Geohintonia
Family. Cactaceae.
Origin. Mexico.
Description. Geohintonia is a spherical cactus that takes on an elongated cylindrical shape with age. The trunk has clearly defined ribs, green, covered with a bluish or gray coating, up to 10 cm in height and about 10 cm in diameter, the apex is covered with pubescence. The ribs are numerous (18 - 20), the spines are few, they are short (from 3 to 15 mm), curved. The tops of the ribs are dotted with white areoles. The flowers are about 2 - 2.5 cm in diameter, from pink to purple, daytime, located in the upper part of the stem, funnel-shaped with yellow stamens and a white stigma.
Height. Up to 15 cm.
Geohintonia - care at home
Temperature conditions
These cacti are heat-loving, but will tolerate frosts down to -4°C for a short period of time.
Lighting
Requires bright lighting and at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sun daily. In partial shade, the cactus stem becomes excessively elongated.
Contents
An undemanding cactus, which however grows very slowly. Often grafted onto other cacti.
Substrate
Geohintonia requires a very well-drained mineral substrate with a small amount of organic matter (peat, humus).
Feeding
During the period of active growth in spring and summer, apply fertilizer for cacti and succulents monthly at half the dosage.
Flowering time
It blooms intermittently during the warm season from spring to autumn.
Air humidity
Does not require spraying. During the dormant period, the cactus should be in a room with dry air and good ventilation.
Soil moisture
Water sparingly from March to October and keep completely dry in winter, or when night temperatures drop below 10°C.
Transplant
Mature specimens can remain in the same pot for several years. Repot in spring every 2-3 years into fresh soil.
Reproduction
Almost exclusively by seeds. Seedlings grow very slowly and reach 2 cm in diameter in 6 - 8 years. Cacti obtained from seeds bloom for the first time only at the age of 10 - 15 years.
Pests and diseases
Of the harmful insects, the main dangers are spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs.