The term " strawflower cactus " does n’t cite to a type of cactus at all . Instead , it refers to a workmanship undertaking in which the crafter unite a dried bract from a strawflower ( Xerochrysum bracteatum ; geographical zone 8a through 10b ) with a cactus smorgasbord , such as the pincushion cactus ( Mammillaria grahamii ; zones 8 to 11 ) ; hedgehog cactus ( Echinopsisspp . ; zone 5 to 11 ) ; or the golden bbl cactus ( Echinocactus grusonii ; geographical zone 9 through 11 ) . The papery flower is affixed to the top of the cactus using hot glue or pins , giving the stamp that the cactus is always in efflorescence .
care for a strawflower cactus is all about care for the cactus itself and not its strawflower accessory . Fortunately , the cactus varieties normally used for yellow paper daisy cactus grow practiced with a deal - off approach that make them a in force choice for begin cactus growers .
Tip
The bract ofXerochrysum bracteatumis sometimes called everlasting blossom , or immortelle .
Growing Strawflower Cactuses
Providing the correct maturate conditions is key to keep strawflower cactus plants awake and growing . Most cactus from desiccated climates portion out similar growing conditions , which concentrate on bright light , warm temperatures and good drainage .
Sunlight Exposure
As with most succulent , cactuses need at leastsix minute of direct sunlighteach daylight . Placing strawflower cactus houseplant near a gay , south - facing window will cater pile of light , although an unshaded west - facing windowpane will also forge well in a pinch .
Strawflower cactus should not be left outdoors twelvemonth round , because the dried flower bract will eventually get damaged by moisture and wind . However , if you must keep it outside , choose a sheltered location with plenty of verbatim sunlight and make for it indoors if tempestuous weather is forecast .
Temperature Range
cactus will tolerate cool temperatures during the wintertime month , but they perform much substantially when kept warm during the summer growing season . temperature between 65 and 85 ° F are upright in summertime , while temperature between 45 and 55 ° F will suffice in winter .
If you keep your strawflower cactus outside and you go in a cold hardiness zone , move it indoors during the wintertime month . Place it in a cool , smart room during wintertime and then move it back outdoors in bound once temperature warm above 55 ° F .
Soil and Drainage
Cactuses will eventually need to be repot to refresh their dirt or to furnish a big container . A ceramic plenty with a drain hole at the basis is the best container for growing cactuses , because the ceramic will help regulate soil moisture levels , while the drain hole at the groundwork will permit excess water to break loose .
practice cactus pattern potting mix from a garden center or merge your own by combining equal part pot territory and coarse moxie . Be sure to repot the cactus at the same depth as it was growing in its original container .
Caring for Strawflower Cactuses
Cactuses are sincerely low care , so get word how to care for one is easy to do . Most cactus require little more than an occasional watering , but potted strawflower cactuses also benefit from a clean feeding .
Water Lightly
Like all succulents , cactuses prefer their soil on the wry side , but they should n’t be allowed to dry out out completely . Test the soil wet with your fingertip every few days . Water whenever the dirt feels dry below the surface .
Fertilize Sparingly
Although cactus and other succulent plant like lean territory , potted cactus profit from an casual visible light alimentation . A monthly program of low - nitrogen fertilizer such as 5 - 10 - 5 or 7 - 9 - 5 is best . Using succulent - formula fertilizer is best , but stock garden plant food will also put to work if the app pace is adjusted .
Apply cactus - formula fertilizer allot to the recording label management . Apply the fertilizer at half the recommend rate if you are using a garden fertilizer intend for perennials .
Do n’t feed cactuses in winter when temperatures are cold and they are n’t actively growing .
Creating a Strawflower Cactus
It ’s easy to make a strawflower cactus . Any species of cactus can be used , but around - top varieties such as the pincushion or golden barrel cactus sour well . Devil ’s tongue ( Ferocactus latispinus ; zones 9b through 11 ) and some species of prickly Pyrus communis cactus ( Opuntiaspp . ; zones 4 to 11 ) are also just choices .
Affix a dried everlasting efflorescence or a fake flower to the top of the cactus using a dot of hot glue or a lean pin insert through the flower and into the cactus . Flowers attached using a pin are easier to remove than those stuck on with live glue , but the pin can also damage the cactus .
Your cactus strawflower may need to be replace if it loses coloration or starts to break asunder . Pry off the older flower using a sharp trade knife and gum or immobilise a new one on in its place .
