Hymnokalitsium Mikhanovich: description, features of cultivation and reproduction

Among the variety of indoor flowers, cacti are distinguished by their original appearance. Special attention from all representatives of this family deserves the Gymnocalicium of Mihanović - a plant whose homeland is South America. Thanks to its attractive appearance, it has been very popular recently with exotic lovers.

Description

Wild representatives of cacti grow in groups, forming picturesque compositions on stony high mountains. While cultivating succulents at home, you can create something similar in a city apartment.

The plant looks rather unusual. It is a globular stalk of a chlorophyll form, which has a red, orange or yellow color. Its diameter is usually about 6 cm. Large ribs with a triangular cross section can be easily seen on it. Like many other representatives of the family of cacti, the Mikhanovich Gymnocalycal is covered with grayish spines, which grow to 5 pieces from each areola. With age, their number decreases. The originality of this kind of cactus is also that it does not differ in independence and can grow only by being grafted onto another succulent, which feeds itself and the top. As a result, both halves develop the same way. With good care of this plant, you can observe how the cactus blooms. Usually this happens in the summer. On the top of the plant appear funnel-shaped flowers of white, greenish, pink or yellow color. Sometimes they are quite large - up to 7 cm in diameter.

Requirements for lighting

These indoor flowers are designed for the southern exposure of the windows, since the cactus is a light-loving plant. But from midday sunlight it is recommended to pritenyat, otherwise burns are not excluded. They are dry brownish spots that quickly pass if the flower is removed in the penumbra. Nevertheless, the cactus Gymnokalitsium Mihajnovic needs good lighting all year round, and especially during the flowering period. With a lack of light, the plant loses its shape, its tissues become softer, and the risk of various diseases increases.

Temperature conditions

This is no less important factor for growing cactus. It is closely related to the degree of illumination - the more light, the higher the temperature is needed to ensure high-quality photosynthesis. Although the cactus is an Hymnocalicium and a thermophilic plant, it can feel fine at both 15 and 30 ° C. The main condition is that the temperature should be constant, since the plant tolerates its jumps rather painfully. In winter, when the rest phase comes, it is desirable to provide cooler conditions of detention.

On hot days it is necessary to ventilate the room where the cactus grows. The air circulation will save it from overheating. At the same time, it is very important not to allow drafts, avoiding cold air from the street on winter days.

Watering

The gymnokalitsium of Mihanovic is not afraid of drought and is much more likely to suffer an excess of moisture - the roots rot from it, and gradually this leads to the death of the whole plant. Watering is moderate, so that the soil can dry out. In the summer it is produced as needed, depending on the condition of the earth coma, in winter it is enough once a month. It matters not only how often to water the cactus, but also what kind of water. It should be at room temperature, standing still. With a high water hardness index, a little vinegar or citric acid is added to it. To the humidity of the air Gimnokalitsium is undemanding. Spray the plant just enough to remove the accumulated dust from it.

Feeding

For cacti there are special fertilizers. During the growing season, they are used approximately 1-2 times a month. In winter, top dressing is stopped, because at this time the plant needs rest. Recommended dosages are indicated on the package, they must be followed. It is permissible to reduce the concentration, but in no case should an overabundance of fertilizers be allowed. This can lead to various diseases of the plant. See how the cactus blooms, you can only observe the rules for the application of fertilizers. Mineral and organic top dressing must necessarily alternate. They must have low acidity, as well as the soil itself.

Mineral fertilizer is best absorbed in liquid form, so it is pre-dissolved in warm water (rain or boiled). Top dressing in the afternoon or evening. The next day it is recommended to spray the plant with water.

Reproduction

On the parent plant, lateral layers are sometimes formed. In spring, the growth point (areola) is neatly cut off and after a little drying it is planted on any kind of unpretentious green cactus. In this way, offspring are usually obtained from chlorophyll-free forms, to which the Mikhanovich Gimnokalitsium belongs. Reproduction by children is one of the most popular ways. You can plant such a litter immediately in a prepared and slightly humidified substrate. It is a mixture of the humus, peat, turf, leaf land and coarse-grained sand taken in equal parts. Acquired in the store special substrate for cacti is dryish, so it is recommended to dilute it with leaf humus or garden soil. The baby can simply put on moistened soil, and after a while it will take root.

This plant also multiplies with the help of seeds. Such offspring are more robust, healthy and quality. Sow seeds directly on the surface of the soil. The pot is covered with a film or glass, moistening as necessary the substrate from the atomizer. About a month after sowing, the first shoots appear, and already in the second year of life the flowers can be pleased with the Gimnokalitsium. Care for a young cactus is the same as for an adult plant.

The capacity for transplanting grown-up seedlings is better to choose a small volume. It is desirable that it has a cylindrical shape and was shallow.

Diseases

In most cases, any disturbance of the state of the cactus is associated with improper care. Excess moisture leads to root rot. First, a soft dark spot appears in the lower part of the trunk, and if you do not take any measures, the plant gradually dies. It is necessary to extract the cactus from the ground as early as possible and gently wash the roots, releasing them from the old soil. Affected by rotten parts cut and, drying a little rhizome, put the plant in a new substrate.

The emerging spot around the areola can be the result of a sunburn or some kind of mechanical damage. But if it increases in size - this indicates a fungal infection. In this case, the Mikhnowicz's gymnastics should be treated with special preparations.

Despite its small size, this indoor flower can decorate with its appearance any interior. He is completely unpretentious, so even a newcomer can grow it. It is enough to know about the basic requirements for lighting, the temperature regime, the composition of the soil, how often to water the cactus and correctly make top dressing.