The rootstock under the grafted cactus has changed color. What to do?
N. Ryabtseva
If the cactus rots…
In the photo - cactus Rebutia heliosa in the form of an overgrown curtain, grafted onto another cactus - Hylocereustrigonus (among cactusists - the so-called "triangle"). The rootstock shows clear signs of decay. Action needs to be taken urgently, until the rot spreads to the scion.
With a sterile sharp tool, cut off the grafted clump of cacti. Be prepared to apply some effort - the inner rootstock may be lignified. Remove all rotten spots.
Ingrown solid short stock residue can be left (there is no need to cut it from the healthy pulp of the scion, and the wound will be too big). Powder the cut with charcoal, mixed with fungicide.
Dry upright (on the neck of an empty can) weeks 3-4) (this is in view of winter time, enough in the summer 2 weeks) in light, moderately warm place, not in the dark and not near the battery. Can be put under the G lamp, otherwise the shoots of the rebutia are clearly elongated.
Then set on clean dry sand and moisturize with long-term drying (after the soil has completely dried out for more days 5-7 wait before the next watering). During the winter, the cactus will grow roots, and in the spring it can be planted in a light sand mixture, and with the onset of stable heat - in the sun, to fresh air.
At all, "Triangles" are not very reliable rootstocks, quite often rot. Contributes to this dense, too fertile soil with excessive watering. The discrepancy also affects the needs of spliced cacti: this rootstock is thermophilic (does not tolerate hypothermia), and rebutia is a "mountain" cactus, she likes the cool, in winter up to 0 city, (on your healthy roots, in dry ground).
In general, rebuts are grateful cacti, non-capricious and easily endows with flowering. Most of them do not need maintenance on the rootstock. Manufacturers use this method only to accelerate their growth., to quickly obtain the sizes required for sale.
WHY CACTUSES AND OTHER SUCCULENTS ROT VIDEO
Stuffiness, heavy pre-storm air has a depressing effect on us, and for cacti – on the contrary! In the pre-storm hours, when the humid tropical fog thickens, cacti, growing in the wild, are sharply activated – all negative factors affecting the person (maximum humidity and high temperature) beneficial for prickly beauties.
How to pamper them with such weather in the room? Some semblance of a cactus-loved atmosphere will help create a misty spray. This requires a special atomizer., forming microscopic drops of water, which will be suspended in the air. Moisture will be caught by the tips of the spines or special hairs, which nature designed for, so that succulents can extract moisture from the air.
There is no other way to spray cacti – most of them do not like direct contact with water.
Fogging spray is only recommended in summer, only on warm days and only in the early morning or evening. Water temperature 40-50 degrees. AND, I repeat, need fine mist.
An exception:cacti, covered with a thick layer of wax – they shouldn't be sprayed at all..
Rina LUZINA