If a cactus has begun to outgrow its pot, care must be taken to transplant it. However, a cactus transplant may seem difficult to an inexperienced person, since the plant is quite specific and requires a special approach. Therefore, it is worth considering how to transplant a cactus so that it does not harm either itself or it.
The transplant procedure itself should be carried out taking into account the extreme sensitivity of the plant. Even small scratches obtained in the process can lead to the death of the cactus. In case of damage to the root system, for example, from excessive waterlogging of the soil, the process of decay of plant tissues can begin, which in turn will provoke the death of the flower. Therefore, the question of how to transplant a cactus should be treated with extreme caution.
How to transplant a cactus
Pot selection
One of the basic requirements for a plant pot is its purity. All containers intended for planting cacti must be washed in hot water using soap and a brush. In addition, it is recommended that a little soda (or ash) be added in the process to prevent moldiness.
Important! After washing, no traces of soap should remain on the pots.
The size of the capacity does not depend on the size of the stem, but on the state of the root system of the plant. If the root, placed in a new pot, takes on a natural look for itself, the ends are freely located over the entire area and do not bend, then such a container is perfect for transplanting. For plants with elongated roots, there are special elongated pots.
It is also worth paying attention to the material from which the pot is made. More recently, pottery was considered the only correct and suitable transplant because of the porosity of its walls, which allow air to freely penetrate to the roots. In addition, the evaporating water from the walls of the tank helps to cool the soil, which helps the cactus to tolerate temperature changes more easily in hot weather.
However, for those who practice single cultivation, it should be remembered that as a result of evaporation of the liquid, the cactus will need frequent watering, and this in turn can cause alkalization of the soil.
Today you can buy pots of different colors, shapes, as well as material. The most popular is plastic dishes. Plastic is lighter and easier to handle. The dense walls of such a pot do not allow the liquid to evaporate, which saves on watering, and also does not worsen the condition of the soil. In addition, the rhizome does not grow to the walls, evenly distributed throughout the earth volume. However, it is worthwhile to ensure that the soil is not too waterlogged, otherwise the rhizome may rot.
Important! It is necessary to take care of the drainage device in advance. The pot must have drainage holes to help prevent water stagnation.
Pot selection
Soil selection
For transplanting a cactus, a special substrate is suitable, the name of which is "For succulents and cacti." If after the purchase the soil was not sufficiently porous, sand, fine pebbles or crumb of brick should be added to it. This will allow you to get as close as possible to the natural habitat of the plant.
For your information! When choosing a finished soil, it is necessary to carefully study its composition, since it may vary depending on the manufacturer.
The main component of the substrate is peat. It is worth knowing that, unlike lowland peat, horseback is deprived of nutrients and retains moisture for a long time, so the choice between these two species should be stopped first. Good results are shown by various mixtures of these two types of peat.
As a rule, the finished soil already comes with fertilizers (information on this is indicated on the packaging). If the soil is not fertilized, then in addition to it, you need to separately purchase fertilizing.
Some people do not trust ready-made substrates, but prefer to make soil mixtures on their own. To prepare the soil, it is necessary to mix deciduous soil with turf and sand (in equal proportions). This mixture is suitable for all types of plants, however, impurities need to be selected with a reference to the specific characteristics of the flower. For example, for plants with small, thin, superficial roots, soil loosened by pebbles or crushed bricks is better (in proportion to the main components 1: 1: 1: ½).
For cacti with a strong root system and thick roots, the soil is suitable, which will include turf, deciduous soil and sand in a ratio of 1.5: 1: 1.
Important! 1/10 of the total soil volume should be crushed charcoal. For cacti, whose natural habitat is stony soil, gravel is best suited.
The most popular cactus species grown at home are Mammillaria and Decembrist (Schlumbergera). Despite the fact that the procedure for replanting these flowers at home is different, in general, both varieties require a special substrate, drainage and a properly selected pot. Below in detail how to transplant these types of cacti at home.
When can I transplant
In fact, cacti can be transplanted at any time of the year. However, the most suitable period is considered the end of autumn - the beginning of winter.
Speaking specifically about mammillaria, then there are some nuances. Young flowers are allowed to be transplanted annually; for adult plants, one transplant is enough every 2-3 years. This is best done in the spring, when the cactus is already starting to wake up, in which case it will be easier for him to get used to a new place.
Now you need to decide on the period when it is allowed to transplant the Decembrist. The Schlumberger transplant should be carried out after it ceases to bloom - in the last days of February. Young flowers, as well as mammillaria, can be replanted annually, mature no more than 1 time in 4-5 years.
When can I transplant
Transplant Features
Both plastic and ceramic pots are suitable for mammillaria. A shallow but wide tank should be selected. A drainage layer should be laid at the bottom of the pot. First, expanded clay is laid, and after that a special soil mixture for cacti. The soil must be porous, permeable. Mixtures of sand with turf and leafy soil (in a ratio of 1: 2: 2) are also suitable. It is necessary to add brick chips to the substrate. The addition of charcoal, limestone and limestone is also permitted.
Clay, ceramic, glass, wooden and plastic containers are suitable for transplanting the Decembrist.
Important! It is allowed to use metal utensils, but this must be done very carefully, since there is a possibility of corrosion, which will provoke rotting of the roots.
Pots should not be very deep, but wide. What land is needed for the Decembrist, and how to put it in a container:
- expanded clay should be laid out at the bottom or a layer of fine washed river pebbles should be distributed over it. If the components for the mixture are taken directly from the street, then they must be calcined in the oven (several minutes);
- a portion of dried ground sphagnum (peat or white moss) can also be added to the soil;
- to pre-calcined sand, add sheet earth (in a 2: 1 ratio). If possible, slightly crushed pebbles or expanded clay can be included in the soil to make the soil more rocky.
After placing the soil on top of the drainage, you can begin to transplant the cactus. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the layers are approximately the same.
For your information! To rejuvenate a weakened plant, one part of peat can be added to the prepared soil for Decembrist.
Cactus rooting
Before the rooting procedure, the selected stalk (or baby) should be treated to protect it from infection. Sections should be sprinkled with charcoal in powder or sulfur. Then the trim must be dried (at least seven days in an upright position), while it is important to ensure that it does not dry out.
To root Mammillaria, the bottom of the pot is filled with a drainage layer, then a quarter of the soil for plants is added, and on top of the soil for cacti diluted with treated sand. After this, you need to root the stalk and sprinkle it with a quarter of sand. The final touch will be the addition of pebbles. For better rooting, a root stimulating solution can be used. After processing the mixture with a solution, planting material should be placed in a warm place.
How to root a Decembrist? To disconnect the selected stem, holding the base of the plant is required, pinch its end in the fingers and gently unscrew (clockwise) the desired part of the flower. In this case, it is forbidden to use scissors, a scalpel, a knife and any piercing and cutting objects. The stalk is dried for two days on a napkin in a dark place. Then it is already possible to proceed to the direct rooting of the cactus. There are two ways of rooting - in water and in soil.
In the first case, the process is placed in water (room temperature). The liquid should cover one of its segments. When the water level drops, it needs to be added, if turbid, replace it, and rinse the stem. After 1-2 weeks, when the roots grow in length more than 2 cm, the cuttings can be planted in the soil.
Note! Before use, water must be infused for at least 24 hours to weather chlorine and its derivatives. Otherwise, a young cactus may die.
Before rooting the cactus in the soil, thoroughly rinse and disinfect the pots in which the cuttings will be planted. After this, the drainage layer and prepared soil should be placed at the bottom of the tanks. Then irrigate and in a vertical position, deepen the stalk into the soil (to a depth of 5 mm). It takes about 30 days to root a cactus.
Cactus rooting
Transplanting to another pot
How to transplant a cactus into another pot? After preparing the pot and soil, as well as fulfilling all the prerequisites described in the previous sections, you can proceed to the direct transplant of the cactus into another pot. This requires:
- to get a flower from an old container and to gently shake off roots from excess earth;
- holding, transfer the plant to a new pot. It is recommended to plant a cactus in the center of the container;
- holding a cactus in one hand, free to pour fresh specially prepared soil around the rhizome;
- while filling the tank, it is not necessary to press the soil. After several waterings, part of the soil will sag, so you will need to add a little more earth to the required level.
Important! Cactus is a prickly plant, therefore, when removing it from the pot, safety measures must be observed. The flower should be wrapped with a newspaper, a towel or some kind of cloth. You need to do this in such a way that the needles do not penetrate the skin in its recess.
After transplanting, the cactus needs special care. This is especially true for the first month of a flower staying in a new pot.
Cactus care
Soil and watering
For large flowers with a massive stem after transplantation, you need to install a support (for 2-3 weeks). This will allow the cactus roots to grow more actively. Subject to the rules of transplantation, the plant will be able to adapt very quickly to new soil, and soon the support can be removed.
Important! Immediately after transplanting, the cactus should not be watered. Within 4-5 days, the plant needs to be given a little stronger.
Top dressing
It is undesirable to fertilize immediately after a cactus transplant. It is recommended to wait 2-4 weeks and only then begin to fertilize the soil. It should be fed once every 14-15 days (with plentiful flowering - once every 10 days). Feed the flower should only be after watering.
Humidity
To avoid dehydration, the flower should be covered with plastic wrap. This will create increased humidity, in which the plant during the period of lack of watering can feel more comfortable.
Lighting
For normal development, the flower needs good lighting. Cactus is a photophilous plant, so it should be placed on the window on the south side. If this is not possible, then the plant can be placed on the western or eastern windowsill. If the cactus is located in the north, then it is necessary to organize additional lighting for it.
The cactus transplant procedure itself is not so complicated as it seems at first glance. It is not necessary to be a professional in this matter, since a transplant is even for a beginner gardener.
