NUTRITION OF CONTAINER-GROWN CHRISTMAS CACTI |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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