2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
On the territory of Russia, pitahaya (hilocereus) is grown exclusively in closed ground: greenhouses, winter gardens, in a house, on insulated balconies. A large plant height implies significant areas of free space. What methods of caring for bushes will help grow healthy specimens?
Varieties
Among the varieties, there are 3 varieties of hylocereus:
1. Red. The fruits are covered with a scarlet skin on the outside, the flesh inside is white creamy with small black seeds.
2. Yellow. Differs from the first option in the color of the shell. The rest of the signs are the same.
3. Costa Rican. The skin has an orange-reddish tint. The pulp is colored in a rich crimson tone with black grains inside.
The last specimen, according to experts, has a richer taste and increased sweetness. Due to the complexity of cultivation, it is less common than other representatives.
Reproduction
There are two ways to get planting material: you can get a stem cutting from those familiar with an adult plant or seeds, getting them from ripe fruits.
The cuttings are rooted in two ways: they are planted immediately in the ground or kept in water until roots are formed. The land is suitable for purchase for cacti or garden with the addition of river sand.
The seed method is more accessible for reproduction. Fresh grains obtained from fruits have good germination. Cut the fruit into 2 parts, scoop out the pulp with a spoon. Put it in cheesecloth, washed under running water, removing the fleshy part. The seeds are not dried, they are sown raw.
Landing
Earth is poured into boxes with large holes, planting material is laid out on the surface. Sprinkle lightly with soil, moisten from a spray bottle with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, cover with a film. The crops are periodically ventilated to avoid the formation of mold on the surface. Gently moisten as the top layer of the substrate dries.
At a temperature of 21-25 degrees, seedlings appear in 15-20 days. The shelter is gradually removed, accustoming the plants to the dry air of the room. They dive in separate pots in the 3-leaf phase, trying to damage the root system less.
Care
Saplings quickly master the volume of the provided soil. As it grows, the size of the container is gradually increased. Planting small plants immediately in large pots leads to the acidification of the substrate that has not been mastered by the roots with mold. The development of pathogenic microflora negatively affects the health of young animals.
The ambient temperature is maintained at 18-25 degrees. Water it once a week in small doses, after the topsoil has dried. In the summer, in the phase of active growth, plants are fertilized with preparations for succulents twice a month.
If possible, in the warm season, plants are taken out into the garden. Set in openwork penumbra. Exposed sun areas can burn delicate skin. With the onset of temperatures below 20 degrees at the end of the season, the pots are brought back into the room.
Winter content
In winter, the bushes are installed on the windows with diffused light. On cloudy days, the evening hours are supplemented with phytolamps. Watering is reduced to a minimum.
Pitahaya is a cross-pollinated crop. When flowers appear at home, artificial insemination is carried out using a painting brush. Successful fruit set ensures that at least 2 plants are planted.
When the buds are fully open, the pollen is transferred from one specimen to another. A successful procedure is accompanied by the formation of an ovary. After 1, 5 months, the product is ready for use.
Having studied the peculiarities of growing an edible cactus, you can safely start making your dreams come true. Surprise guests with unusual exotic fruit dishes. Share tips for growing pitahaya at home.
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