Cochemiea

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico, California.

Description. Cochemiea is a close relative of Mammillaria. It is a small genus of only five species of cacti, distinguished by their spectacular scarlet and orange tubular flowers that appear profusely at the tops of the stems. Each flower reaches a diameter of 3 cm. The stems are green, brown, reddish, low, cylindrical, often branched at the base, covered with very long spines. The stems of young plants develop vertically, but with age they become creeping, ranging from 60 cm to 2 m in length.

Height. About 50 - 60 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Unlike many other cacti, they prefer moderately warm conditions in spring and summer. In winter, the minimum temperature is 5 ° C, and the optimal temperature is at least 12 ° C. Adult plants tolerate short frosts if they are in dry soil. 

Lighting

Does not like direct sun during the daytime - arrange shading. In autumn, when the weather becomes cloudy and the sun does not often peek out from behind the clouds, it can be placed in the most illuminated place.

Substrate

The soil should have excellent drainage and contain a small amount of organic matter in the form of peat and humus.

Feeding

Cochemiea should be fed very carefully and only during the growing season. Use cactus and succulent fertilizers at half strength monthly.

Flowering time

Summer, but flowering in indoor conditions is not easy to achieve.

Air humidity

Loves frequently ventilated rooms without cold drafts. Does not require spraying. In autumn and winter, the indoor air should be dry.

Soil moisture

Cochemiea prefers a cool winter with very infrequent watering. Watering is resumed in the spring, when the cactus begins new growth, and by summer the frequency of watering is increased. The first spring watering can be replaced with spraying. Excess water from the pan must be drained. 

Transplant

Transplantation is carried out in the spring. Mature plants need fresh soil or a larger diameter pot approximately every 2 to 3 years. 

Reproduction

Stem cuttings, which are rooted in damp sand, after drying the cut site for several days. After planting, watering is suspended for a week. Sowing of seeds is carried out in the spring, at a temperature of 21 - 27 ° C and under cover to maintain humidity. Germination occurs within 1 - 2 weeks. During this period, it is better to replace watering with spraying. The crops are ventilated by removing the cover for several minutes, and then hours a day. Cochemiea is often grafted onto less demanding rootstocks.

Pests and diseases

Cochemieas that continued to be fed in the autumn-winter period are more susceptible to rotting. Flowering will be less abundant if there is a lack of light. Rotting with too much water.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.