How to transplant a cactus: options at home
Content:
If a cactus has begun to outgrow its pot, you need to take care of its transplant. However, to an inexperienced person, transplanting a cactus may seem difficult, since the plant is quite specific and requires a special approach. Therefore, it is worth considering how to transplant a cactus so as not to harm yourself or him.
Cactus transplant conditions
The transplantation procedure itself should be carried out taking into account the extreme sensitivity of the plant. Even small scratches received in the process can lead to the death of a cactus. If the root system is damaged, for example, from excessive waterlogging of the soil, the process of decay of plant tissues may begin, which in turn will provoke the death of the flower. Therefore, the question of how to transplant a cactus should be treated with extreme caution.
How to transplant a cactus
Pot selection
One of the basic requirements for a plant pot is its cleanliness. All containers intended for planting cacti must be washed in hot water using soap and a brush. It is also advisable to add some baking soda (or ash) during the process to prevent mold growth.
The size of the capacity does not depend on the size of the stem, but on the state of the plant's root system. If the root, placed in a new pot, takes on a natural look for itself, the ends are freely located over the entire area and do not bend, then such a container is perfect for transplanting. For plants with elongated roots, there are special oblong pots.
It is also worth paying attention to the material from which the pot is made. More recently, earthenware was considered the only correct and suitable for transplantation due to the porosity of its walls, which allow air to freely penetrate to the roots. In addition, the evaporating water from the walls of the tank helps to cool the soil, which in hot weather helps the cactus to tolerate temperature changes more easily.
However, for those who practice single cultivation, it should be remembered that as a result of evaporation of the liquid, the cactus will need frequent watering, and this, in turn, can provoke alkalization of the soil.
Today you can buy pots in different colors, shapes, and materials. The most popular are plastic dishes. The plastic is lighter and easier to handle. The dense walls of such a pot do not allow the liquid to evaporate, which allows you to save on watering, and also does not worsen the condition of the soil. In addition, the rhizome does not grow to the walls, being evenly distributed over the entire earthen volume. However, it is worth making sure that the soil is not too waterlogged, otherwise the rhizome may rot.
Pot selection
Soil selection
For transplanting a cactus, a special substrate is suitable, the name of which is "For succulents and cacti". If, after the purchase, the soil turned out to be insufficiently porous, sand, small pebbles or brick chips should be added to it. This will allow you to get as close as possible to the natural habitat of the plant.
The main component of the substrate is peat. It is worth knowing that, unlike lowland peat, horse peat is devoid of nutrients and retains moisture for a long time, so the choice between these two types should be stopped at the first. Quite good results are shown by various mixtures of these two types of peat.
As a rule, the finished soil comes already with fertilizers (information about this is indicated on the package). If the soil is not fertilized, then in addition to it, you need to purchase additional fertilizing separately.
Some people do not trust ready-made substrates, but prefer to make soil mixtures on their own. To prepare the soil, it is necessary to mix deciduous soil with turf and sand (in equal proportions). This mixture is suitable for any type of plant, however, the impurities must be selected already with a focus on the specific features of the flower. For example, for plants with small thin surface roots, soil loosened with pebbles or crushed bricks (in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: ½ to the main components) is better suited.
For cacti with a strong root system and thick roots, soil is suitable, which will include sod, deciduous soil and sand in a ratio of 1.5: 1: 1.
Home transplant
The most popular types of cacti grown at home are Mammillaria and Decembrist (Schlumberger). Despite the fact that the procedure for transplanting these flowers at home is different, in general, both varieties need a special substrate, drainage and a properly selected pot. Below is a detailed description of how to transplant these types of cacti at home.
When can you transplant
In fact, cacti can be replanted at any time of the year. However, the most suitable period is considered to be the end of autumn - the beginning of winter.
If we talk specifically about mammillaria, then there are some nuances. Young flowers are allowed to be transplanted annually; for adult plants, one transplant is enough every 2-3 years. It is best to do this in the spring, when the cactus is already starting to wake up, in which case it will be easier for him to get used to the new place.
Now you need to decide on the period when it is allowed to transplant the Decembrist. The Schlumberger should be transplanted after it stops blooming - in the last days of February. Young flowers, like mammillaria, can be transplanted annually, mature no more than once every 4-5 years.
When can you transplant
Transplant features
For mammillaria, both a plastic and a ceramic pot are suitable. A shallow but wide container should be selected. There should be a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. First, expanded clay is laid, and after that a special soil mixture for cacti. The soil must be porous and permeable. Mixes of sand with turf and leafy soil (in a ratio of 1: 2: 2) are also suitable. It is imperative to add brick chips to the substrate. The addition of charcoal, shell rock and limestone is also allowed.
For transplanting a Decembrist, clay, ceramic, glass, wooden and plastic containers are suitable.
The pots should not be very deep, but wide. What kind of land is needed for the Decembrist, and how to put it in a container:
- at the bottom you should lay out expanded clay or spread a layer of small washed river pebbles over it. If the components for the mixture are taken directly from the street, then they must be calcined in the oven (several minutes);
- you can also add a portion of dried ground sphagnum (peat or white moss) to the soil;
- to the pre-calcined sand, add sheet soil (in a ratio of 2: 1). If possible, some ground pebbles or expanded clay can be included in the soil to make the soil more rocky.
After placing the soil on top of the drainage, you can begin to transplant the cactus. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the layers are approximately the same.
Rooting a cactus
Before the rooting procedure, the selected stalk (or baby) should be processed to protect it from infection. Slices should be sprinkled with charcoal powder or sulfur. Then the trim must be dried (at least seven days in an upright position), while it is important to ensure that it does not dry out.
For rooting of mammillaria, the bottom of the pot is covered with a drainage layer, then a quarter of the soil for plants is added, and on top of the soil for cacti, diluted with treated sand. After that, you need to root the cutting and sprinkle it with a quarter of sand. The final touch will be the addition of pebbles. For better rooting, a root stimulating solution can be used. After processing the mixture with a solution, the planting material must be placed in a warm place.
How to root the Decembrist? To detach the selected cutting, it is required, holding the base of the plant, pinch its end in your fingers, and carefully unscrew (clockwise) the desired part of the flower. At the same time, it is forbidden to use scissors, scalpel, knife and any piercing-cutting objects. The stalk is dried on a napkin in a dark place for two days. Then you can already proceed to the direct rooting of the cactus. There are two ways of rooting - in water and in soil.
In the first case, the shoot is placed in water (room temperature). The liquid should cover one segment of it. When the water level drops, it must be topped up, if it becomes cloudy, replace it, and rinse the handle. After 1-2 weeks, when the roots grow more than 2 cm in length, the cuttings can be planted in the soil.
Before rooting a cactus in the soil, you need to thoroughly rinse and disinfect the pots in which the cuttings will be planted. After that, a drainage layer and prepared soil should be placed at the bottom of the tanks. Then water and in a vertical position deepen the cutting into the soil (to a depth of 5 mm). It takes about 30 days for a cactus to take root.
Rooting a cactus
Transferring to another pot
How to transplant a cactus into another pot? After preparing the pot and soil, as well as fulfilling all the prerequisites described in the previous sections, you can proceed to directly transplant the cactus into another pot. This requires:
- get the flower out of an old container and gently shake off the roots from excess soil;
- holding, transfer the plant to a new pot. Planting a cactus is recommended in the center of the container;
- holding the cactus in one hand, pour free fresh specially prepared soil around the rhizome;
- it is not necessary to press down on the soil while filling the container. After several waterings, some of the soil will sink, so you will need to fill up a little more soil to the required level.
Further care of the flower
After transplanting, the cactus needs special care. This is especially true for the first month the flower is in a new pot.
Cactus care
Soil and watering
For large flowers with a massive stem, after transplanting, you need to install a support (for 2-3 weeks). This will allow the cactus roots to grow more actively. If the transplanting rules are followed, the plant will be able to very quickly adapt to the new soil, and soon the support can be removed.
Top dressing
It is undesirable to feed immediately after transplanting a cactus. It is recommended to wait 2-4 weeks and only then start fertilizing the soil. It should be fed once every 14-15 days (with abundant flowering - once every 10 days). Feeding the flower should be done only after watering.
Humidity
To avoid dehydration, cover the flower with plastic wrap. This will create increased humidity, in which the plant will be able to feel more comfortable during the absence of watering.
Lighting
For normal development, the flower needs good lighting. The cactus is a light-loving plant, so it should be placed on a south-facing window. If this is not possible, then the plant can be placed on the western or eastern windowsill. If the cactus is located in the north, then additional lighting must be arranged for it.
By itself, the procedure for transplanting a cactus is not so complicated as it seems at first glance. At the same time, it is not necessary to be a professional in this matter, since even a novice gardener can do a transplant.
