How to care for golden crown cactus
The golden-crowned prickly pear is a very popular ornamental plant that has become the first choice of many plant lovers due to its unique golden crown and drought-tolerant properties. This article will introduce in detail the maintenance methods of golden crown cactus, including key points in light, watering, soil, temperature, etc., to help you easily maintain this beautiful plant.
1. Basic information about Golden Delicious Cactus
Golden-crowned cactus (scientific name: Echinocactus grusonii), also known as golden-amber cactus, is native to Mexico. Its bulbous stem is covered with golden spines and has a distinct golden crown on top, hence its name. The following are the basic characteristics of the golden-crowned cactus:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| scientific name | Echinocactus grusonii |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | mexico |
| growth rate | slow |
| drought tolerance | Extremely strong |
| flowering period | Summer (adult plants) |
2. Key points for care of Golden Delicious Cactus
The maintenance of golden crown cactus is not complicated, but you need to master the following key points:
1. Lighting
Golden-crowned cactus likes full sunlight and needs at least 6-8 hours of direct light every day. If there is insufficient light, the plant may become leggy and the thorn color will fade. The strong light at noon in summer can be appropriately shaded to avoid burns.
| Lighting requirements | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| spring summer autumn | Full sun or half sun |
| winter | Provide as much light as possible |
| indoor maintenance | Place it on the south-facing windowsill |
2. watering
Golden Delicious cactus is drought tolerant and watering should follow the principle of "prefer dryness to wetness". The following are recommendations for watering frequency:
| season | Watering frequency |
|---|---|
| spring | Once every 2-3 weeks |
| summer | Once every 1-2 weeks |
| autumn | Once every 3-4 weeks |
| winter | Once a month or without water |
3. Soil
Golden-crowned cactus needs well-drained soil to avoid standing water, which can lead to root rot. You can use special cactus soil, or prepare your own:
| soil composition | Proportion |
|---|---|
| coarse sand | 40% |
| perlite | 20% |
| humus soil | 20% |
| garden soil | 20% |
4. Temperature
Golden Delicious Cactus likes a warm environment, and the suitable growth temperature is 15-30℃. In winter, you need to pay attention to cold protection. You may get frozen when the temperature is lower than 5℃.
| temperature range | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| growing season | 15-30℃ |
| winter | Not lower than 5℃ |
| summer high temperature | Proper shading and ventilation |
5. Fertilize
Golden Delicious cactus does not have high fertilizer requirements. You can apply diluted cactus-specific fertilizer or low-nitrogen fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
| Fertilization time | Fertilizer type |
|---|---|
| spring | diluted cactus fertilizer |
| summer | diluted cactus fertilizer |
| Autumn and winter | stop fertilizing |
3. Common problems and solutions
During the maintenance process of golden crown cactus, you may encounter the following problems:
1. rotten roots
Root rot is usually caused by overwatering or poor soil drainage. Solution: Stop watering, check the root system, cut off the rotten parts, and replant in well-drained soil.
2. The thorn color becomes lighter
The fading color of the thorns may be a sign of insufficient light. Solution: Move the plant to a sunny location and avoid long-term shade.
3. Pests
Golden-crowned cactus may be affected by pests such as spider mites and scale insects. Solution: Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe the infested area, or use a special insecticide.
4. Summary
Golden Delicious Cactus is a beautiful and easy-to-maintain plant. As long as the key points such as light, watering, soil and temperature are mastered, it can grow healthily. I hope the detailed introduction in this article can help you successfully raise the golden crown cactus and enjoy the unique charm it brings!
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