Reproduction of cacti: horticultural tips

Cacti - one of the most amazing representatives of the plant world. Nature has awarded them the most diverse external signs, forms of existence, spectacular flowers and sharp thorns.

Very quickly they reclaimed their niche in indoor floriculture, and now in the shops you can meet the most exotic and rare species. Care and reproduction of cacti is quite a troublesome business, requiring attention and time. Initially, you should study the literature and advice of experienced cacti.

There are two ways in which cacti can be propagated - they are seed and vegetative. The expediency of using each of them largely depends on the experience of the florist, the possibilities, the type of plant. Vegetative reproduction is most popular in indoor culture and consists in rooting cut cuttings or babies of a mother plant.

Reproduction of cacti by children

Many cacti grow as they grow, with a multitude of sprouts, which are commonly referred to as "babies". They are reduced exact replicas of the mother plant and are connected with it by a very thin jumper, so they often spill themselves spontaneously. Typically, at the base of such children already have their own little roots, getting on the substrate, they quickly take root.

In some cacti, the shoots sit tightly to separate them, certain efforts are required. The most important thing at this moment is not to damage the main plant. Rotate the baby along the longitudinal axis until it detaches.

There are cacti that have lateral shoots, but they are by no means the children. By their structure and functions, they can be compared to the branches of a bush. The vegetative reproduction of cacti of this kind is more complex, the separation process is difficult, since the place of connection with the mother plant is stronger and broader. Therefore, it makes sense to think whether you need a second copy of the same type. Cutting the lateral shoot, you risk ruining the appearance of an adult plant. Therefore, choose the attachment points most hidden from the eyes.

Reproduction of cacti by cuttings

This vegetative method is most relevant for epiphytic cacti forming long non-segmented shoots (pictured below), as well as elongated and columnar species. In the first case, a part of the branch is cut off in a place where there are no signs of lignification, but not in the widest part of the leaf.

Pillow cacti and elongate propagate cuttings cut transversely in length of 10-15 cm. Cut with a sharp knife, and at the edges remove the chamfer for correct rooting from the middle part. In the same way, you can update old copies that have lost their decorativeness or mutilated, improperly developing. It is enough only to cut off the apical part. Its length should be 2-3 times greater than the diameter of the cut.

An old copy with a remote top should not be thrown away. With it, you can continue the reproduction of cacti. It is used as a mother liquor, on which shoots are constantly formed. For example, as in the photo.

Rules of vegetative reproduction

All manipulations during vegetative propagation are carried out only with sharp instruments (scalpel, razor, knife) and disinfected. Do even slices without chipping. Tools after each manipulation, wipe with alcohol. The ranks formed during the separation of children are usually very small and do not need treatment, if the cut is large, it is better to sprinkle with activated (crushed) charcoal. In order to reproduce the cacti by cuttings, successfully smear them with a root stimulant.

Independent segments, for example, like the prickly pears, and the babies do not need drying. They can be rooted in prepared soil immediately. The situation is different with cuttings.

Extensive sections must be dried for two to three days in a warm place, without getting sun rays. Then it is necessary to put them vertically in an empty pot or plastic container. It is desirable that the cuttings are in a kind of suspended state. The period can last quite a long time, the wound should be tightened and crusted. Do not rush to plant, wait for the roots to appear.

It is best to propagate cacti with cuttings and babies before the onset of the growing season or at the end of it.

Rooting of children and cuttings

If the babies and cuttings are small, then it is easy to install them on the substrate, otherwise use a garter to support, stuck into the soil. This can be an ordinary pencil or a stick. The substrate is selected according to the type of cactus, if they are not too demanding, then the nutritional content of the mixture can be increased for a more active and rapid development. Epiphytes are well rooted in wet sphagnum.

Keep the substrate moisturized, but do not fill it. Periodic spraying of plants is encouraged . Epiphytes and other fast-growing cacti can be placed under the "hood", thus creating a hothouse environment. Do not forget to leave a few holes for ventilation.

Observe the growing cuttings and babies, make sure that mold does not appear on the soil, as this can cause rotting of the plants. If this happens, then treat the surface with fungicidal preparations.

The vegetative mode of cactus reproduction is most optimal for beginners. The probability of a positive outcome is very high, especially with unpretentious species (echinopsis, mammilia). Just a month later, the plant is moving into active growth, and it requires the same care as for older specimens.

Common Errors

Inexperienced cactus for cuttings in bushy cacti often choose either too young shoots, or too old. The first are more beautiful, juicy, bright green in color, but too soft and unripe. They are worse rooted and often rot. For example, it is meaningless to root segments of the prickly pear with rudimentary leaves instead of thorns, as in the photo.

The second option - too old shoots, which, so to speak, is no longer a pity. They, as a rule, are already lignified and also take root badly.

Advice

• All the manipulations are done carefully, so as not to break the spines (they do not grow back) and not scratch the body of the cactus, as after this there are scars that spoil the appearance.
• Cuttings and cactus babies can be stored for a very long time, so they are easy to transport and even send by mail.
• Many epiphytic cacti on shoots have air roots, which in nature they absorb moisture from the air, cling to the support. Such cuttings can simply be applied to the substrate, and the roots will sprout quickly into it.
• For successful rooting, use special drugs that accelerate the growth of roots.

Cultivation from seeds

To propagate by a vegetative method, not all species are possible. Moreover, a plant grown from children and cuttings will never be as strong and perfect in all its features, as it is obtained through the multiplication of cacti by seeds. Such specimens are more resistant to disease.

Seed reproduction of cacti at home requires certain skills and special equipment. By and large - this is the business of professionals. The technology is complex and painstaking. Growing from the seeds of the house can, perhaps, only the most unpretentious cacti.

Use a fine-grained substrate made up of peat and sand. Seeds do not need to be buried, spread them over the surface and cover the container with glass or jar to create greenhouse conditions. The sprouting period stretches from a few days to 3-4 weeks. At this time it is important to maintain the desired level of moisture, without allowing waterlogging or drying.

The main problem with seed reproduction is the development of fungi and mold, so use disinfected tools. Seedlings are often required to replant, use a normal tweezer for this.

Tips for Seed Reproduction

• The best time for sowing is spring, the beginning of the growing season, only so the seedlings will be able to grow and grow stronger by the winter. If you have a special kid, the procedure can be carried out all year round.
• Store the collected cactus seeds in a dense, but not airtight package at a low positive temperature.
• Do not dust various types of cacti randomly. The decorative value of such hybrids will be practically zero.