The vibrant green, flat branches of Crab Caviar are actually the same as segmented crab claws. These unique structures bloom from December through March of the following year, producing striking pink or bright red flowers that illuminate the winter space, filling it with the warmth and beauty of spring.
When you look closely, you'll notice that Crab Caviar doesn't grow in soil by itself. Instead, it thrives on cacti. This symbiotic relationship is fascinating—cacti seem to act as a protective host, using their sturdy bodies to support the delicate Crab Caviar. This is because Crab Caviar has underdeveloped roots, grows slowly, and produces fewer flowers. By grafting onto the cactus, it can absorb water and minerals from the soil, while the cactus provides structural support and helps in the production of citronella.
So, how does Crab Caviar bloom on the cactus? It's done through grafting. Grafting involves joining a bud or branch (called a scion) from one plant to another rooted plant (called the rootstock). The scion brings the desired characteristics—like beautiful flowers or tasty fruits—while the rootstock provides strength and resilience. In this case, the cactus is chosen for its strong, healthy structure, while the Crab Caviar offers an attractive appearance.
During the spring months of March, April, and May, select a large, thick cactus that is at least 20 cm tall, healthy, and free from pests or diseases. This will serve as the rootstock. Cut two crab claw sections above the stem, choosing young, tender, and moderately thick parts as the scions. Using a sharp, sterilized knife, make a clean cut on top of the rootstock. The width of the cut should match the scion, and the depth should be about 1.5 cm. Then, trim the bottom of the scion to a length of no more than 1 cm. Immediately insert the scion into the rootstock’s incision, ensuring that the scion is fully seated. Hold the two parts together for 30 seconds to a minute, then secure them with a thin bamboo stick or toothpick across the joint for permanent fixation.
After grafting, avoid direct sunlight. Place the plant in a shaded area. Within 10 days, the wound should heal, indicating successful grafting. With proper care, the plant will grow into a mature specimen within two years.
If only one scion is grafted, it may appear lonely. To create a more visually appealing display, you can graft 2-3 scions onto a single piece of cactus. This results in a patchwork effect, with multiple blooms each season. A well-grown plant can produce between 200 to 300 flowers annually, blooming from December through spring.
Once the flowers have developed, proper care is essential to ensure continued blooming. Native to tropical rainforests in Brazil and Mexico, these plants prefer warm, humid, and partially shaded conditions. However, they need sufficient light during the flowering period in the fall. The soil should be sandy, nutrient-rich, and well-draining to promote healthy growth.
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