|
|
 Cereus General Care
General care tips for the genus Cereus
Cereus is a widespread genus of mostly columnar cacti that, in habitat, may encounter a wide-ranging set of environmental conditions. These conditions may vary from very arid and sunny to fairly moist and shaded.
There are some general guidelines though, that will apply to most any of the species within the genus.
Balance is the key to your success in growing these, as well as other, cacti.
Keep in mind that a plant that gets full sunlight on a deck, patio of greenhouse is going to require more water and fertilizer.
By the same token, a plant inside a studio apartment or house, sitting in a windowsill, is only going to receive direct sunlight for a limited amount of time and intensity.
Therefore, the water and fertilizer requirements are reduced accordingly.
When watering, it is recommended that the soil should be soaked thoroughly then allowed to dry completely and to remain dry for several days before watering again. This will be a more frequent drill in mid-summer than in early spring or fall as the length and intensity of the plant's exposure to sunlight is greater.
During the darker winter months, care has to be taken so as not to over-water these plants. If you are watering weekly during the summer, you should probably only water monthly during the winter.
Regular misting of the plant's surface will be a good thing to do in winter when the heat is running and the air is dry. This will allow the plant to absorb some needed moisture through the epidermis without running the risk of rotting the roots.
Fertilizer should be applied only during the period of spring through autumn. Most any water-soluble fertilizer, such as Miracle Grow for houseplants is fine to use in somewhat less-than-recommended strength. The weaker you mix the solution, the more often you should apply it. Some growers mix their fertilizer at about 10% of the recommended rate and use it each time the plants are watered. We use a 50% of recommended strength, and apply it twice a month. Others choose to use fertilizer at the full recommended strength and apply monthly. There again, remember that the key is balance.
|
|
|
|
