Quiabentia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Quiabentia is a rather unusual cactus with erect, thin, branched stems and... leaves. Stems with a diameter of 1 - 3 cm, rounded. The leaves are fleshy, green, oval, cylindrical in cross section, up to 4 cm long. Near each leaf there are very long and sharp spines. The flowers are red or pink, very attractive, with many rounded petals and a yellow center, up to 8 cm in diameter. The flower tubes have small spines. The fruits are fleshy, with large round seeds. 

Height. 2 - 15 m.

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature will do. During the winter dormant period, the temperature should not fall below 15° C. 

Lighting

Direct sunlight in the morning and evening, light shading on summer days. In autumn and winter you can put it on a lighted windowsill.

Care

Quiabentia is very unpretentious, but the spread of this plant is complicated by the fact that it is covered with large sharp thorns and should be handled very carefully. In addition, the cactus needs a spacious room, since with age it can acquire an impressive size.

Substrate

Very well-drained soil with a high content of coarse river sand. Adapts well to any pH, but prefers a pH in the range of 6 - 7.5.

Feeding

Feed monthly during the growing season with fertilizers for cacti and succulents, diluted to half the recommended dosage. 

Purpose

A large plant that needs to be given sufficient space to develop.

Flowering time

Summer. 

Air humidity

There is no need to spray. In winter, indoor air should be especially dry.

Soil moisture

Water regularly from March to October. In winter, the soil should be fairly dry. Quiabentias suffer when exposed to prolonged, severe drought. With an acute lack of moisture, it may lose leaves.

Transfer

Every year, in the spring.

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings, which are easily broken off from the main plant. The cut site should be dried for several days before rooting.

Pests and diseases

The plant rots when moisture stagnates.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.