GYMNOCALITIUM JAPANESE – GROWING IN HOME CONDITIONS
GYMNOCALICIUM – PHOTO
Caring for Japanese hymnocalycium ("Red riding hood") a little more troublesome, than many other cacti, but its unusual appearance is worth it.
A succulent plant can be grown in a beautiful multi-colored meadow, planting several copies in one pot. And draping the pot, add to holiday compositions.
SAVE THE GYMNOCALICIUM FROM THE SUN
This heat-loving plant is not afraid of the summer heat.. Hibernates at +15-18 city, (not less +5 city.). Sudden changes in temperature and drafts are not desirable for him. Likes bright diffused light and does not tolerate direct rays. Burns appear on the cactus from the scorching sun, that look like yellowish spots, and the hymnocalycium loses its decorative effect. I have it growing on the southwest window, where the upper half of the glass is sealed with a translucent film. In the south, additional shading is required, in the north - additional lighting.
CAUTION WITH IRRIGATION
I water the plant after the soil has completely dried out with settled or filtered water at room temperature: plentifully in summer - once a week, in extreme heat - once in 5 days, in the fall with the onset of cold weather - once in 2 weeks. In winter, I only occasionally spill soil a little., so that the stems of the rootstock and scion do not shrivel, otherwise it can negatively affect the chlorophyll-free scion. I resume watering since February, from spraying with warm water.
From the end of March to the end of September, once every 3-4 weeks I feed hymnocalycium with fertilizer for cacti or a complex mineral fertilizer in a reduced 3-4 times dosage. Organic is not suitable!
GYMNOCALICIUM – PHOTO
FROM ROT AND MITE
The first 3 year passed the plant every spring, now - as needed (about once in 2-3 of the year). I add sand and a little brick chips to the universal soil.. So that the roots do not rot, I definitely make holes in the bottom of the pot and pour drainage - polystyrene.
Cactus can damage spider mites, from which traces spoiling the appearance remain. However, the appearance of the pest can be avoided, if you follow agricultural techniques.
GYMNOCALICIUM: CATUS CARE – VIDEO
© Author: Veronica BORUSEVICH, Photo by the author
