Corryocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. South America, Peru, Bolivia.
Description. Corryocactus is a very variable genus that contains both large tree-like, sometimes multi-stemmed cacti - shrubs, and miniature plants. Tree and shrub cacti have green, slender, vertical stems, with very distinct ribs, and are covered with long spines. The stems branch from the base and often form numerous lateral shoots. The flowers are funnel-shaped, yellow, red, orange, up to 8 cm in diameter. Over time, it produces round, spiny fruits up to 5 cm in diameter with thick green skin and white fleshy pulp. In some species, they are edible and tasty, reminiscent of kiwi.

Height. Depends on the specific type and can range from 15 cm to 3 - 4 m.

Temperature conditions

Loves warmth and feels very good in the summer heat. In winter, the minimum permissible temperature is about 12 ° C.

Lighting

Adult cacti prefer a brightly lit place, but young seedlings can get burnt by direct sunlight, especially in spring and summer, during the daytime. In cloudy weather, provide the most illuminated place.

Care

Maintenance at home is typical for all cacti and does not cause any special problems.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents.

Feeding

Feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents high in potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The fertilizer is diluted to half the recommended dose and applied in spring and summer. During the dormant period, cacti are not fed.

Flowering time

Summer. 

Air humidity

Does not require spraying and tolerates dry air well. 

Soil moisture

Water regularly during active growth, but do not allow excess water to stagnate in the tray. The top layer of soil should dry out between waterings. In winter, keep watering to a minimum.

Transplant

Replanting is carried out in spring; adult corryocactus can be replanted every 3 years.

Reproduction

When grown from seeds, the plant may bloom for the first time only after 7 years. Stem cuttings root quite easily in damp sand in spring and summer. Dry the cut before planting to prevent rotting.

Pests and diseases

Cacti rot when overwatered, especially during a cool winter.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.