Cactus refers to plants that can reproduce by processes. "Kids" in this case may not have roots. Succulent is unpretentious in nature and can survive in almost any situation. In this article we will consider in detail how to plant cacti at home from the shoots.
Pros and cons of the method
Propagation of cactus by shoots has a number of advantages. This method is quite simple and economical. Special costs for its implementation are not required. However, there is always a risk that an exotic plant simply does not take root in a new environment. This is directly related to the fact that the appendix does not have its roots.
Choose a time
How to plant cacti at home? What is the best time to engage in this process? Let's dwell on this in more detail. The cactus sprout can be planted throughout the year. However, the spring-summer period is more suitable for the implementation of this procedure. The climate in the homeland of succulents is quite hot. Therefore, it is better if the duration of daylight hours and the temperature regime are as close as possible to the native weather conditions.
Like any other plant, cacti and succulents in the warm season are in the phase of active vegetative development. This will greatly facilitate the process of rooting culture.
How to plant a cactus sprout in autumn or winter? In this case, it is imperative to remember that a young plant needs to provide the correct temperature and light conditions.
Landing soil
So what do you need to know about this? One of the most important points in answering the question of how to plant cacti is the right choice of soil. Ordinary garden land is not suitable for these purposes. In the flower shop you can buy a substrate for succulents. It includes humus from turf and leaves, river sand, peat and other necessary nutrients. If there is no opportunity to purchase a mixture, then you can try to prepare the soil with your own hands. To do this, take garden soil, coarse sand and peat. These components are combined in a ratio of 1: 1: 0.5. You can also add some foam balls and dry leaves to the soil.
Drainage system
What is it for? In the absence of proper drainage, it will not work to grow a beautiful plant. It is usually a layer of materials that promote the removal of excess water. Drainage should occupy 1/5 to ½ of the tank.
It may include:
- pebbles;
- expanded clay;
- small pebbles;
- broken brick;
- cut wine corks;
- broken foam.
Capacity selection
Another important issue that you have to solve when transplanting cacti is the selection of the pot. Experienced growers recommend planting succulents in plastic containers. Plastic does not change the temperature of the soil and does not absorb water. If you prefer environmentally friendly materials, you can use containers made of ceramics and clay. It is better to give preference to pots of light color. In them, the soil will heat less.
How to plant a cactus without roots? Since the root system of these plants is very long, this fact should be taken into account when choosing dishes. Close and small pots for transplanting will not work. It is better to use wide deep containers in which the roots will be able to get enough nutrients and moisture. The main condition is the presence of drainage holes to drain excess fluid. In their absence, water accumulating at the bottom can cause rotting of the roots, and consequently, the death of the whole plant.
Pick a sprout
How to plant a cactus with children? What you need to know about the choice of processes? Let's dwell on this in more detail. Before carrying out this procedure, it is extremely important to properly prepare the process. "Kids" are formed on the cactus itself. They can be located both in the upper part of the plant, and at the very roots. They are very easily separated from the mother plant, since they are practically not connected to the stem. The processes of many types of succulents while still on an adult plant begin to produce roots. Over time, they can even fall off and fall to the ground, proceeding to the further development of the root system. Propagation of plants takes place without any problems. When choosing a shoot for transplantation, you should definitely pay attention to its size: the larger it is, the better. Consider also such an important point as the location of the appendix. According to experienced gardeners, better shoots are closer to the top.
To plant a cactus, you can also use "kids" without roots. This will not cause much difficulty. At the same time, the shoot should be placed for 3-7 days in a cool dark place, so that the cut is slightly dried up. This is done to prevent decay.
Instruction manual
It is advisable to familiarize yourself with this aspect in the first place. So how to split a cactus when transplanting? Many beginner gardeners are afraid to independently carry out this procedure, although there is nothing complicated in it. Let's consider in more detail how to transplant cactus processes without roots.
To separate the children from the mother plant, it is better to use tweezers or a knife. It is especially important to consider this recommendation if you are planning to plant a cactus with needles. Although the "children" are not very firmly attached to the mother plant, the processes should be separated very carefully. If the smallest particle remains in the cactus, this can lead to decay. As a result, the sprout does not take root.
Everything necessary for planting is better prepared in advance. This capacity, soil, drainage, scapula and sprouts themselves. First, lay the drainage layer on the bottom of the tank. The remaining space is covered with moistened soil. A small indentation is made in the middle of the pot. A “baby” is placed in it without dropping it down with a cut. If there are roots, then it is better to straighten them. Squeeze the ground lightly with your hands to fix the young plant. In no case do not bury the shoot deep in the ground. To prevent moisture from evaporating too intensely from the soil surface, you can place sea pebbles and pebbles on top of it.
Care
This aspect should be given special attention. Now that you understand how to plant cacti, it would be nice to know how to properly care for the plant at home. The first question that usually arises for beginner gardeners is where to put the pot of cactus. In this case, everything will depend on the type of succulent. So, cacti that grow in the desert, it is better to put in sunny places. Florists recommend forest plants to provide partial shade.
The first 5-7 days after planting, the cactus should not be watered. Just spray the plant with water at room temperature. This will prevent complete drying out. Watering should begin a little later. Make sure that the soil is not wet all the time, it should dry slightly. The most optimal irrigation scheme is 2 times a week. Over time, the number of irrigations can be reduced to 1 time per week.
Why does not the cactus take root?
Sometimes it happens that a plant dies after a transplant. This problem is often encountered by beginner growers. Usually this is due to errors in the preparation of the shoot or its landing. If it is bad to dry a young culture before planting it in the ground, it will rot. You may have chosen a too young plant for transplantation. In this case, it is likely to simply dry out and not let the roots. It is also important to observe the optimal growing conditions: the succulent should not be poured with water or placed in a cold and dark place.
Cactus species
Let's dwell on this in more detail. The most popular types of cacti, photos and names of which can be found on resources of interest:
- Astrophytum: growing well enough. A distinctive feature of the culture is the presence of white flakes on the outside of the ribs. When flowering, beautiful yellow inflorescences are formed.
- Ferocactus: has tough, long spines. Usually this type of cactus has a cylindrical shape. In height, it can reach 5-6 inches. Near the main trunk often appear "kids." In summer, large specimens may appear on adult specimens.
- Prickly pear: this type of cactus is unpretentious and fast growing. When caring for this plant, it is important to use gloves, as it has very sharp thorns. The peculiarity of this cactus is the presence of tiny spiky bristles throughout the stem. They can cause much more inconvenience than the needles themselves, since it is very difficult to notice them. There are various varieties of prickly pear: flat, oval and so on. These cacti are characterized by a large size. They bloom unusually spectacularly. Fruiting edible pear-shaped fruits. The plants are quite hardy and can be planted even in open ground.
- Echinocereus: small spherical cacti covered in short spines. Bloom quite often with beautiful inflorescences. Caring for this type of cactus is very simple, so it is often recommended for beginners.
Conclusion
In the review, we examined in detail how to plant cacti. Much in this matter depends on the correct choice of the appendix. Experts recommend choosing large "children" growing in the upper part of the plant. After separation, the process should be dried for a while. If this is not done, it can simply rot. When the young plant is ready, it can be transplanted. The cactus pot is best taken spacious and deep so as not to impede the proper development of the root system. Care should also be taken in advance to lay the drainage layer. Soil is best used special, for succulents.
We also examined the main types of cacti, photos and names. Based on this information, you can easily choose a suitable plant.