How cacti grow: is a flower growing quickly at home, why does it stretch up and not in breadth, what should you do if it stands still?

The cactus was first brought in 1535 by the botanist F. Hernandez, and since then the fashion for exotic plants from America has quickly spread around the world. By the 18th century, 24 species of these unusual plants were known. Until now, this mod has not passed, but now more than 1200 species are already known.

When growing cacti at home, a beginner grower needs to consider how quickly these or other species grow so that when planting they do not interfere with each other and look beautiful if they are planted in one pot. About why you do not grow a green pet and how to help him, we will tell in our article.

Does a plant grow rapidly at home?

We take into account the type of cactus.

When buying plants, do not forget to keep a label with the name of the species.

The growth rate depends on the type of cacti. You can not expect rapid growth from a cactus, which grows to 1 centimeter. An example of the tiniest cactus is blossomfeldia. Do not plant it with large cacti. Another example of an incredibly slow-growing plant is ariocactus or they are also called "living stones". They need about 50 years to grow up to 10-12 centimeters.

It is better to plant an ampelous plant in a separate pot so that the stems freely descend, for example, laciform aporocatus or dizocactus (aporocactus is described here). Of the hanging cacti in our country, the Schlumberg cactus is popular, or as it is called in the common people, the Decembrist. New segment leaves appear 2-3 each year, that is, about 2-4 centimeters per year.

If you want to grow a large cactus, then the prickly pear is ideal. This is one of the largest cacti (you can learn about prickly pear and agave here, but in this article about small-haired prickly pear cacti). Strauss glue cactus also grows rapidly and reaches a length of up to 1 meter. Fast-growing cacti - the Polansky, Marshallocereus, Cereus, Pachyceraeus and other tree-like plants. They can turn into quite large specimens in five years; in a year they can add up to 10 centimeters.

Large spherical cacti do not exist.

Why does not the prickly pet increase in size and what to do in this case?

Slow cactus growth can be caused by conditions that are not comfortable for him. For good growth, it is important to create the necessary conditions.

Lighting. "Kids" of cacti do not like direct sunlight. Adult cacti, on the contrary, love well-lit places, with lots of sun. Direct sunlight is not afraid of them.
For winter, it is better to put plants on the south side. In some species, the bright sun stimulates flowering. Cacti do not like to be placed in the back of the room: in cabinets, on tables or shelves. Lack of light will slowly kill the plant.
Priming. Plants do not like fertile soil. In such an environment, cacti often rot or mold develops. Sand is added to such soil up to 50 percent. During the first year, up to 8 picks are carried out, in the second year, 2-3 picks.
Thorny friends do not need a lot of soil - 3-4 centimeters is enough, since they have small roots. Do not forget about drainage about 1 centimeter.
Watering. For adult plants, watering is moderate in summer, watering is reduced in winter (in some species it is completely stopped).
Top dressing.
1. You can not feed plants with a damaged root system, for example, immediately after transplantation.
2. You can not fertilize when the cactus is at rest (it can be in winter and summer), the earth at this time remains wet for a long time.
3. Mineral fertilizers are best diluted with softened, melt water.
4. The best weather for fertilizer irrigation is cloudy weather.
Pots. Pots buy wide, but not deep. In general, these spines love to be transplanted at least once a year. This stimulates the growth of the roots and the cactus itself.

How to deal with pests and diseases?

Sometimes a cactus “freezes” and does not grow for a long time. In this case, observe it for pests and diseases. The most common cause is damage to the root system. Rinse the roots, treat them and plant the plant in new soil, previously it can be calcined in the oven.

The most common diseases:

Phytophthora. The decayed part can be cut off, sprinkled with ash, and dried.
Dry rot. It is practically not treated, only prevention is possible - treatment with fungicides.
Spotted rust. To fight, use the drug Topaz or Bordeaux mixture.
Stem rot. Appears on young plants; affected plants are usually removed.
Fusarium. A sign of the disease is pink or purple plaque on the stems of the plant. Ill plants destroy.

What pests can start:

Spider mites. Stains of rust, brown or gray appear. To destroy them, use acaricides and natural insecticides (decoctions of garlic and onions, which wipe the stems).
Mealybugs. They are visible to the naked eye, egg laying in the form of cotton balls. Insects are removed with a brush or tweezers. The plant is treated with garlic alcohol infusion. or special insecticides.
Root Worms. White plaque on the roots. Helps soil cultivation karbofosom.

Read more about diseases and pests of cacti here.

Why does a flower stretch up and not in breadth?

Sometimes, on the contrary, a cactus quickly extends upward rather than wide. This is not good for a plant. Most likely this is the result of excessive fertilizer (especially an excess of nitrogen). In this case, just try transplanting the flower to another soil, do not forget to add sand to the soil.

Flowers feel our love and care. Spiky outside, our green friends are very tender inside. Do not leave your favorites, take care of them, and they will thank you with their fast growth and beautiful flowers!