FERTILISING MESCALINE CACTI
FERTILISING MESCALINE CACTI
Proper fertilisation makes Mescaline Cacti grow and flower better.
Mescaline Cacti need less nitrogen than Succulents and normal plants.
Special Cactus Manure with less nitrogen is therefore important.
The Mescaline Cactus will then continue to grow in a naturally stocky manner, and flower much better.
1. Fertilising the Peyote Cactus
With the right cactus fertiliser, the Peyote Cactus grows in a low natural stocky form.
The colour of the body of the Peyote Cactus is then blue-green to grey-blue.
With too much nitrogen in the fertiliser, the Peyote continues to grow more elongated, thin and shiny green.
The Peyote then becomes weaker, more susceptible to moisture, sun, pests, cold and frostbite.
Tearing open the side of the plant body due to too much water is then also possible.
2. Fertilising San Pedro Cactus and Peruvian Torch Cactus
2.1 Cactus fertilizer
With the right Cactus fertiliser, Trichocereus species like the San Pedro and Peruvian Torch grow thick and strong.
The concentration of contents is higher, flowering and resistance to adverse conditions is then much better.
2.2 Calcium nitrate fertiliser (= Calcium nitrate)
Calcium nitrate fertiliser is a nitrogen fertiliser, which makes Cacti grow faster, more elongated and flabbier.
With too much nitrogen in the fertiliser, the Peyote grows on elongated, thin and shiny green.
This elongated and limp growth eventually makes the stem of a San Pedro Cactus break and fall over.
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SEASONAL FERTILISATION OF MESCALINE CACTI
Fertilisation - General
Cactus fertiliser (1) alone = suitable for Mescaline Cacti and other Cacti throughout the year.
Cactus fertiliser (1) and Calcium Nitrate fertiliser (2) together (50% each) = suitable for Succulents, Succulents (not Cacti),
and Houseplants all year round.
N.B. In the winter months (October to February) do not water or fertilise Cacti and Succulents !
This creates a winter dormancy (growth stop), which is necessary because there is not enough light in winter.
The Mescaline Cacti would grow too elongated due to the lack of light.
Fertilisation - Special
In spring
Give cactus fertiliser (1) with low nitrogen (N) to Mescaline Cacti and Cacti.
Give cactus fertiliser (1) and calcium nitrate fertiliser (2) together (maximum 50% calcium nitrate fertiliser) to Succulents.
In summer
Cactus fertiliser (1) and Calcium nitrate fertiliser (2) together (maximum 50% Calcium nitrate fertiliser) to:
1. Mescaline Cacti.
2. Cacti.
3. Succulents.
In autumn
Give cactus fertiliser (1) with low nitrogen (N) to Mescaline Cacti, Cacti and Succulents.
In winter
Do not water or fertilise Mescaline Cacti, Cacti and Succulents in the winter months.
(October to February).
Also not to Cacti and Succulents kept indoors on a warm windowsill.
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DOSAGE OF FERTILISERS
1. Dosage of fertilisers - Concentration
Maximum 1 gram per litre of water.
For seedlings and calm growth 1/2 gram per litre of water.
2. Frequency of fertilisation
Fertilise at most once a month, and water twice a month (= every fortnight).
3. Ratio of fertilisers
The two fertilisers can be used in any ratio, and also each separately.
Only Cactus fertiliser for slow, compact natural growth of Cacti.
Cactus fertiliser and calcium nitrate fertiliser in equal parts for Succulents and houseplants.
4. Ratio of fertilizers and growth
The normal ratio for Succulents and Houseplants is equal amounts of both fertilisers (50% / % 50%).
If plants grow too little, give less or no Cactus fertiliser (1), and more or only Lime-Salpetre (2).
If plants grow too fast, give more or only Cactus fertiliser (1), and less or no calcium nitrate fertiliser (2).
5. Over-fertilising Mescaline Cacti
As long as you fertilise once a month from March to September, this situation will not occur.
If the ion concentration (= concentration of charged particles) in the soil becomes too high, it becomes more difficult for the plant to absorb water.
The growth of Cacti then eventually stops, and the roots can burn.
On the soil you will then see a beige, brown or white deposit of excess fertiliser.
6. Measuring fertiliser concentration with an EC meter
With an EC meter (Electrical Conductivity meter) you can measure the concentration of ions.
The EC value of the soil should not exceed 3-4 milli-Siemens/cm.
The EC value of the pouring water should not exceed 1-1.5 milli-Siemens/cm.
An excessively high EC value of the soil, ground or substrate can be reduced by flushing the soil with water.
7. Fertiliser concentration of water and soil
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EC-VALUE OF WATER AND SOIL
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Water / grond
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EC-value in mS/cm
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Rain water
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0,010 - 0,050
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Tap water
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0,300 - 0,700
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Outside water (lake, canal)
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0,300 - 1,000
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Soil, potting compost
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1 - 4
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QUALITY OF YOUR POUR WATER
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EC-VALUE in mS/cm
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Quality
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Action
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< 0,250
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Good.
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No.
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0,250 - 0,750
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Good for most plants
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Measure regularly.
Flushing required.
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> 0,750
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Bad.
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Flushing required.
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OTHER FERTILISERS
Iron chelate
Iron chelate combats yellowing of leaves due to iron deficiency.
With sufficient iron, plants make more leaf green (chlorophyll) and greener leaves.
Plants with greener leaves:
-- assimilate better.
-- grow and flower better.
See: Iron chelate DTPA
See; Iron chelate EDDHA
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