Brachycereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Galapagos Islands.

Description. Brachycereus is a small, slow-growing cactus, with many short, cylindrical stems, the total diameter of the plant can be up to two meters. Each stem is 10 - 50 cm tall and about 3 - 5 cm in diameter with 14 - 22 ribs and is covered with numerous sharp spines, yellow on young parts of the plant and dark gray or black on perennial shoots. The flowers are funnel-shaped, cream-colored, up to 5 centimeters in diameter, open in the early morning hours - even before dawn and disappear by 7 - 8 am. The flower tube is long and narrow, with numerous spines. The fruits are small, fleshy, red or reddish-brown berries covered with yellow spines, bearing the remains of a flower. Each berry contains many blackish-brown seeds.

Height. Up to 60 cm.

Brachycereus - care at home

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, normal room temperature is suitable, wintering is cool - at a temperature of about 15° C (do not let the temperature drop below 5° C). 

Lighting

Sun-loving cactus.

Substrate

Standard mixture for cacti, quite nutritious, with a high content of coarse sand.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, apply fertilizer at half concentration once a month.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements; it easily tolerates dry air from heated rooms. 

Soil moisture

This plant uses quite a lot of water when actively growing, but allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep dry in winter.

Transplant

In the spring, approximately once every 2 - 3 years.

Reproduction

With grafting, cuttings rarely take root.

Pests and diseases

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