Brasiliopuntia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Brasiliopuntia is a tree-like cactus up to 20 m high in nature. The stems are erect, rigid, with a diameter of 20 - 35 cm at the base, consisting of cylindrical, up to 1 m in length, as well as flat or ovoid segments. The leaves are small, fleshy, flat, dark green, up to 15 cm long and about 6 cm wide. Brown or reddish vertical needles up to 1.5 cm in length grow from the areoles. The flowers are yellow, light brown, slightly less than 6 cm in length, appear only at the ends of the branches of adult plants about 1 m high, and open in turn. The fruits are small, round or pear-shaped, red, orange, yellow, and even purple, with a diameter of 2.5 - 4 cm, edible and have a rather pleasant taste. The seeds are large, up to 10 mm. 

Height. Up to 9 m in culture.

Care and reproduction

Temperature conditions

Easily tolerates heat, as well as short-term frosts down to -2° C, if the soil is dry. However, when exposed to low temperatures, unsightly spots form on the trunk. In winter, the temperature should not be lower than 10° C. 

Lighting

Does not like direct sunlight, but needs bright light indoors.

Care

The cactus is easy to grow, does not require much effort, develops quickly. It can be grown as a tree. Over time, an adult brasiliopuntia may require significant space.

Substrate

Well drained, light, sandy.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents monthly. In the autumn and winter months, stop feeding.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Easily tolerates dry air from heated rooms. 

Soil moisture

In summer, during the growing season, water regularly, but allow the substrate to dry completely before the next watering. Keep practically dry in winter. Try not to water in rainy weather.

Transplant

Brasiliopuntia is replanted in the spring, when the plant has outgrown the pot and the roots have become cramped in it. As a rule, every year. After replanting, try not to water for a week or more.

Reproduction

Seeds, stem cuttings.

Pests and diseases

With high air humidity and fairly cool temperatures, root rot may appear. 

Among the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and nematodes.

Note

The fruits are edible, used in folk medicine, and the wood is used in furniture production. Brasiliopuntia is armed with very sharp thorns; place it away from walkways. When handling the plant, use thick protective gloves or remove the thorns from the plants.