Despite the apparent unpretentiousness of the cactus, replanting it, like other flowers in pots, is also necessary. And then a completely natural question arises, but how correctly to transplant cacti? For the benefit of the plant, its growth and development, you need to know a few secrets.
Tips for transplanting cactus
Secret number 1. Preparations for transplantation
One of the most common mistakes during the transplantation of cactus is the lack of preparation. Before you remove the cactus from the ground, you must first prepare and wash the dishes for it, mix and moisten the soil, prepare the means for treating the damaged roots. A competent decision will be to collect everything that may be needed, at hand, and only then proceed to a transplant.
Secret number 2. Correct removal of the old earth from the roots of cactus
If the plant has been planted in a suitable soil, then you can easily extract it from the pot. After removing the upper dense layer of earth, grab the cactus with a strip of thick paper or cloth and turn the pot over. The old land will fall from the roots itself, if the soil has not lost its flowability.
In the case when the plant was originally planted in an unsuitable land, a caked clump may arise and then it will be much more difficult to release the roots. Do not drag the cactus, this leads to damage to small roots, which are fixed on the walls of the pot or in clods of old soil. You can not also mechanically clean the roots from the ground, it is better to lower the whole root system together with the adhering soil in a container of warm water and wait for it to soften and wash off. Rinse the roots in clean water and let them dry for 12 hours. To the roots do not stuck together, arrange the cactus in an upright position, using a strip of tissue for this. After the roots have been cleaned, carefully inspect them for rot, parasites, root collar damage. Cut rotten roots with a disinfected sharp knife, clean and treat wounds and treat with alcohol, it will be good to sprinkle all the damaged places with sulfur. A root bath with a water temperature of 55 ° C with a duration of 15 minutes will be useful for the weakly cacti. Do not forget to dry the roots after such a "bathing".
Secret # 3. The soil for cacti
An important aspect for the growth and flowering of the plant is the soil in which it is planted, and the pot itself. The dishes for planting should be selected, focusing on the root system of the plant. A large cactus can have small, weak roots, whereas a tiny cactus in the next pot has developed roots and requires more space. Too much land will also adversely affect the growth and flowering of the cactus, so approach the choice of the pot responsibly, it should be just right.
At the bottom of the pot, lay a few pebbles, shards, pieces of charcoal to create drainage. Then take the cactus with a strip of paper or cloth in one hand, place it in the center of the pot so that the root neck was at the edge of the dishes, straighten all the roots and start pouring the soil. Depending on the type of plant, the soil may vary, pre-prepare an earthen mixture that is suitable for your flower.
Secret number 4. Compliance with the regime after transplantation
The pledge of strengthening the plant in a new soil will be the lack of watering during the first week and the creation of the necessary humidity by putting on a pot a conventional plastic bag. Covered cacti should stand in the shade for about seven days and during this time sprinkle them a couple of times with warm water to maintain the humidity level.