Discocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia.

Description. Discocactus is a fairly diverse species with slightly flattened, rounded stems that barely exceed 20 cm in height and 30 cm in diameter. The stems are ribbed, sometimes tuberous, with vague rounded areoles and dense curved long spines, which often hide the stem completely. The stem can be light to dark green, burgundy and even bluish in color. During flowering, a hairy cephalium forms at the top, from which very fragrant, tubular, large, white or pale pink flowers appear, opening in the evening.

Height. Depending on the species, it usually does not exceed 20 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Discocactus should be kept warm all year round, even in winter the temperature should not fall below 14 - 15 ° C. If this cactus is grafted onto a rootstock, then such a plant is less sensitive to temperature changes.

Lighting

Grows well in direct sunlight, but requires light shade from bright summer sun. With a lack of light, flowering will be less abundant or absent altogether. 

Care

Cacti are quite difficult to grow on their own root system, so grafted cacti are often available for sale, which are less demanding in terms of growing conditions.

Substrate

A substrate with a low pH - about 6, well-drained, containing up to 50% coarse river sand, perlite or pumice. In soil that contains lime, this cactus may stop growing. Tolerates very nutrient-poor sandy soils.

Feeding

Apply a high potassium cactus and succulent fertilizer at half strength monthly in the spring and summer. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Purpose

Discocactus are very attractive plants that grow slowly and always remain compact. Even a large collection of these plants can fit on a windowsill. Many lovers believe that discocactus flowers have the most attractive aroma of all cacti.

Flowering time

In summer, with good care, flowering is abundant. 

Air humidity

It does not require high air humidity, so spraying is not carried out. In winter, a dry atmosphere with sufficient air movement is necessary. Discocactus does not tolerate cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water generously, but allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Try to water only on sunny, warm days. In the fall and winter, reduce watering so that the soil does not dry out.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out once every 2-3 years, only if there is a need to change the soil, in the spring. Most types of discocactus have a very small root system, located close to the surface, consisting of many small thin roots. When transplanting, try not to disturb the roots - they practically do not recover if damaged.

Reproduction

Seeds sown in spring. The germination period is 1 - 2 weeks, provided that the crops are placed in a warm place with a temperature of 21 - 27 ° C. The pots should be covered with a plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity. Vaccinations.

Pests and diseases

Plants can rot if overwatered, especially in the cold season.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.