Trichocaulon

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Trichocaulon is a miniature succulent plant with a spherical or cylindrical stem. The stems are light green, bluish or brown, covered with rounded or sharp tubercles, sometimes forming lateral shoots at the base. Some species have spines at the tops of the tubercles. The flowers, characteristic of the swallow family, appear at the top of the stem and have 5 thick, round or pointed petals. The petals are often covered with contrasting specks - green, burgundy, pink, yellow, purple, almost black.

Height. 15 - 40 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, Trichocaulon tolerates the most extreme heat. In autumn, it is necessary to provide a cool room with a temperature of 12 - 14 ° C so that the plants enter a dormant period.

Lighting

Trichocaulon should bathe in the sun in the morning and evening, every day. Light shading is required in spring and summer, during the daytime, when sun activity is high. In autumn and winter, maximum possible lighting.

Care

Representatives of this species are unpretentious and would rather tolerate neglect than excessive care.

Substrate

A well-drained potting mix for cacti and succulents with a high content of coarse sand. Tolerates nutrient-poor soils.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed with liquid fertilizers specially designed for cacti monthly. During the dormant period, fertilizing is excluded.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Does not require high air humidity, prefers ventilated rooms with constant air movement, but without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Watering should be economical; in spring and summer, the soil is dried to a depth of 3 cm. In the winter months, watering is reduced to a minimum, protecting the soil from completely drying out.

Transplant

Adult plants are replanted every 2-3 years to change the soil or pot size.

Reproduction

Reproduction is more successful with the help of seeds sown in a mixture of peat and sand in the spring. Cuttings take root more difficult.

Pests and diseases

The main problems are associated with excessive watering and high air humidity combined with insufficient air circulation. Trichocaulons rot easily. With a sudden change in lighting, the stems of the succulent may get burned.