Quick summary
Zygocactus , commonly recognise asChristmas cactusor Thanksgiving cactus , is a popular succulent industrial plant that adds a festal soupcon to home during the holiday time of year . Proper pruning is crucial for preserve the health and beauty of these plant , see to it they produce vibrant blooms and conserve a compact condition . This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of zygocactus pruning , providing gradation - by - tone instructionsand expert tips to help you reach optimal results .
Understanding the Benefits of Pruning Zygocactus
Pruning offer numerous benefit for zygocactus plants :
When to Prune Zygocactus
The idealistic time to prune zygocactus is after the plant has end blossom . Thistypically occursinlate winterorearly bounce . Pruning at this time allows the plant to concenter its energy on new ontogeny and bloom production for the next season .
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting thepruning process , gather the necessary tools :
Step-by-Step Pruning Instructions
1 . Identify Old and Leggy Stems : essay the plant and key any stems that are older , leggy , or have brown oryellow leaf . These base are candidates for removal.2 . polish off Dead or Diseased Stems : Using knifelike , clean shear , geld away any dead ordiseased stem closeto the base of the plant.3 . Thin Out Crowded Stems : If the plant is overgrown , you may thinly outcrowded stemsby bump off some of the smaller ace . This allows for betterair circulationand encourages more vigorous growth.4 . Shape the Plant : Usepruning shearsto shape the plant as desired . make out back stems that are grow too long or out of shape.5 . Remove Flower Buds : If you want toencourage shaggy-coated growth , you’re able to take away theflower budsthat form on the bakshis of the root . This will airt the plant life ’s energy into get new leaves and stems.6 . Make Clean Cuts : Alwaysmake clean , angled cutswith knifelike shears tominimize damageto the plant .
After Pruning Care
After pruning , water the plant thoroughly to aid it recover from the stress of being trimmed . target the plant life in a bright , indirect low-cal locationandavoid fertilizingfor a few weeks .
Advanced Pruning Techniques
1 . Root Pruning : If your zygocactus has become rootbound , you may need toperform etymon pruning . Carefully remove the plant life from its tidy sum and trim any farsighted or circling roots.2 . Air Layering : Air layering is a proficiency used to broadcast newzygocactus plants . Select a healthy stem and make a small surgical incision near the bottom . Wrap the incision with moistsphagnum mossand secure it with plastic wrapper . After several weeks , roots will mould in the sphagnum moss , and you may cut the stem below the roots to create a novel plant .
Troubleshooting Common Pruning Issues
1 . Over - Pruning : fend off over - pruning your genus Zygocactus , as this can damage the plant andreduce flowering . Only remove the necessary stem turn to achieve yourdesired shapeand boost tidy growth.2 . Yellowing Leaves : If the leave of yourzygocactus turn yellowafter pruning , it may be due to overwatering or deficiency of light . Adjust yourwatering scheduleand offer the flora with more collateral sunshine .
Questions We Hear a Lot
1 . Can Iprune zygocactusat any time of year?While it ’s adept to prune after blooming , you canprune zygocactusat any metre if necessary . However , forfend pruningduring thewinter monthswhen the plant life is dormant.2 . How often should I prune my zygocactus?Prune yourzygocactus annuallyto maintain its pattern andencourage flowering . If the plant becomes overgrown , you may need to trim it more frequently.3 . What should I do with the cuttings after pruning?you may cast out the cutting or use them to circularise newzygocactus plants . Allow the cuttings to thickened over for a few days before potting them in a well - drain cactus potting mix .
