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Fertilising cactus
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Posted by lisa_green Sydney (My Page) on Wed, Jan 14, 04 at 23:23
| What do u fertiliser your cacti with? I just read on the internet that you need to feed them and water them especialy in summer. One of the (5) cactus I have, I have never fertilised ever! And as for watering, last time I left one outside when it rained for a week non stop in January it rotted and died within the week...any thoughts welcome. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Fertilising cactus
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- Posted by jancc westaus (My Page) on
Thu, Jan 15, 04 at 4:25
Hi Lisa,
I give mine a bit of horse manure once a year, only because i have it on 'tap'. I don't buy any commercial stuff.
As for watering, the ones in pots usually just get a sprinkle once a week and the ones in the ground get a water once a fortnight. Of course, in winter, if it rains, they have to put up with what they get. most seem to survive ok. they stand up to frost very well too.
hopes this helps you out. the thing to remember is not to OVERWATER.
cheers Jan |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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| I use Osmocote for Roses . I dont really differentiate between various Osmocote products, its just that I happended to have it, so I used it. The timing for this particular variety is 6 month slow release. I think a lot of people suggest "Nitrophoska" brand for cacti - could it be because of the low Nitrogen levels? Anyway, I have noticed a spurt of growth in the past 4 weeks and to improve on the boost of growth , I add Charlie Carp (a fish based fertilizer) to the water - and then soak the pots in it. I do this once a week in summer. You have to be carefull though and monitor very closely for skin rupture. In case this happens, remove the cacti completely from the pot an let the roots dry out. The cactus will shrink a bit, after which you can repot it. |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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| Hi Lisa Green and Jancc....though I don't know what type of summertime temps you get, I have found that cacti will be more vigorous in growth with thorough soakings in the hot season. As long as they have good drainage that is. Especially cacti grown in clay pots. They tend to dry out much faster than you would think. Just my opinion anyway! |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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- Posted by jancc westaus (My Page) on
Sun, Jan 25, 04 at 9:02
you sure get good drainage on my patch of first grade builders sand, three acres of it. we also have summer temps of 47C (124F) and winter -5C (20F). with our winds that tend to dry things out as well, they do survive very well.
cheers Jan |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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Gooday Lisa and All,
I use Bonsai Plus, which is a liquid seaweed fertiliser. With trace elements. Nitrogen 4,Phosphorus 4, Potassium 4.
Best with equal parts and low nitrogen (I believe) as too much N makes the plants grow "leggy" and tall. Use it with an insecticide at the same time. I put it through one of those pump-up garden sprayers once or twice a year.
Stationary. |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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- Posted by Roop NSW Aust (My Page) on
Sat, Feb 14, 04 at 2:25
| I saw a mind blowing display of cactus and succulents during the last open garden week, and asked what fertiliser was recommended. I was told 'Charlie Carp' was good. I will give it a go soon because I'd like to support any move to rid our waterways of carp. |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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- Posted by Tress QLD Aust (My Page) on
Thu, Feb 19, 04 at 3:30
| At what strength would you use the 'Charlie Carp on cactus |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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| Yates make something in their Thrive range something along the lines of "Yates Thrive liquid concentrate Cacti succulent." I have not found it in Victoria, but heard that it is available in QLD. I am sure it exists because it's on their website. Dunno if it's any good though. Anyone heard of it/know where to get it in Vic? Jon |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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| I just use Charlie carp at 1/4 strength, if a big plant looks like it has stopped growing a water with Charlie Carp seems to get them on the move. I had an Echinocereus that should have been repoted a long time ago and i watered it with Charlie Carp and it has taken of like crazy. |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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- Posted by Tress QLD Aust (My Page) on
Wed, Mar 17, 04 at 1:34
| Thanks MealyBug, the growing of cacti is still a mystery to me, but I am a try hard, I have had cactus for years, but no flowers, I am learning so much about them on this site,so things can only get better. |
RE: Fertilising cactus
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- Posted by Tress QLD Aust (My Page) on
Fri, May 21, 04 at 2:50
| I have recently moved next to a horse paddock, how would I use the horse manure on my cacti?.....help please |
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