Nutrition of container-grown Christmas cacti
2001
The effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and lime additions to container-grown Schlumbergera x buckleyi were examined in two experiments. In each case rooted cuttings were grown in peat/perlite (1:1, v/v), with three plants per pot, for 17 months in a heated greenhouse. Foliage growth and flowering were strongly enhanced by added N and fertilization of between 1800 and 2200 g N m(-3) (105-130 g N m(-3) per month) and a foliar N content of 3.4-4.2% were recommended. Flowering was delayed by high N but promoted by added P. Added P also strongly influenced foliage growth and flowering but at lower rates than that for N fertilization. Recommended P rates were between 650 and 850 g P m(-3) (40-50 g P m(-3) per month) and a foliar P content of 1.3-1.5%. This species appeared tolerant of a wide range of pH levels, with a range of lime rates having no significant effect. A foliar calcium (Ca) content of 0.7% to 0.9% was suggested with a recommended media pH of 5.5-6.5. High K strongly influenced the production of stem segments and flowering in a small experiment and fertilization of 1500-2000 g K m(-3) (90-120 g K m(-3) per month) and a foliar content of 1.8-2.6% K were tentatively recommended.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]