Lasiocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Peru.

Description. A small genus of "lasiocereus", which contains only 2 species of cacti. The stems are vertical, cylindrical, with clearly defined, numerous, vertical ribs and deep grooves between them, dark green in color. The areoles are located quite close to each other and bear light, long, strong, straight spines. The flower tubes are covered with pubescence. The flowers appear at the top of the plant, their diameter is about 5 - 6 centimeters.

Height. In nature it can reach several meters in height; in indoor culture young seedlings are grown.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growing season are best kept at room temperature. Since this cactus is a desert cactus, it easily tolerates even intense summer heat. In winter, when plants enter a dormant period, the temperature is reduced to 12 - 15 degrees.

Lighting

Like many other cacti, it prefers a brightly lit place with direct sunlight in the morning and evening for three to four hours daily. In spring and summer, when solar activity increases, the stem can be shaded.

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

From April to October, they are fed with fertilizers specially designed for cacti and succulents monthly in half the concentration.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying; the air should be especially dry in autumn and winter.

Soil moisture

Lasiocereus tolerate prolonged droughts and watering should be moderate even during the growing season. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced, not allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Transplant

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, with the beginning of new growth. This cactus does not need a high nutrient content in the soil and grows quite slowly, so it needs to be replanted every three years. After planting, you can surround the root collar of the plant with coarse sand or gravel for better moisture drainage.

Reproduction

The seeds are sown in the spring, sprinkled with a thin layer of wet sand. The crops are placed in a warm place with a temperature of at least 22 °C and covered with glass or a transparent plastic cap to maintain humidity. Stem cuttings can be rooted in the spring and summer in wet sand, not forgetting to dry the cut a little so that the cutting does not rot.

Pests and diseases

Lasiocereus is very afraid of waterlogging, especially in the cold season. If there is excess moisture and insufficient drainage, it can rot.

Pests may include mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.

Note

The cactus is armed with very sharp, straight spines and care should be taken when working with it.