CATDOLL : CATDOLL: Why does the Christmas cactus grafted with cactus wilt and stop growing?

1. Grafting technology. The cactus used for grafting must be thick and strong. Its cultivation method is similar to that of ordinary cacti. Generally, a pot with a diameter of 30 cm is selected, and the cactus is grafted when it grows to a height of 30 cm. The scion of Christmas cactus requires the selection of a strong Christmas cactus mother plant, from which the top branches with tender nodes of the current year are selected as scions, with a length of 3-4 cm. Use a blade disinfected with alcohol to cut the lower sides of the scion into a wedge shape, with a cut length of 0.8-1.2 cm. The grafting time is generally selected in May or October. Too cold or too hot weather is not conducive to its survival. When grafting, a thin bamboo stick with the same width as the scion should be selected, and a 1.5-2 cm deep groove should be inserted vertically downward from the edge of the cactus in the flat direction as an interface, and then the scion should be quickly inserted into the interface of the rootstock. Try to insert it as deep as possible so that it is close to each other, and then fix it with cactus thorns. Generally, three scions are grafted on each plant. After grafting, they should be placed in a cool and wind-proof place and the soil should be kept moist. If the scions do not wilt, they will survive in about 20 days. After the grafting is successful, generally after about a year of growth, the Christmas cactus will surround the cactus. At this time, a bracket needs to be made so that the Christmas cactus hangs on the cactus like a fountain. The top of the cactus will bloom with beautiful flowers in summer.

2. Maintenance technology

1. Watering and spraying. When watering, follow this principle: "water thoroughly when the soil is dry, and do not water if it is not dry"; the water temperature should be as close to the soil temperature as possible. In summer, watering should be done in the morning or evening, and in winter, watering should be done between 10 and 11 a.m.; and water should be poured directly onto the soil in the pot, otherwise it will affect the beauty of the thorns.

2. Fertilization. The following principles should be followed for fertilization: timely, appropriate amount, and depending on the target. Fertilization should be carried out in spring and autumn, once every 15 days, in the early morning or evening on a sunny day. The method of fertilization is to dissolve the fertilizer in water and pour it into the pot in the morning. It is better to pour it thoroughly at one time. The concentration should be around 0.2%.

3. Light. It prefers plenty of sunlight, especially in winter. It prefers semi-shade conditions in summer. It should be placed indoors during the hot summer season. If placed in a sunny room in winter, Christmas cactus can bloom fiery red flowers during the Spring Festival.

4. Temperature. The suitable temperature is 20-35℃. In winter, it is better to maintain 10-18℃ or higher. In summer, when the temperature is too high, shade and sprinkle more water on the ground to reduce the temperature.