Lophocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Arizona and California.

Description. Lophocereus are spectacular, vertically growing cacti. The stems are tall, angular, green or brown, sometimes branched at the base, about 10 cm in diameter. The ribs are indistinct, the areoles are located very far from each other, and have light pubescence. These cacti often have no spines at all. Flowers appear at the top of the stem, can be white, pink or red, up to 4 cm in diameter, and have an unpleasant aroma. There are cristate forms of lophocereus.

Height. Up to 3 - 4 m in natural environment, grows slowly.

Home care

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant that thrives in extreme heat. In winter, a cool dormant period is required at a temperature of 5 - 10 ° C.

Lighting

Direct sunlight all day. No need to worry about getting sunburned. 

Care

These cacti tolerate extreme heat and drought and do not require shading.

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 mid-spring to early autumn, feed with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents monthly.

Purpose

Lophocereus is rarely found in collections, but immediately attracts attention with its unusual shape.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying. In autumn and winter the air should be especially dry. Lophocereus needs good air movement without cold drafts. 

Soil moisture

Water the cactus only when the soil is completely dry. In autumn, watering is kept to a minimum and in winter, care is taken to ensure that the soil does not dry out. 

Transfer

Lophocereus should be replanted in spring, adult specimens are replanted every 2-3 years. After replanting, watering is stopped for 7-10 days.

Reproduction

Seeds or cuttings. Seeds are sown in the spring under a cover made of a plastic cap or glass to maintain uniform humidity. Seedlings are kept in a warm place, away from direct sunlight. Watering is replaced by spraying. The cuttings are carefully separated with a sharp sterile instrument and dried for several days. Root in wet sand for 2 - 6 weeks.

Pests and diseases

Rot due to stagnation of moisture at the roots and excessive watering during the dormant period.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.