Wilcoxia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Wilcoxia are cacti with very thin, moderately branched stems about 1.5 cm in diameter with 8 ribs. They grow very slowly, the stems of adult specimens become woody and turn brown. In their natural environment, they rest on the stems of other plants. The root system acts as a container for water reserves here, since the stems are too thin for this function. The spines are very short - approximately 0.6 cm long or less, silvery, the areoles are pubescent. The flowers are large, showy, funnel-shaped, with a short tube from white and cream to pink and purple, located in the apical part of the stem, open in the daytime, each up to 4 cm in diameter. The seeds are black, glossy.

Height. Without support - up to 60 cm, with support - up to 2 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The minimum temperature is about 6 ° C. During the dormant period, Wilcoxia should be stored in a dry, cool place at - 5 + 10 ° C. 

Lighting

Prefers brightly lit places without direct sunlight.

Care

Cut off old withered stems from time to time so that the cactus becomes bushier and produces new lateral flowering branches. It blooms in culture without problems.

Substrate

Light and well-drained, for example consisting of 40% leaf humus, 10% peat and 50% coarse sand. 

Feeding

Every month during the period of active growth, apply fertilizers for cacti and succulents in half the concentration.

Flowering time

Wilcoxia forms buds over a long period of time - from April to August.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements, even in hot weather there is no need for spraying. 

Soil moisture

Watering is moderate in summer; during the dormant period, watering is reduced, but never allows the roots to dry out completely. 

Transplant

Adult specimens are replanted every 2–3 years in the spring.

Reproduction

By grafting or cuttings, rooted in loose sandy soil at a minimum temperature of 20 ° C (but better - more) in the spring and summer. Dry the cut area for a week before planting.

Pests and diseases

Of the harmful insects, the main dangers are spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs.