Leocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Leocereus is a monotypic genus consisting of only 1 species of cacti. The stems are long and thin, light green in color, up to 3 cm in diameter, forming lateral shoots at the base. The ribs are low but numerous, the areoles are located close to each other. The spines are strong and straight, light - grayish or golden, up to 4 cm long. During the flowering period, small lateral shoots appear at the top of the main stem, on which there are tubular, white flowers that open mainly at night.

Height. Up to 2 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, a room temperature of about 20° C is suitable. In winter, do not expose the plant to temperatures below 10° C. 

Lighting

A brightly lit place with direct sunlight in the morning and evening.

Care

Give your leocereus plenty of room to grow.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 7.5. 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 during the growth period with liquid cactus fertilizer with a high potassium content.

Purpose

Extremely rare in collections, leocereus will be appreciated by collectors of rare cacti.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

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

Soil moisture

Water regularly during the warm season; allow the soil to dry to ½ depth before each subsequent watering. In winter, simply do not allow the soil to dry out completely. 

Transfer

As they grow, transplant them into larger pots in the spring. For planting, it is advisable to use clay pots with large drainage holes.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds sown in spring. The cuttings are separated with a sharp sterile instrument, the cut site is dried for several days and rooted in damp sand in spring and summer.

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to waterlogging and stagnation of water at the roots.

Harmful insects can include mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.

Note

Leocereus has sharp thorns - be careful when working with this cactus, protect your hands with gloves.