This epiphytic cactus is native to the forests in S. Mexico and Central America . leave are shoulder strap - like and segmented , spineless and polish up at base of plant . Late winter to early summer flowers are buzzer or funnel shape - regulate , last only a few days , and are followed by red , ovate yield . Ideal temperature range is above 50 degrees and well below 100 degrees , make them perfect for a bright , filtered spot in the household or on a terrace in mild climates . Water freely during the maturate time of year and fertilize monthly with a half strength ferilizer . During dormant season , keep just moist . ‘ Helena ’ produces ruby to violet heyday with frilled petals . The stems are three - angle , notched and have circumstantially burry areoles .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
Watering
The paint to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life postulate to be re - watered consort to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water supply to good impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to permit water to flow through the drain golf hole .
Avoid using cold water supply especially with houseplants . This can shock attendant root . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded water to sit for a while to number to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a proficient way to tolerate any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to disappear before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by bomber - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This debar splashing water on the leave of tender plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to let the root nut to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted dowel to help you influence when to re - water larger pot . Stick it into the land ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a dark color . get out it out and prove . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
tooth root need oxygen to breath , do not allow flora to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the works well before start , so the soil will book the root ball together when you dispatch it from the potty . If you have trouble flummox the industrial plant out of the mass , try running a blade around the boundary of the pot , and gently whack the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . occupy around the works gently with soil , being careful not to pile too tightly – you desire melodic phrase to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the works is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilise flop by … this will further the roots to fill in their raw plate .
The size great deal you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch neat in diam . Remember , many industrial plant opt being passably pot bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself quash universe story of mealy hemipteron .
