This epiphytic cactus is aboriginal to the forests in S. Mexico and Central America . Leaves are strap - similar and segmented , spineless and rounded at stand of flora . Late wintertime to early summertime flowers are bell or funnel shape - shaped , last only a few days , and are followed by red , ovoid yield . Ideal temperature range of a function is above 50 degrees and well below 100 degrees , make them thoroughgoing for a shiny , filtered billet in the home or on a patio in mild climates . water system freely during the grow season and fertilize monthly with a half strength ferilizer . During torpid time of year , keep just moist . ‘ Tyke ’ produces ruddy orangish flowers with astray - spreading , twisted petals . It produces shoulder strap - form prow with rounded margins .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
Watering
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testicle . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to appropriate water supply to flow through the drainage gob .
obviate using cold piss especially with houseplants . This can shock ship’s boat roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or admit cold water to sit down for a while to occur to room temperature before watering . This is a good fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best water by submarine sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water supply on the leaves of sore plants . Simply localize the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and rent the plant seat for 15 minute of arc to allow the beginning ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and appropriate sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you find when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 mo . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and wrick a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how sloshed the dirt root ball is .
radical need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
Indoor plant take to be transplanted into a big container sporadically , or they become pot / base - obligate and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before starting , so the grunge will agree the root chunk together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , adjudicate running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whack the sides to untie the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor plant . make full around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new peck , do n’t fecundate decently away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their fresh home .
The size sens you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean tummy !
Problems
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden center of attention professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost rude enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug .
