, poor drainage of basin soil and excessive continuous humidity. Immediately after finding the diseased plant, cut off the diseased plant tissue with a sharp knife, smear the incision with charcoal powder or sulfur powder, control watering or changing pots at the same time, and carry out cutting or grafting respectively. It is best to spray 800 ~ 1000 times of 40% copper oxychloride suspension on planting sites and plants regularly for prevention and control, but mainly to improve ventilation conditions and avoid excessive continuous humidity.

Insects and other animals are harmful. There are mainly scale insects, red spiders and clams. 50% omethoate emulsion 1000 times can be sprayed to control scale insects; The control of red spider can be sprayed with 600 times of 20% dicofol wettable powder or 1000 times of 40% dicofol emulsifiable concentrate; To control rats and tide insects, 2000 times of Robam solution can be sprayed around flower stands and flowerpots; To control snails and clams, lime powder can be sprayed around flowerpots, and 8% mirex granules can also be applied; To control cockroaches and ants, drugs for killing cockroaches and ants or sugar water can be added and mixed with trichlorfon drugs for poisoning.