This epiphytic cactus is aboriginal to the timberland in S. Mexico and Central America . Leaves are strap - like and segmented , spineless and attack at base of plant . later wintertime to other summertime flowers are campana or funnel - shape , last only a few days , and are followed by red , ovoid yield . Ideal temperature range of mountains is above 50 degrees and well below 100 degrees , making them double-dyed for a bright , filtered spot in the home or on a patio in balmy climates . Water freely during the raise season and fertilise monthly with a half strength ferilizer . During dormant season , keep just moist . ‘ Alba Superba ’ bears pure white inner flower petal and pinkish white outer segments with strap - shape stems and rounded margins .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
Watering
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered grant to its wet requirements .
When watering , water system well . That is , put up enough H2O to thoroughly saturate the root bollock . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drain golf hole .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded water to sit for a while to get to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the gage in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant sit for 15 transactions to allow the root egg to be thoroughly cockeyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you learn when to re - water larger plenty . deposit it into the filth ball & hold off 5 arcminute . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and turn a non-white colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how wet the ground root chunk is .
Roots need O to breath , do not allow flora to sit in a saucer fill up with H2O . This will only promote disease .
Planting
Indoor plants want to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will deem the beginning ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a steel around the bound of the crapper , and gently wham the side to untie the dirt .
Always apply clean soil when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want zephyr to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will boost the roots to fill in their new dwelling .
The size locoweed you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many works prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . promote natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help dilute population tier of mealy bug .