Buiningia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Buiningia is a fairly tall tree-like cactus with erect, round or slender cylindrical stems with a diameter of 6 to 18 cm. Depending on the type, the stems can be spherical or cylindrical, up to 60 cm high. The ribs are clearly defined, the areoles are small, densely spaced. The spines emerge from small, closely spaced areoles and are light grey, cream, golden or reddish.

The main distinctive feature of this plant is that the cephalium is located on the side and small, funnel-shaped flowers of red, yellow, pink, greenish or white with a long flower tube appear in it. The fruits are small, round and orange in color.

Height. Up to 50 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In summer it tolerates hot weather very well and loves differences in day and night temperatures. In winter, they are kept cool - about 10 - 12 ° C. Some species can tolerate temperatures of about 5 ° C, but only if the soil remains completely dry.

Lighting

Prefers brightly lit places with enough direct sunlight. The stem takes on a bronze tint in good light, and the cactus blooms more readily. 

Care

Buiningia is afraid of bays and is susceptible to rot.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH about 5.8. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents.

Feeding

Feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents high in potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The fertilizer is diluted to half the recommended dose and applied in spring and summer. During the dormant period, cacti are not fed.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

It tolerates dry indoor air well and does not require spraying. 

Soil moisture

Buiningia is very drought-resistant; in the warm season they are watered generously, but the soil is allowed to dry out almost halfway. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced and the plant is allowed to go into a dormant state.

Transplant

The root system is quite fragile and does not tolerate any damage. Transplantation is carried out in the spring and only if it is necessary to change the soil or increase the size of the pot.

Reproduction

Seeds and stem cuttings. The place where the cuttings are cut is dried. Seeds are sown in light, sandy, porous soil at the end of winter - beginning of spring and covered with glass. Germination occurs at a temperature of 18 - 22 ° C.

Pests and diseases

Cacti that receive proper care are practically not susceptible to pest attacks. Possible root rot.

Harmful insects can include mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.

Note

Buiningia is armed with sharp long thorns, try to be careful when handling this flower.