This epiphytic cactus is native to the forests in S. Mexico and Central America . Leaves are shoulder strap - like and segmented , spineless and assault at base of plant . former wintertime to early summer flowers are bell or funnel shape - mold , last only a few day , and are conform to by red , ovoid yield . Ideal temperature range is above 50 degrees and well below 100 level , hit them perfect for a shining , filtered blot in the home or on a patio in modest climates . water system freely during the grow season and fertilize monthly with a half strength ferilizer . During dormant time of year , keep just moist . ‘ Chauncey ’ bring about flowers that have royal inner petals , each with a red mid - melodic line and dark red outer segments on stem turn that are strap - shaped .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
Watering
The winder to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the base bollock . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold pee peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow dusty water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good agency to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are good irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash water supply on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . but place the pot in a shallow cooking pan fill up with tepid water and countenance the works sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water gravid pots . Stick it into the stain ballock & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will occupy moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how tight the ground ascendent ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not grant plants to sit in a disc filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
Indoor works demand to be transfer into a tumid container sporadically , or they become hatful / stem - bound and their growth is slow down . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will support the root ballock together when you take away it from the pot . If you have bother catch the plant out of the plenty , try running a vane around the boundary of the heap , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always use brisk grime when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with grease , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you desire air travel to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right away … this will encourage the origin to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . retrieve , many flora prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plant from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs .
