- 1). Identify the Achievement Orchid Cactus by its segmented, strap-like leaves. They are rounded at the base of the plant and are spineless. The yellow flowers are bell-shaped or funnel-shaped and they only last a few days. Once the flowers are spent, the plant puts out a red, oval fruit. It is an evergreen plant that blooms from early spring to mid summer. It can grow to heights of 3 feet and widths of 3 feet.
- 2). Plant this low maintenance plant in a mixture of sand and sandy loam with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Water it during the growing season, but keep in mind the soil should be kept rather dry to slightly moist. Fertilize it with a half strength fertilizer.
- 3). Plant this cactus indoors, but make sure it has enough light and the proper temperature. If you need to transplant it, water it well, so the soil holds the rootball together. Use fresh soil in the new pots.
- 4). Protect the Achievement Orchid Cactus against mealybugs. Mealybugs suck the sap out of the plant tissue--and cacti survive by storing water in its tissues. Isolate infected plants from other plants. Add ladybugs to the pots, as they will eat the mealybugs. Certain insecticides will also kill mealybugs.
previous post
next post