how long does it take for a cactus to grow? (Growing Conditions)

In nature, some varieties of flowers can grow over 1–2 m in length. If you are not sure whether a cactus is growing, you notice that the size of a house plant does not change for a long time, make sure that a pot, soil is suitable for it, there is enough sunlight, water.

how long does it take for a cactus to grow?

Different species grow at different rates. For example, dwarf plants are slow-growing. Ariocactus, or “living stone” will not develop quickly either. This variety takes 50 years to grow to 10-12 cm.

Decembrist, or Schlumberg’s cactus, will increase by 2-4 cm per year. Globular flowers also grow slowly.

Rapid growth is noted in prickly pear, Strauss’s glucocactus. These plants can grow up to 1 m in height. Fast-growing varieties also include cereus, polaski, tree cacti. For a year, some are able to add up to 10 cm.

What to do if the cactus does not grow?

Create suitable conditions for growing cactus at home:

1. Young shoots should not be placed in direct sunlight. Adult desert varieties, on the other hand, are recommended to be planted in well-lit places, on the southeast or east windows. Decembrist and other shade-tolerant species are best placed on the north side. Don’t move the flower deep into the room. Lack of light will lead to his death.
2. Refuse to use black soil. On fertile soil, the plant will rot and become covered with mold. Add 50% sand to the pot. It is not necessary to use deep containers, since the roots of cacti are short.
3. It is recommended to water the soil from several times a week to 3 times a month. The larger the specimen, the less often it needs water. In winter, the amount of fluid is reduced. Some cactus species hibernate during the cold season. They do not need watering during the dormant period.
4. It is possible to make the flower grow faster with the help of a properly selected feeding. Fertilizers cannot be added immediately after transplanting, they can destroy the cactus. It is forbidden to feed the plant during the dormant period. Dilute mineral fertilizers with soft or melt water, and then add in cloudy weather.
5. Transplant to another container at least once a year. Changing the pot stimulates the growth of the root system, trunk. Remember to put the drain on the bottom. Stones, shards or expanded clay will do.

Growth can stop due to diseases or pests. If the root system is affected, carefully dig up the cactus, rinse the roots thoroughly under running water, and process.

Then transplant into a new pot. At the same time, you cannot use earth from an old container. It is recommended to bake the new soil in the oven to destroy pathogens.

If you notice any rot on the trunk or roots, carefully trim away the affected area. To prevent the spread of pathology, sprinkle the cut with ash, dry it. If a young shoot begins to rot, shoot, you will have to remove it.

It is impossible to fight dry rot; for prevention, treat the flower with fungicides. Fusarium, which manifests itself in the form of a pink or purple bloom on the trunk, cannot be cured either. The diseased plant will have to be destroyed.

Growth may stall due to spotted rust. For the treatment of this disease using the Bordeaux mixture.

Why does the flower only grow up

If the cactus grows only in length but not in width, transplant it into fresh soil diluted with sand. A similar phenomenon is possible with an excess of dressings. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers have a particularly strong effect. Don’t ignore this condition as it negatively impacts the health of the plant.

Sometimes a similar phenomenon is possible when grown in low light conditions. The top is thinning. At the same time, thorns begin to fall out.

Long lived plants Cactus Plants

In nature, plants can live for several centuries. At home, the maximum life expectancy is reduced to 50 years.

The following species live longer than others:

1. Echinocactus. Young plants are shaped like a ball. As they grow, they stretch out, turning into cylinders. In nature, they are found in Mexico, the United States of America. In natural conditions, they live up to 500 years.
2. Cereus. You can plant this South American candle-shaped plant. In nature, its lifespan is 300 years.
3. Carnegia. Lovers of rare, relic flowers can grow such a cactus. In nature, it is found only in the Sonoran Desert located between the United States and Mexico. A succulent plant can live up to 150 years.
4. Astrophytum. Most of these deep-ribbed spherical cactus species live for 70-80 years. Astrophytum coahuilence, however, continues to grow for up to 150 years.

At home, proper care will help prolong the life of the flower.