Substrate
Most cactus species grow in dry mineral soils with little humus content. However, different substrates are used in the cultivation as long as they are sufficiently permeable. It can be, for example, compost soil with a significant proportion of sand and peat.The reaction of the substrate should be slightly acidic.For cacti with dangling shoots, the substrate should have a higher water capacity and a slightly lower pH.
Light
The light requirements of cacti vary. Direct sunlight is appropriate for desert species. Epiphytic species grow badly in strong sunlight, so it is better to provide them with a partial shade.
Temperature
The optimal temperature for summer growth is 25-35˚C during the day and 15-20˚C at night. In winter, the temperature should be much lower - up to 15˚C during the day and not less than 5˚C at night.This temperature ensures cacti dormancy and promotes flowering in the season.Particularly resistant to low temperatures are some species of the genus Echinocereus, Lobivia, Rebutia and Opuntia. Representatives of the last kind, e.g. puntia phaeocantha with beautiful yellow flowers, can even be cultivated in the ground in some regions of Poland.
Watering
Cacti are widely known for their low moisture requirements. Meager watering is important, especially during the dormant period and when the ambient temperature is lower, because cacti are very sensitive to excessive humidity during cold weatherIn the period of intensive growth, i.e. in spring and summer, the plants are watered more abundantly.Epiphytic cacti have different requirements.
They are not as drought tolerant and require more frequent as well as abundant watering. They also do not go through a significant dormancy period, so they should be watered more or less evenly throughout the year.
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Kwiatnąca rebucja Rebutia (Photo: Fotolia.com) |
Fertilization
In nature, cacti grow on very poor, even sterile soils, so they are able to use almost every ingredient contained in them.On the other hand, they are very sensitive to too much mineral s alts in the substrate, so remember that when feeding cacti we have to be very careful.
They should be fertilized every 3-4 weeks with small doses and only during the period of intensive growth, i.e. from May to August. It is best if we use solutions of special fertilizers for cacti, containing less nitrogen.
