Maihuenia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Maihuenia is a rather unusual cactus that has leaves. It often grows in large colonies and forms a continuous carpet up to several meters in diameter. The stems are succulent, green, about 2 cm in diameter, often becoming light brown with age, branched, bearing many strong straight spines and long, pointed, green, rounded in cross-section, fleshy leaves. The flowers are bell-shaped, appear at the tops of the stems, white, yellow, pink or orange, up to 5 cm in diameter.

Height. 20 - 40 cm.

Maihuenia - care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, room temperature is suitable for maintenance; in autumn, the plant goes into a dormant state and is placed in a cooler place with a temperature of 8 - 10 ° C. 

Lighting for cactus

Maximum possible lighting with slight shading during hot spring and summer daytime hours.

Care

An unpretentious plant, which, however, does not like sudden changes in temperature - accustom it to a change in temperature gradually, over the course of several days.

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

During the growth period, feed monthly with water-soluble fertilizers specially formulated for cacti - high in potassium and phosphorus. During the dormant period, fertilizing is not carried out.

Flowering time

End of spring - summer.

Air humidity

Unlike most other succulents, these cacti need high humidity during the warmer months. Spray with warm water in the morning to allow the moisture to evaporate from the plant before it gets dark. Make sure the plant is in a location with good air movement.

Soil moisture

Water regularly during the growing season; the soil should dry to half its depth before each subsequent watering. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum, only to prevent the soil from drying out. 

Transplant

Maihuenia has a fairly large root system and needs a deep pot with large drainage holes. Plants are replanted in the spring, every 2 - 3 years.

Reproduction

They are propagated mainly by seeds, since vegetative propagation is quite difficult.

Pests and diseases

Maihuenias rot when exposed to excess moisture.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.