Cactus tends to grow better on well-drained soil. Thus it is absolutely essential
that the soil is porous and perfectly drained. Soil other than this type will
be easily waterlogged and causes the roots to rot, killing the plant. Cactus is
to be kept completely or almost dry is untrue. Dry soil, which is hard, prevents
oxygen from reaching the roots and causes suffocation.
Appropriate amount of sand must be added to the soil for cactus to ensure that
it is highly porous. Special soil for cactus is also available in the market place.
Such soil being mixed with coconut fibre (finely cut) or crushed charcoal is favourable
for most cacti growing. However, all-purpose potting soil should be avoided as
it holds moisture and easily forms lumps and restrict the plant’s rooting system.
Various materials can be added as fertilizer, such as completely decomposed leaf
mould and peat. Due to the fact that cacti are lack of leaves, they do not need
much nitrogen content in the fertilizer. Therefore, the commercial fertilizer
used for cacti should have a much lower percentage of Nitrogen than other two
elements, Phosphorus and Potassium.
Reading of the fertilizer content can be found on the packages in this order :
Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.
Phosphorus will help to increase a plant’s growth whereas potassium enhancing
the flowering potential.
Precaution :
Fertilizer should be used where necessary (once or twice a month and little at
each time). Over fertilizing will damage the plant’s system and causes death of
young cacti.
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[ NOTICE ]
Much care have been taken
to ensure the information provided is to its best accuracy.
However, not all the information provided is under the author's control.
Views and opinions stated here are merely for information only.
The author shall not be responsible for any economic or personal losses,
caused directly or indirectly by consumption of such information.
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