Cactus flowers are a rare sight, but when they do bloom, they are stunning and full of meaning. Do you know the meaning of these flowers and how to grow a cactus to make it bloom faster? Let’s find out together.
1 Introduction to Cactus Flowers
Introduction to Cactus Flowers
Cacti come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from bushes to large trees or ground-covering plants. The sharp spines on a cactus are modified leaves, primarily serving to reduce water loss, thus enabling the plant to survive in arid regions and thrive in dry, barren soils. Cactus stems are cylindrical and capable of water storage.
Cacti rarely flower, but each bloom is vibrant and delicate, contrasting sharply with the plant’s coarse texture. Most cactus flowers are bisexual, blooming at different times depending on the species. Cactus flowers have 5 to 50 tepals and 50 to 1500 stamens. The petals are evenly distributed and concentric, measuring about 5 to 30 cm in length and displaying a variety of vivid colors. The flower shape varies from funnel to bell to flat round.
When in bloom, a cactus can produce 5 to 7 flowers, or even 9 to 10 in some cases. The flowers only last a day before wilting, although some cactus species can keep their blooms for 3 to 5 days.
2 The Legend of Cactus Flowers
The Legend of Cactus Flowers
Each blooming cactus flower is captivating and alluring, but do you know the legend behind these meaningful blooms? Let’s explore it together.
The Legend of Cactus Flowers in Spanish
In a faraway land, there was a couple in love, but they were too shy to confess their feelings to each other. One day, the man gathered the courage to express his love, and the woman gave him a pot of blooming cactus in response. However, the man misinterpreted her gesture, thinking she no longer loved him.
Time passed, and their love faded as the woman moved on to another man. When the man finally visited her, he only encountered her brother and the blooming cactus plants. It was then that he realized the true meaning of the cactus in Spanish: “Come and take me away,” but it was too late, as he did not understand Spanish and could not comprehend her true intentions.
The Legend of Cactus Flowers in Vietnam
In ancient times, when the world was first created and humans did not yet exist, God formed a man from a drop of water and sand. God taught him how to hunt and fight but not how to cultivate and farm. So, he sent a fairy, the daughter of the Rain God and the Wind God, to assist the man. However, they fell in love and neglected their duties.
Angered by their actions, God turned the man back into sand, leaving the fairy heartbroken and in tears. Her mother, the Rain God, was so saddened that she withheld the rain, while her father, the Wind God, blew hot gusts of wind in his rage.
The fairy cried until she exhausted herself and turned into a cactus tree, surrounded by thousands of sharp spines as if defying her return to heaven. Despite its thorny exterior, the cactus was fragile, and if harmed, it would release a white sap like the fairy’s tears. Due to her parents’ anger, her habitat was limited to the arid desert, where she longed to stay forever with her beloved, blooming the most beautiful flowers as a symbol of their intense love.
3 Meaning of Cactus Flowers
Meaning of Cactus Flowers
Cactus flowers symbolize strength, resilience, and the ability to thrive in the harshest conditions, seizing every opportunity to display their most beautiful blooms, even if they only last a day. Despite their dry appearance, cacti are full of water inside, representing individuals with a tough exterior but a rich inner emotional life.
In the context of love, cactus flowers signify a deep and unwavering love that endures challenges and obstacles. When a relationship survives life’s storms, the cactus will bloom with the most magnificent flowers. Additionally, cactus flowers serve as a romantic gesture for new couples. Receiving a small pot of cactus may indicate that someone has a secret crush on you.
4 Placement of Cactus Flowers
Placement of Cactus Flowers
It is advisable to place cactus pots on balconies or corridors to serve as a protective barrier for your family against external influences and to ward off evil spirits. Avoid placing them in bedrooms, living rooms, or offices because the spines, when directed at people or indoor spaces, can disrupt positive energy flow.
5 How to Grow and Care for Cactus Flowers
How to Grow and Care for Cactus Flowers
Planting Techniques
There are two common methods for growing cacti: seed germination or cactus cutting propagation.
Growing Cacti from Seeds
You can purchase seeds from garden centers, preferably selecting desert or forest cactus varieties. For the soil, opt for a loose, well-drained mix that is slightly moist to prevent seed rot. While cacti can survive and grow in barren soils, it is beneficial to provide a suitable growing medium when starting from seeds.
First, dampen the soil before placing it in the pot, ensuring there is no standing water. Next, spread the seeds on the soil surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil or sand, approximately 1 cm thick. Use a plastic bag to cover the pot, helping to maintain moisture during germination, and place the pot in a dry, sunny location.
Germination can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the seed variety. Once the seedlings start to develop spines, you can remove the plastic cover during the day to improve air circulation. Continue to provide a cover at night until the cacti are large enough to thrive without it.
Propagating Cacti from Cuttings
This method is relatively simple and can be done by beginners. Prepare a sharp, sanitized knife. Choose the branch you want to propagate and cut it quickly and decisively. Do not plant the cutting immediately; instead, let it dry in a well-ventilated area. After about two weeks, when the cut end has dried and formed a callus, you can pot it, and roots will grow from the callus.
Caring for Cacti
When your cactus develops small spines, you can remove the plastic cover during the day to improve air circulation. Continue to provide a cover at night until the cactus is large enough to thrive without it.
As your cactus grows and reaches a larger size, typically after six months to a year, consider repotting it to accommodate its growth. Do not keep your cactus in a pot that is too small, as it will hinder its development.
Cacti are drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering and prolonged exposure to rain, as this can lead to root rot. Water once a week if the cactus is in a well-ventilated area, such as near a window, and 2 to 3 times a week if the climate is hot. Water just enough to moisten the roots. During winter, stop watering and only resume when the cactus shows signs of wilting.
Cacti thrive in sunlight, so place them in direct sunlight for 1 to 2 hours in the early morning if they are young, and for longer periods if they are more established. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for more than 6 hours, as this can cause scorching.
To promote the growth and beauty of your cactus, provide fertilizer containing NPK. Choose a fertilizer suitable for the plant’s growth stage.
Like any other plant, cacti can be affected by pests. If you notice any insects, simply remove them with a cotton swab moistened with water.
6 Popular Cactus Flower Varieties
Rabbit Ear Cactus
Rabbit Ear Cactus
This cactus gets its name from the shape of its stems, which resemble rabbit ears. The flowers come in various colors, including red, yellow, and pink, and they bloom on different rabbit ear branches. Rabbit Ear Cactus is a favorite among women.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus
Also known as Crab Claw Cactus, this variety features branches that grow outward like crab claws. When in bloom, the flowers are purple or pink and very attractive.
Crown of Thorns
Crown of Thorns
Scientifically known as Euphorbia Milii, this cactus is native to Madagascar. With proper care, it produces an abundance of flowers, with each leaf axil bearing a large cluster of blooms that last for a long time (2 to 6 months). The inflorescence is long, with two bracts at the base that some people mistake for petals.
Stone Lotus Cactus
Stone Lotus Cactus
This cactus variety is often given as a gift to loved ones and used as an indoor decorative plant. Its flowers resemble a lotus, with each petal forming a distinct layer, and each layer bearing a small spine.
Birthday Cake Cactus
Birthday Cake Cactus
This cactus variety has a round shape, thick spines, and long-lasting blooms compared to other cacti. However, when it does flower, it produces an abundance of flowers, sometimes up to several dozen, which typically last for 4 to 7 days. In cooler climates, the blooms can last even longer.
7 Where to Buy Cactus Flowers and Their Price
Where to Buy Cactus Flowers and Their Price
Cacti are readily available, and you can purchase seeds or potted plants from nurseries or plant shops offering a wide range of cactus varieties.
The price of cacti varies depending on the size and type, typically ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 VND per plant.
We hope that this article has provided you with valuable information about cactus flowers. May your cactus journey be filled with beauty and the unique charm of these resilient plants.
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Cactus, a symbol of resilience and strength, boasts more than just its spiny exterior. Unknown to many, its essence holds an array of beauty secrets and medicinal benefits. Join us on a journey as we unravel the wonders of this remarkable plant.
The Magic of Rabbit Ear Cactus: Unveiling the Secrets to Grow and Care for Stunning Blooms
The Rabbit Ear Cactus, with its unique shape and plethora of useful attributes, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. Its distinctive features and adaptability make it a desirable addition to any garden or indoor space. To uncover the secrets of this fascinating plant and learn how to cultivate it successfully, delve into the article that follows.
